Rosan, (Alan, and all),
I would also propose that maybe a symmetrical approach can be useful
- if you are sceptical about the talk of power structures of those
who have not been powerless, wouldn't it make sense also to feel
sceptical about the talk of power structures of those who have never
been powerful?
This would also seem to be in sync with Paulo Freire, as it is a
crucial point for him that both the oppressed and the oppressor need
to be liberated from the condition of oppression.
I think that discussion of power structures is something where lots
of diverse experiences, from many points of view regarding the
phenomenon of power, should be brought together, and we are there
facing the same problems of finding (and first understanding the need
to find) common languages, understandings and beliefs as we have
discussed elsewhere.
So maybe to complement a dose of healthy scepticism, there is also
need for constructive and analytical empathy - for powerless,
powerful, and a bunch of others that fall outside of those vague
categories.
kh
..
At 07:37 -0700 22.4.2004, Alan Murdock wrote:
>On Wednesday, April 21, 2004, at 11:27 PM, Rosan Chow wrote:
>
>>i am sorry to say, but i am generally very sceptical about people who
>>talk about power structure (even with the best intention) when they have
>>never been powerless. and for this reason, i only like the works of Paulo
>>Freire.
>>"The Pedagogy of Hope" is useful for anyone who is interested in
>>critical discourse in design. and i will add also that if the
>>critical discourse doesn't make you cry, it probably is not real,
>>thus irrelevant for
>>changing the social structure.
...
>It may be worthwhile to be skeptical of those who speak about power
>structures, but it is also possible that someone who seems to be
>powerful and to come from power to have experiences of disempowerment.
>It may be good to find out if and how the person who is speaking about
>power has experienced it before applying skepticism. Otherwise we can
>base a judgment on a false assumption.
>
>I like Paulo Freire as well, but I think there is a little bit of a
>missionary feel to some of it. How is someone given the power to
>empower others?
>
>Alan
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