Acceptable Rebellion

Most people in most countries have experienced some kind of discrimination or injustice against them, whether it be racially, ethnically, economically, or religiously based.  For some, such discrimination is accepted as a fact of life and endured patiently and with hope that eventually things will turn out all right.  Unfortunately, it is hard to maintain such an attitude for very long at all.  It is a testament to the inherent equality of all humanity that we are born expecting to be treated on a relatively equal plane. I have been intrigued lately by the various methods by which oppression and discrimination are handled by the oppressed.  Some react violently, demanding by force to be treated as a card-carrying member of the human race.  Others seek to distance themselves from it by running or by turning traitor and becoming allies with the oppressing party.  Most impressive in my mind are the people or groups of people that actively rebel without violence or real conflict.

An example of such rebellion can be found in traditional African American trickster tales.  They portrayed weaker, less-powerful characters that were able to overcome their oppressors by using wit and subtle manipulation.  These tales served a twofold purpose in fighting against oppression. Wise storytellers used tales such as Brer Rabbit to instill a rebellious, yet relatively harmless, mindset in the younger slave generation.  They also played on white perceptions of blacks as child-like and simple to satirically battle the socio-political oppression of the time period.  This battle was waged by luring white readers in with fantastical tales of magical conjuring and slave traditions which then exposed the harsh conditions and inhuman treatment of slaves and their families.  Such rebellion against slave life was found not only in trickster tales, but in the art and music of the culture as well. 

I am of the opinion that passive rebellion against oppression through the use of literature, art, and music, is a powerful and effective method of undermining oppression, because it influences the minds and opinions of the people who enjoy such art forms.  Violence and aggression usually lead to retaliation and anger, so it follows that passive, active opposition can lead to active change and nonviolent measures of resistance.  Utilizing the arts is also important because influencing peoples emotions can help to change their opinions and desires towards other races/ethnicities/religions.  In short, it is important to oppose oppression, but it is highly effective to go about it using one's wits and talents to changes people's minds and hearts, which will hopefully change their actions as well.