The Power of Speaking Out: Silence as a Tool for Oppression
The engrossing book "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," written by Ken Kesey, explores the turbulent world of a mental facility in the 1960s. We were required to study this challenging book as philosophy students at UP in order to examine the intricacies of society norms, the power dynamics present in institutional settings, and the complexity of the human psyche. This literary masterwork also explores the complex relationship between mental illness and individuality and questions accepted notions of normalcy.
One of the main characters in the book, Chief Bromden, represents the suffering of the marginalized and silenced person living in a system that is both oppressive and deceitful. However, I do concur with my classmates that we should not emulate Bromden's inaction and quiet when faced with injustice. Rather, we must strive to speak out against oppressive structures and passionately support both our own freedom and other people's rights and dignity.
Racism, sexism, classism, and other forms of discrimination are examples of oppressive systems in society. These structures support the marginalization and oppression of particular communities, hence sustaining injustices and inequities. To advance a society that is more inclusive and egalitarian, it is imperative to acknowledge and confront these systems.
Chief Bromden's persona is a powerful illustration of the dehumanizing effects of hierarchies of power that seek to control others. He stays mute and submissive throughout the book, letting Nurse Ratched and the hospital establish their authority over him. Beneath his supposedly silent and deaf appearance is a guy of enormous strength and bulk, representing how he feels hushed and helpless in the face of authority. Even though Bromden eventually finds his voice and takes action against the system, we must not wait for such a revolutionary epiphany. Instead than waiting for others to take the lead, we must take the initiative to subdue repressive institutions.
Empathy and unity are essential for bringing about significant change. We unite to oppose injustice if we sincerely understand and empathize with the struggles that others endure. Chief Bromden, for example, tends to withdraw from other patients because he believes he is the only one who can recognize Nurse Ratched's deceptive behavior. But his inability to change himself is greatly limited by this self-imposed seclusion. We must always be aware of the power relationships that exist in society and recognize how important it is to work together to question these deeply ingrained systems. By working together, we can assert ourselves as a people and provide each other the tools we need to create a more fair and just society.
Chief Bromden is a powerful reminder of the dangers of quiet and the repressive hold of hierarchies of power. It is essential that we bravely raise our voices and band together against these oppressive systems rather than acquiescing in injustice. Silence only perpetuates oppressive systems, granting them space to grow and thrive in society. It is through open dialogue and challenging these oppressive systems that progress can be made towards a more equal and inclusive society. (RBT)
(The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper, The Zamboanga Post and the Radyo Mindanao or its editorial board.)
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