When Politics Became Personal
When I first heard about political science, I thought studying the course makes people become politicians. Politics are activities associated with governance while a political subject is a people tied together with politics. I pictured myself sitting in Parliament. I have always known that politics is for politicians in leadership. I viewed politics as a game of having power over others. Just like Barnett and Duvall (2005) argues that political power is based on the constitution through discursive practices and systems of knowledge of social subjects, I believed politics is all about the laws and its enforcers. This essay shares my experiences and analysis of the events that convinced me that just like any other person, I am a political subject. The experiences changed my mind to agree that politics, either local or global influence everything and everyday life.
Growing Up in the Shadow of Crisis
As a Syrian child, I grew up knowing the problems of my country such as the refugee crisis and political instability. Even though I stayed my whole life in Paris, I was aware of the issues back at home. Today, I believe every person is a political subject and not just the politicians. Due to many negative events in Syria, the Muslim religion that was once known for peace suddenly turned into a perceived violent one. As early as the age of 10, I was aware of world politics and the events back in Syria was becoming a global issue.
Discovering the Power of People
I was naïve of these political experiences, but as I grew up, I began understanding my path towards becoming a political subject. I came to realize that the voices of the people must be heard. I borrow from Martin Luther King’s view that to raise a voice against the violence of the people in ghettos; one needs to speak to the chief purveyor of the injustices which is the government (King Jr. 1967, p. 2). Also, I believed that social change could be achieved through nonviolent means and that political ideologies that change the plight of the people could be enhanced non-violently.
Embracing Political Influence
I understand that political leaders exercise power on the citizens who are supposedly not political subjects. Political analysts are divided on whether power can be held to account or liberation from power relations can be possible or whether it even exists (Hay, 2002, p. 168). Over time, I am convinced that people can hold political power to account and access liberty in various aspects of their lives which are politically affected.
The Unheard Voices
Despite the attention that Syria gets, much attention has not been given to the people down there who are suffering the injustices. The democratic space in Syria is not helping the Syrian people. Syria experiences a regular show of election politics which is how the world observes self-proclaimed democratic governments today (Wolin, 1994, p. 43).
The Power of Language
I believe in the power of language in becoming an important political subject. When you use a corrupted language, it overwhelms self-governing original thinking and hence helps a political determination (Orwell, 1968, p. 132). Language can be a powerful tool in politics due to the possible deceptive effect of political terms. Nonconcrete language masks dreadful and terrible concrete realities are hence becoming a political tool of justification of the unjustifiable. As a political subject, I need to understand these facts to ensure I apply honest language that reflects the realities of the Syrians.
Inspired by Community Organizing
I have lived in Paris witnessing community mobilizations that are impacting the lives of the people in the grassroots. The communities engage their political discourses by themselves. They do not alienate themselves by leaving politics to the political leaders alone. These observations have made me notice a gap that can be filled back in Syria. Despite the political realism being based on pessimism grounded on craziness and inevitable will to rule, a man is still a moral being with the purpose to hunt and ensure justice (Morgenthau, 1948, p. 79). I contend with Morgenthau’s thoughts and seek to provide that my political subjectivity will be purposed to follow justice. Various community organizations run by ordinary citizens were on the forefront to shape the political discourse of the city. The Paris experience has opened my eyes, and I feel like there is a mass amount of people in other towns doing the same.
Politics Affecting Our Lives
Also, to see such community organizations working in my town and growing up in a foreign land where I lived with different people of various cultures made me realize the need for justice for all. I used to fear racism which is a problem all over the world, and I saw the community organization protesting against it. However, I came to realize that politics affects our lifestyle be it economic or social.
Creating an Equal Society
Being a political subject, I seek a society that acknowledges the power of every individual in shaping our discourses, a community that appreciates women as equally as men. Just like Steinem fantasizes, we need a society where both men and women have equal powers including menstruation (Steinem, 1978, p. 3). In that way, no one will be above the other, and we will both work to shape our future.
References
Barnett, M. and Duvall, R., 2005. Power in international politics. International organization, 59(1), pp.39- 75.
Hay, C., 2002. Political analysis: a critical introduction. Macmillan International Higher Education.
King Jr, M.L., 1967. Beyond Vietnam: A time to break silence. Speech, Riverside Church, New York, NY, April, 4.
Morgenthau, H.J., 1948. The twilight of international morality. Ethics, 58(2), pp.79-99.
Orwell, G., 1968. Politics and the English language. In The collected essays, journalism and letters of George Orwell (pp. 127-140). Harcourt, Brace, Javanovich.
Steinem, G., 1978. If men could menstruate—. na.
Wolin, S.S., 1994. Fugitive democracy. Constellations, 1(1), pp.11-25.
