The “divide & rule” strategy, is note-worthy as being potently common, and yet seemed the most reliable strategy available to manipulate people. The “divide & rule strategies” are based upon using one, or a combination of false differences, we have been made to believe, actually exist. These false differences are then used to divide people, communities, and even countries.
These differences may be based upon: Religion; Skin color; Ethnicity; Class; Wealth; Nationality, etc. Over centuries this mitotic or divisive ploy, have been used to create feuds; initiate wars; destroy nations; maintain conflict, and destroy our precious ecosystem. Today it is no different, we may have become somewhat sophisticated, but we are still being “sold” differences between societies & within societies. These superficial differences are still actively used to divide and rule societies up to this day. One may then ask: how is this being done? how do we each contribute? how do we unknowingly subscribe to the entrenchment of superficial differences?
Modern day oppression and forms of control have evolved to become succinct & systemic. Oppression so smartly veiled, that we are unable to recognise it. Systemic indoctrination refers to the pervasive nature of communicating dogmatic and fake differences via sources like: Governments; Corporations; Mass media; and Global institutions. Each of these entities contribute to varying degrees, toward the falsity of differences between & within societies.
We often laugh at some of these “common perceptions” like Muslims being radicals willing to explode themselves at any given moment; or the frugal nature of Jewish communities. These are common ones that we usually jest about, yet such preconceived notions are what subconsciously become embedded into the very psyche of individuals. Another common example is how many people across the world are willing to joke about a typical abrasive “American” attitude, whilst at the same time yearning silently to have American citizenship? Such is the depth of our dogmatic belief systems, that once aired and documented via mass media, it is automatically presumed to be true and factual. It remains unquestioned, other than by a few brave souls, the rest of us, simply “buy” what is being told to us.
So this week’s lesson is to begin to question everything. By questioning I mean to review, investigate, check, validate and most importantly weigh the “facts” and then proceed to make up your mind for yourself. This is not a difficult task, but because we have come to rely upon the “truth” being “given to us”, we have lost the capacity to naturally enquire, experiment and discover truth for ourselves. The accompanying picture summarises how we are being duped and controlled. It highlights everyday forms of engagement from just a few sources. The image I hope, will convey how dogmatic beliefs become ingrained into our global views. In order for us to become complete global citizens, he have to begin to question, query, review and digest, before we join or support causes that may indeed defeat human development. By developing a doxic attitude (doxa and episteme being foundations of knowledge, truth, & argumentation), we rediscover the beauty of constant learning and the importance of oneness (Universality), and thinking for one-self.
This article was written by Enver Variawa. For the original and other articles by Enver please see Enver’s LinkedIn profile.