Thursday, June 4, 2009

1989 --- 20 Years Back

The year 1989 brought a revolution without a revolution. The rise of leftist and democracy in Latin America against the history of dictators and MNC's exploitation was getting started. Dissident in politics about Kashmir comes in main news after 1989 and the old wounds were turned green by proxy war started by a bitter neighbour. There was a whole generation that was not moving away and a generation that hasn't necessarily moved in the main stream all over the world.

History--

The fight of moulding history by hardliners in Communist, Islamist and ultra nationalist to make themselves either victim or victor of oppressive regime is the peak point of academic debates in post 2nd world war era. The function of monuments or massive representation of leaders is to offer a stylized version, or in the worst case a mythologized version of history. History when contradicts the memory of living, then nation or community is on the way of self destruction. History should be unbiased interpretation of past rather than revolving around great figures as a sign of a certain respect for their turbulent lives. By omitting a critical and honest discussion of past and by glorifying and romanticizing history, the generations are deprived of learning about the forces and dynamics that shape culture, society and nations.

Racism---
The effects of the internal unrest and international condemnation led to dramatic changes beginning in 1989 in SA. And in few years apartheid ended in South Africa. I slightly differ from funda of international pressure of human right groups for ending years of racial discrimination. A short narration from Deepa Mehata would be enough to clear my stand --- It was just amazing how the colour of one’s skin decides one’s future. What struck me about the story was how racism is rooted in economics. I went to Johannesburg during the Apartheid days, around 1975. There was two lines, one for the Whites, one for the rest - the Indians, the Chinese, the Arabs, all non-Whites. Then I went there two years later, when there was a huge oil boom in the Middle East. And I suddenly see all others were still in the Coloured Line, but the Arabs were in the White Line. So, racism is all about money. Suddenly in one year, the Arabs became White! If the perception about India is changing today, it is because of its economic situation. It’s not that they have suddenly found a long lost love for us. [3]

Communism---
It was marked by the fall of Soviet Union or epitome of Communism into several pieces. The fight against communism back then revealed the belief in the meaning of human freedom. The violet revolution is eastern Europe was breakthrough in the era of oppressive regime of Communist USSR. Tiananmen square massacre and Fall of Berlin Wall was the core of all change that shake communism history round the world.
Tiananmen would not have happened without the rift between Zhao Ziyang and the hardliners, and the Berlin Wall would not have fallen without Gorbachev shaking up the Soviet regime. After 20 of change, the fundamentals remain the same. In a one-party system, a small crack at the top can open up the chasm at the bottom. Behind the façade of self-confidence, harmony and stability, the ghost of 1989 still haunts a closed regime of China and Russia that was hoping to erase and transcend it. [1]
Economy---
A era of changed has gone from past 20 years. The political awakening and fight for human rights has reduced for the betterment of trade and living standards. But this freedom from communism brought with it paradoxes of unchecked capitalism. The rise of middle class has changed the equation in the favour of India and China. Unequal distribution of Economic Freedom is at the basis of India & China's uneven development. The reason is simple, the areas in which the middle and upper classes make their living have seen the highest degree of liberalisation, while the areas in which the poor earn their livelihood have seen the fewest reforms. [2] The huge chunk of industrial production of west runs on oil and cheap labour. While Saudi provided oil, china provided exploitable labor class for the rise of US regime in the post cold war era.

Jehad---
Rise of Islamist was marked from 1972 oil well exploration on Saudi land by American Companies. Investment of petro dollars into Wahabi Islam & jehadi group is also cause of spread of terrorism in South Asia. From then, The identification with Islam have became in such an ethical orientation flow pattern, which is largely about the theological concepts haram - the Forbidden - and halal - the Permitted - structured. The defeat of Soviet in poppy land Afghanistan was the mark of rise of Talibs gathered around by hardliner Muslims. The mistake of America in not rebuilding Afghanistan & leaving behind arms in the hands of jehadis is now paying them after 20 years.

Right Now---
It is everybody's business to ensure that no one is deprived of their right to say what they wish, even if it is deemed by some to be offensive. If we want the pleasures of pluralism and diversity, we have to accept the pain of being offended by extro and intro inspection. That is the level of tolerance should be brought in our diverse and democratic society in future. Now the slump of US economy in global recession and militant Islam uprising is providing a new base for a big change.

The rise of emerging markets and the relative decline of developed countries indicate the reorientation of global economic order. G-7 may found its counter in BRIC now. There are also concerns, the critical one being to what extent this economic power will manifest itself as political power—a process that history suggests is inevitable.

The stability of nuke armed Pakistan will now determine the future of world politics. The axis of attention has shifted from east Europe to Pakistan now. Something that rest of world is fighting against extremist Muslims, i.e. to bring reforms and renaissance in their culture in the light of changing times. 20 years from 1989, again we are on the verge of adapting revolutionary change in our economic and political system. We can only predict what lies in womb of future.

5 comments:

  1. Wow, this really was interesting to read. When looking back at past events it's kind of like, whom whould I have supported? Back then, the line between communism and capitalism was much clearer than it is now.

    I identify myself as... I don't know how to express it really, but I guess you could say Green Socialist? (Socialism isn't communism). I want people around the world to recognize human rights, which the PRC (China) does clearly not, but still communism there means to build up a better society, but the people at the top are always greedy themselves and it's there were communism cracks. If there were just one person you would be sure of that he/she would not use his or her power in the wrong way but only do what's best for the people, I'd vote for that person straight away!

    Of course, communism means literrally the measures of establishing a dictature of the proletariat, but I think the most important issue is getting rid of all nationalism and racism in the world- followed by the abolishment of remaining colonialism and imperialism.

    What do you think?

    Thanks by the way! :D

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  2. sahi likha hai be kaha kaha padhta rehta hai

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  3. @quantum, khali aadmi kya kare BC ya blogging.. so mein bhi laga rahta hoon faltu ka padne mein.

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  4. gr8 post
    unfortunatly, in india also, the text books of history are reflection of polished and modified truth....

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  5. You're right (again). When it comes to "going green" I of course mean that by no means should capitalist movement get control of the development of new technology and energyresources/distribution. I would much more want to see a "green state", meaning the government itself using public money and parts of the state budget to invest in green technology, which would 1) help build a better future and 2) certainly create new jobs for thousands of people who are now unemployed.

    This is because capitalist companies can shut down whenever they feel like doing so, which would be bad for the people, especially if that company had some kind of copyright on its products. The state does (or at least, should) look out for all people, so I think it might be better suited for the job.

    Thank you by the way :)

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