New Cities/New Soviets

June 22, 2005

Strong vs. weak

In the first instance, strength is dominant. This means: the strong can impose on the weak.

This is a dialectical encounter, so does not leave the strong unchanged. Suppression or nurturance, the relation will, in the final instance, play out on the strong as well as on the weak. The duality of the encounter is irreduceable.

Neither can the relation between strong and weak be determined from without. There is no referee, and to speak of one, or as if there is one, dodges the question. Any referee would only be the representative of a yet stronger force, re-posing the dynamic on a new field.

It is impossible to hide from this fact - the only way to defeat the injustice of the strong is with a greater strength.


------

Let me point out a few consequences of confusion on this basic point.

1. Over-emphasis on the final instance, in which strength and weakness are completely entwined, and strength has lost it's advantage. The monastic ponderations of academe can wander the pathways of the secret strength of weakness for a lifetime and never chart a fraction of it's intracacies. They think this is "doing politics" -- do you?

2. A shade more sympathetic, there is the impasse in the post-modern politics of difference. If there is no recognition of where one person or group is strong and another is weak, if we are all just "differently strong," there can be no real recognition of difference, or organizational cooperation.

3. Now, kids, here's the real kicker -- if we want to get our boots on the ground, in terms of organizing, don't underestimate the power of the protective instinct. People will do a great deal more to protect others than they will to protect themselves. This is the real secret -- strength exists to serve weakness. It is through this recognition that strength is well built and proficiently mobilized.

Posted by Sam at June 22, 2005 04:09 AM

" People will do a great deal more to protect others than they will to protect themselves. "

"This is the real secret
-- strength exists to serve weakness.
It is through this recognition
that strength is well built
and proficiently mobilized."


very nice stuff.....

Posted by: meat me at June 27, 2005 01:56 PM

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