Resistance and rebellion

Blind iconoclasts deserve no praise and receive no encouragement, except that gained through persistent propaganda and campaigns that serve as political machinations of duplicity. There must be good reasons of sufficient strength for our burning fury, for our strong anti-establishment sentiments - only then can we justifiably hope to be regarded as astute observers rather than mindless rebels. Our unhappiness must have a valid cause - this dissatisfaction should only arise through unbiased analyses of the current state of affairs - the conclusions of which depress us and rile us. Thus begins the accumulation of contempt for the autocratic government that rules us, for the institution that stifles us.

While it is imperative that our anger must have a rational foundation and must take root in sober reasoning, can we always trust rational means to achieve the realisation of our enamoured ideals? Of course sensible methods are always preferred over impulsive behaviour, but a cursory glance at other countries - whose laws we may regard as articles of endorsement for supposedly irrational action - perhaps tell us that certain so-called irrational expressions of our frustration may actually achieve more than what we can ever expect from rational conduct in the long run, given the present conditions of the our society, where constructive criticism is seldom heeded - much less rewarded - and where dissent is quickly suffocated without hesitation or exception.

Demonstrations serve as an excellent example. There is a notable number of people who support the abolishment of strikes, because partaking in strikes is simply not a rational or cost-effective course on which to embark - it greatly upsets the economy, for there are temporary cessations of businesses; in the presence of violence, it disrupts social order and drastically increases the crime rate, resulting in serious unrest; it interrupts daily life, as everyday operations and activities are disallowed to proceed smoothly. But perhaps the biggest offence to rationality is this: The outcome of such endeavours is completely unpredictable, and chances are not negligible that these protests will fail miserably, and that the participants will be heavily punished for their blatant disobedience - they may end up being condemned to suffer in even more dire straits, as the administration introduces more oppressive measures to quell opposition. With no absolute guarantee of success, engaging in marches appears to be a counter-intuitive decision for a rational community ultimately motivated by its own self-interest.

But, in exhilarating moments of success, large-scale revolts have been able to contribute much to the liberation of abused peoples, to the advocation of human rights, and to the promotion of various forms of freedom. When amicable dialogue is impossible, rebellions become a channel through which grievances are articulated. In times of unbearable desperation, staging a protest seems to be the only option that promises hope for a brighter future. Engulfed in a bleak atmosphere pregnant with sheer pessimism, what more can you lose, when you have nothing left? Upon furthur rumination, perhaps taking part in demonstrations is the most rational choice to be made - the stakes are never too staggeringly high for those who are utterly devoid of life, and an insurrection of an immense magnitude carries their voices far and wide.

When it comes to the personal level of the individual, the lonely detractor who fails to find understanding in his fellow countrymen will perhaps choose to covertly challenge various regulations implemented by the regime, and every successful attempt at this that goes undetected equals a little victory for him, a tiny battle won against his enemy, a small cause for some pride. This sense of smugness may be incomprehensible, and even ignominious, to others who do not share his view, but the dissident is not bothered - he seeks only to convey his thoughts, to make clear his own stand, and he does so in silent contempt for his rulers, in staunch defence of his own private judgment of right and wrong.

Doing so is highly irrational (even though his displeasure undeniably has a rational basis), for he may eventually get caught and become worse off, or his behaviour may lead to even more undesirable effects. But humans are seldom rational anyway, and sometimes, just sometimes, it is such wilfulness, such resistance to circumstances, such quiet defiance, that makes life so surprisingly charming and enjoyable.

[This entry was hastily written in response to this post as well as the comments it inspired. Thanks for reading.]