Blog #4 Scott & Kelley

In Weapons of the Weak., James Scott talks about the theme of hegemonic systems, this time applying it specifically to class struggle against power. Scott argues that small, every day forms of resistance are more successful and a better fight against power holders then the forms of rebellion I think are more commonly associated with fighting power. The author gives examples of how large, forthright rebellion is almost foolish, and does not work for changing a popular culture or improving the rights and conditions of lower class groups. Rather it’s the small acts of defiance that do more to change the culture over time. One concern I have for this way of thinking is that his way of talking about “peasant rebellions” seems really condescending, and belittles the actual rebellion of lower class groups.

In Race Rebels, Robin Kelley talks about his time working at McDonalds, where 90% of the workers were African American or chicano/a from poor families. He addresses the lower class struggles and rebellions against power, this time using his experiences and small acts of rebellion to exemplify what Scott talked about in the abstract. This way of explaining the small acts of rebellion with real, relatable examples is much more telling for me and believable that these acts are actually rebellion, and not just working within the system. Although Kelley is not trying to out rightly change or overthrow the culture in power, he does push the limits of the situation and in making the best out of the situation, he could indeed be taking steps to change the culture.