In the chapter by C. L. R. James,
he talks about a situation where an individual has to choose between to states
of being. He refers to them as “the rebel’ or “a Puritan.” In the reading, it
discusses a lot about the imposing of cultural oppression or imperialism. When more
thought is placed on this concept, there really is only the two responses of
obedience and rebellion. This is weighed out by cost and effect. The subject of
the reading experienced a great deal of oppression, however there were also
consequences if he were to ack out against them. This is another form of
oppression. While there may be a major negative effect from the oppressive
system, there has to be a choice to determine if opposing that system is will
produce better results. In the second reading, it discusses the need to oppose
the British rule through different ways. The most interesting line is, “we
shall gradually do away with it.” Although this line refers to machinery, it
can be applied to both readings. The cost of opposition can depend on the degree
in which something is imposed. For those who cannot openly rebel, there are
subtle ways to oppose cultural oppression such as boycotts and refusal of minor
rules. This represents the idea of everyday resistance. The resistance of
opposition may not happen in a short period of time, but with little actions it
will happen eventually.
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