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FREE THINKING:
EXPLORE THE REALMS OF KNOWLEDGE

The Art of Refusal (Rebellion, Revolution & Resistance).

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MixCollage-28-Sep-2025-10-11-PM-3065.jpg

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Rebellion, revolution, and resistance aren’t just parts of history—they’re essential expressions of the human experience. They emerge when those in power become intolerable, and the governed refuse to accept their subjugation. 


Albert Camus described rebellion as a “demand for unity and a rejection of injustice,” highlighting its dual nature: it represents both a refusal and a longing. A rebel seeks not chaos, but a coherent world where dignity is upheld.


Michel Foucault's perspective that “power is everywhere… because it comes from everywhere” reshapes our understanding of resistance as a continual presence in life, rather than a sudden break. 


It exists in the everyday actions, words, and refusals we make. Resistance isn't always loud; often, it is subtle, ongoing, and very personal. It is about living differently in a conformist world.


In contrast, revolution happens when resistance becomes a collective movement that transforms society. It’s not just about toppling a government; it’s about re-envisioning our reality. 


Paulo Freire remarked that “revolution is achieved with love,” pointing out that liberation goes beyond politics to encompass ethical dimensions. A revolutionary doesn't just destroy; they create, educate, and dream. They refuse to mirror the violence they combat.


However, not all rebellion is virtuous, and revolutions can be flawed. Gayatri Spivak's caution that “the subaltern cannot speak” reminds us that even in the pursuit of justice, some voices may be marginalised. 


Resistance needs to remain aware—not just of outside forces but also of internal power dynamics. It should be as much about listening as it is about speaking out.


bell hooks provided a vision for resistance grounded in radical care. She stated that to be truly visionary, we must anchor our imagination in the reality we face while also dreaming of possibilities beyond it. 
This encapsulates the essence of lasting resistance: it’s not solely about opposing the status quo but actively creating a better future.


Every act of defiance carries a spark. Sometimes it is faint, other times it blazes, but it always asserts that the human spirit cannot be reduced to mere obedience. Rebellion is the art of saying no. 
Revolution is the blueprint for hope. Resistance is the rhythm of survival.

 

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