Understanding Political Violence: A Deeper Look
In a recent tweet by Jackson Rising, the concept of political violence is brought into question. Often, we are conditioned to believe that political violence is solely limited to individual acts of aggression. However, Jackson Rising challenges this notion by highlighting that denying individuals access to healthcare, funding and arming genocidal states, and allocating large sums of money to police and war efforts can also be forms of political violence.
The tweet forces us to reconsider our understanding of violence in the political sphere. By broadening the definition to include systemic injustices and policies that harm marginalized communities, we are able to see the pervasive nature of political violence. It is not just the actions of a lone individual that should concern us, but also the structures and institutions that perpetuate harm on a larger scale.
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This call to action urges us to look beyond surface-level definitions and confront the root causes of violence in our society. It challenges us to question the status quo and advocate for meaningful change that addresses the systemic issues at play. Rather than accepting the current state of affairs, we are encouraged to push for policies that prioritize the well-being of all individuals, regardless of their background or social status.
In conclusion, Jackson Rising’s tweet serves as a powerful reminder that political violence is not limited to individual acts of aggression. It encompasses a wide range of actions, including those that perpetuate inequality and harm marginalized communities. By expanding our understanding of political violence, we can work towards building a more just and equitable society for all.
The status quo demands that “political violence” be reduced to individual acts.
Denying us health care can’t be political violence.
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Funding and arming a genocide state can’t be political violence.
Giving billions to police and war can’t be political violence.
The status quo demands that “political violence” be reduced to individual acts.
Denying us health care can’t be political violence.
Funding and arming a genocide state can’t be political violence.
Giving billions to police and war can’t be political violence.
— Read Jackson Rising (@JoshuaPHilll) July 14, 2024
In today’s society, it seems that the status quo demands that we reduce the concept of “political violence” to individual acts. But can denying people access to health care really not be considered a form of political violence? Can funding and arming a state engaged in genocide truly not be seen as political violence? And can giving billions of dollars to police and military forces really be exempt from the label of political violence? Let’s delve deeper into these questions and explore the nuances of what constitutes political violence in our world today.
What is Political Violence?
Political violence can be broadly defined as the use of force or coercion for political purposes. This can include acts of terrorism, state-sponsored violence, riots, protests, and other forms of conflict that are driven by political motives. It is often used as a means to achieve or maintain power, control, or influence within a society or government.
Is Denying Health Care Considered Political Violence?
When we think of political violence, we may envision bombings, shootings, or other overt acts of aggression. However, denying individuals access to health care can also be a form of violence. By withholding essential medical services, governments or institutions are essentially putting people’s lives at risk and perpetuating harm. This is particularly true in a system where access to health care is a basic human right.
For example, in the United States, millions of people are uninsured or underinsured, leading to preventable deaths and suffering. This systemic issue is not just a matter of individual choice or circumstance, but a result of political decisions that prioritize profits over people’s well-being. Denying someone health care due to their economic status or social background is a form of structural violence that perpetuates inequality and injustice.
Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3400029/
2. https://www.who.int/social_determinants/themes/structuralviolence/en/
Can Funding and Arming a Genocide State Be Political Violence?
When a government or entity provides financial support or arms to a state engaged in genocide, it is complicit in the violence and atrocities being committed. This is a clear example of political violence on an international scale. By enabling and empowering a regime to carry out mass killings, ethnic cleansing, or other human rights abuses, those providing support are directly contributing to the harm inflicted on innocent civilians.
For instance, the ongoing genocide in Myanmar against the Rohingya people has been fueled by military aid and support from countries like China and Russia. This backing allows the Myanmar military to continue its campaign of violence and persecution unchecked. The complicity of these governments in the genocide is a stark reminder of how political decisions can have devastating consequences for vulnerable populations.
Sources:
1. https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2021/country-chapters/myanmar
2. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/8/26/myanmars-junta-gets-guns-money-and-diplomatic-cover
Is Giving Billions to Police and War Considered Political Violence?
The massive allocation of funds to police forces and military operations is often justified as necessary for maintaining law and order or national security. However, the militarization of law enforcement and the proliferation of weapons can lead to increased violence and abuse of power. This massive investment in policing and war machinery can be seen as a form of political violence that prioritizes control and coercion over community well-being.
In the United States, for example, billions of taxpayer dollars are funneled into police departments and military operations every year. This massive budget allocation has led to the militarization of police forces, the over-policing of marginalized communities, and the escalation of conflicts both domestically and abroad. The impact of this excessive funding on people’s lives and livelihoods cannot be understated.
Sources:
1. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2021/04/usa-50-states-report-geo-police-violence/
2. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-police-military-idUSKBN2AC1M0
In conclusion, it is essential to recognize that political violence takes many forms and can manifest in ways that are not always immediately apparent. Denying people access to essential services, supporting genocidal regimes, and investing in militaristic policies all contribute to a cycle of harm and injustice. By challenging the status quo and holding those in power accountable for their actions, we can strive towards a more just and peaceful world for all.
