Under the pressure of these new-old times*
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| "Under Pressure: new old times"/Eric N Alvarez © 2022 |
Now, at this moment in which the facts show a chaos previously designed to undermine democracy, we are all at risk of being persecuted and silenced by authoritarians regimes and their leaders, who are different only in the masks they were: genocides maniacs , nationalists expansionists, and kleptocrats.
Their lies are essentially the same, regardless of the words they use, or the languages they speak, in their actions against people's liberties.
Ultimately, they all want the same thing: to seize the state power and impose dictatorships or authoritarian regimes, for their own benefit, and that of the "lumpen"-billionaires who support them. These are powerful individuals who break the law with impunity to satisfy their ambitions, causing severe damage to the society and democracy.
Unfortunately, this symbiotic relationship between corrupt politicians and greedy wealthy individuals is a reality almost everywhere.
Speaking out, writing, denouncing, and artistic creation are not just normal activities in society—they are essential. In times like these, when democracy and civility are threatened by extremists across the political and social spectrum, those spaces for communication, creation, and free speech, are more important than ever.
In the present circumstances, mindfully engaging in any of these activities while being aware of the challenges at stake and understanding the important role each of us plays is a form of resistance to oppression and censorship. Let’s make intellectual and artistic creation to flourish in the face of repression, extremism and violence.
In this context, I would like to share some additional thoughts about the current situation we are all facing.
An Assault on Democracy
Democracy is under violent attack from extremists of all kinds and from those who hate the natural and inevitable diversity of societies.
The essential freedoms of speech, conscience, and faith, as well as the freedom of the arts and culture expressions (which define the creative dimensions of the humanity), are under rhetorical and physical attack by repressive governments and extremists around the world. This menacing reality demands deep reflection, awareness, and action from the people everywhere.
In the face of this, the concepts of 'fighting' or 'struggle' inevitably arise in any reflection concerning the survival of civilization and humanity.
From a democratic perspective, these concepts do not have the same meanings or motives as they did in Adolf Hitler’s mind. Hitler set out his authoritarian views in his manifesto, Mein Kampf (My Struggle), which was published in 1925.
On the contrary, they encompass humanity's strong will to fight for liberty against Nazism and fascism during the Second World War; the courage of the Vietnamese people in defending their independence against France, China, and the US; and the rejection of white supremacists, such as the Ku Klux Klan, and racist regimes worldwide.
These historical experiences remind us that the different stages of the human history are not linear. Instead, they are fleeting and chaotic moments within a complex dynamic of advances and regressions, akin to the movement of an erratic pendulum.
In the face of this, the concepts of 'fighting' or 'struggle' inevitably arise in any reflection concerning the survival of civilization and humanity.
From a democratic perspective, these concepts do not have the same meanings or motives as they did in Adolf Hitler’s mind. Hitler set out his authoritarian views in his manifesto, Mein Kampf (My Struggle), which was published in 1925.
On the contrary, they encompass humanity's strong will to fight for liberty against Nazism and fascism during the Second World War; the courage of the Vietnamese people in defending their independence against France, China, and the US; and the rejection of white supremacists, such as the Ku Klux Klan, and racist regimes worldwide.
These historical experiences remind us that the different stages of the human history are not linear. Instead, they are fleeting and chaotic moments within a complex dynamic of advances and regressions, akin to the movement of an erratic pendulum.
The patient and continuos struggle
Our struggle must be guided by the serenity and patience of a skilled surgeon. It must be based on a thorough understanding of the forces provoking the global crisis we are facing.
It must be a powerful display of love and solidarity with people everywhere. By this, I mean the ongoing struggle to promote and defend democratic principles, peace, and the protection of our planet, which has only just begun to experience the severe and rapid effects of climate change.
Now that we are all under pressure here, there and almost everywhere, and ostracism lurks like a crab waiting for the opportunity to escape or fight, hidden among the rocks and in the ocean, it is time to be, to feel, to speak out and to act.
Life is very short and there is not enough time to do what is in someway indispensable for us and for those that will come after us, in all the dimensions of existence. The moment to fulfill our duties and desires was yesterday; now, today is that moment.
Now that we are all under pressure here, there and almost everywhere, and ostracism lurks like a crab waiting for the opportunity to escape or fight, hidden among the rocks and in the ocean, it is time to be, to feel, to speak out and to act.
Life is very short and there is not enough time to do what is in someway indispensable for us and for those that will come after us, in all the dimensions of existence. The moment to fulfill our duties and desires was yesterday; now, today is that moment.
Eric N Alvarez © 2025.09.22
Todos los derechos reservados.
All rights reserved.
All rights reserved.
* Edited and reviewed on 10.07.2025 and 10.14.2025.
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| Under pressure: "hide, fight or flight"/ Eric N Alvarez © 2025 |
* Edited and reviewed on 10.07.2025 and 10.14.2024
Substack: Eric N Alvarez@ericalvarezquantum
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eralvz/
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