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While writing this article amidst the ongoing bombings and destruction committed by Israel (the occupation) and the continued genocide in Congo and war in Sudan my rage fuels my words to express how joy serves as a weapon against the oppressors. As an indigenous Taino Cuban, I have come to understand that joy has always played a key role in indigenous resistance, as it has for people of color worldwide. It may be challenging to grasp if one has not been part of a movement or experienced oppression firsthand, but joy serves as a healing balm that sustains both the people and the struggles inherent in revolutionary times.
Joy is an act of rebellion.
Joy is an act of resistance.
Joy is an act of revolution.
Joy is a fuck you to the oppressors.
Joy is vital in sustaining the fight against injustices.
The Palestinians embody joy through their love for one another, their sacred lands, culture, and their faith. Bisan (seen above), among many other journalists from Palestine, has become a significant part of my life since October. Bisan, in particular, has shared the joys that persist, no matter how significant or small they may be. By demonstrating that joy is essential for protecting our humanity, she shows people worldwide that even in the darkest of times, we have the choice to embrace the magic of humanity and keep it alive.
It is crucial to emphasize the significance of joy as a driving force in the revolution. While the fight for justice often entails confronting adversity and enduring hardship, integrating joy into the movement is essential for sustaining resilience, inspiring hope, and fostering a sense of unity. Joy, in this context, is not merely an emotional state but a powerful form of resistance that uplifts and empowers individuals, amplifying their voices and fortifying their resolve.
Joy serves as a transformative force that challenges the oppressive narratives and structures that seek to diminish the experiences and identities of marginalized communities. It is a means of reclaiming agency and self-determination, asserting the right to exist and thrive in a world that too often seeks to bring us into submission.
By infusing joy into the struggle, individuals and communities can reaffirm their humanity. Similarly, in the context of challenging colonial legacies and resisting ongoing colonial practices, joy plays a pivotal role in asserting the autonomy and sovereignty of historically marginalized peoples. By embracing and celebrating their cultural traditions, languages, and customs, communities can assert their resilience and agency, rejecting the erasure and subjugation imposed by colonial forces. Joy becomes a form of resistance that empowers individuals to reclaim their narratives, rewrite their histories, and envision a future where collective liberation exists.
Joy serves as a unifying force within movements for social change, fostering solidarity and collaboration across diverse communities. By creating spaces for joy and celebration, activists and advocates can build connections, nurture empathy, and strengthen the collective resolve to dismantle systemic injustices. Joy offers a counterbalance to the emotional toll of activism, providing moments of respite and rejuvenation that are essential for sustaining long-term engagement in the struggle for equity and liberation.
Throughout history, there have been examples of movements and communities who have harnessed the power of joy in revolution to fuel their actions against oppression and injustice.
Indigenous Rights Movements (ongoing, global): Indigenous communities around the world have drawn on cultural traditions, ceremonies, and celebrations to resist colonization, defend their land and rights, and reclaim their identity and sovereignty. Joyful expressions of cultural pride and resilience have been central to many Indigenous movements for justice and self-determination.
Anti-Apartheid Movement (20th century, South Africa): The struggle against apartheid in South Africa was marked by moments of joy and celebration amidst the adversity. The use of music, dance, and cultural expressions played a significant role in uniting communities, fostering resilience, and sustaining the spirit of resistance against racial oppression.
The Arab Spring (2010-2012, Middle East and North Africa): During the Arab Spring uprisings, joy and creativity were central to the protest movements that swept across countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Street art, music, poetry, and other forms of creative expression were used to challenge authoritarian regimes, inspire unity, and mobilize people for change.
LGBTQ+ Rights Movement (20th century-present): The LGBTQ+ rights movement has often employed joy and celebration as acts of resistance against discrimination and marginalization. Pride parades, festivals, and other events have become powerful expressions of visibility, solidarity, and empowerment within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
Women's Rights Movements (19th century-present, global): Women's rights movements have often incorporated joy and creativity into their activism to challenge gender inequality and patriarchy. Events such as women's marches, art exhibitions, performances, and other forms of expression have served as platforms for solidarity, empowerment, and resistance.
In times of great turmoil and injustice, when the world is fraught with genocide, colonization, and oppression, it is easy to succumb to feelings of anger, despair, and hopelessness. The weight of systemic injustices can be overwhelming, leaving many feeling alone and powerless in the face of such immense challenges.
Joy is not simply a fleeting emotion or a momentary distraction from the harsh realities of the world. Instead, it is a profound and radical act of resistance and rebellion in and of itself. In the midst of pain and suffering, joy becomes a form of defiance—a refusal to be crushed by the weight of oppression. By choosing joy in the face of adversity, we reclaim our humanity and assert our right to exist fully and unapologetically in a world that seeks to diminish us.
The power of joy in revolution lies in its ability to transmute our sacred rage into life-affirming energies that propel us towards action and change. While anger and indignation are valid responses to injustice, they can also be draining if not channeled effectively. Joy has the capacity to uplift and energize us, enabling us to sustain our efforts for the long haul. When we cultivate joy in our lives and in our movements, we create spaces of possibility and transformation. Joy allows us to build resilient communities, forge meaningful connections, and nurture a sense of collective purpose. It reminds us of the inherent beauty and worth of every individual, inspiring us to fight for a world where all can thrive and flourish.
In the current revolution against genocide, colonization, and oppression, the power of joy is more crucial than ever. As we confront the legacies of historical injustices and work towards building a more just and equitable society, we must remember to center joy in our resistance. By celebrating our resilience, reclaiming our cultural traditions, and finding moments of beauty and connection amidst the chaos, we can sustain our spirits and fortify our resolve.
Joy is not a luxury or a frivolous indulgence—it is a radical act of defiance against a world that seeks to rob us of our humanity. In the face of unimaginable suffering and injustice, joy becomes a beacon of hope, guiding us towards a future where liberation and justice are not just ideals, but lived realities. So let us embrace the power of joy in revolution, as we transmute our rage into passions that fuel our actions. Let us dance, sing, write, speak, create, and love fiercely as we build a world that honors the dignity and worth of every individual. And let us remember that in the darkest of times, it is our capacity for joy that will sustain us and light the way towards a brighter tomorrow.
Here are some strategies and practices that can help individuals and communities harness the power of joy in their resistance against genocide, colonization, and oppression:
1. Cultivate Connection: Building strong bonds within communities can foster a sense of belonging and solidarity that brings joy and resilience. Engage in activities that promote togetherness, such as community gatherings, storytelling circles, or shared meals.
2. Celebrate Cultural Heritage: Connecting with and celebrating cultural traditions can be a source of joy and empowerment. Organize events that highlight diverse cultural practices, music, dance, and art forms that uplift and inspire.
3. Practice Self-Care: It is essential to prioritize self-care and well-being to sustain the energy needed for activism and resistance. Engage in activities that nourish the body, mind, and spirit, such as meditation, nature walks, rest, or creative expression.
4. Embrace Creativity: Expressing creativity through art, music, writing, or other forms of self-expression can be a powerful way to channel emotions and create beauty amidst adversity. Encourage and support artistic endeavors within your community.
5. Find Moments of Beauty: In the midst of struggle, seek out moments of beauty and joy in everyday life. Whether it's admiring nature, sharing laughter with loved ones, or witnessing acts of kindness, these moments can replenish the spirit and inspire hope.
6. Engage in Joyful Resistance: Infuse activism with joy by organizing protests, creative demonstrations, or cultural events that uplift and inspire. Joyful resistance can be a powerful tool for engaging and mobilizing communities in the fight for justice.
7. Celebrate Victories: Acknowledge and celebrate small victories along the way, no matter how incremental they may seem. Recognizing progress and achievements can boost morale and sustain momentum in the long struggle for justice.
8. Practice Gratitude: Cultivate a practice of gratitude by reflecting on the things you are thankful for, even in the face of adversity. Gratitude can shift focus from what is lacking to what is present, fostering a sense of abundance and joy.
9. Support Each Other: Create spaces of care and mutual support within your community where individuals can lean on each other for emotional support, encouragement, and empowerment. Building a culture of solidarity and compassion can amplify joy and resilience.
10. Center Joy in Your Activism: Infuse your activism with joy by approaching challenges with a spirit of optimism, creativity, and resilience. By centering joy in your actions and interactions, you can inspire others to join in the movement and sustain collective efforts for change.
By incorporating these practices into your personal life and community activism, you can harness the transformative power of joy in revolution and fuel your actions with resilience. Joy is not just a fleeting emotion—it is a radical force that has the potential to uplift spirits, forge connections, and sustain movements for liberation and justice.
Cultures of Resistance | Documentary
Does each gesture really make a difference? Can music and dance be a weapon of peace? Director Iara Lee embarked on a three-year, five-continent trek to find out. From African countries' sounds of resistance, moving on to Brazil where gun-guitars transform the reality of slum kids and ending in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, where photography, music and film have given a voice to the people, Cultures of Resistance explores how art and engagement can be the ammunition in the war for peace and justice.
🎥 Director/Producer: Iara Lee - Korean-Brazilian
Cinematography/Editing: Jawad Sharif
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Lovely and inspiring. Was recently speaking with friends in Paris where we can add more value in protest and counter balance a more creative protest than what we already see from the Pu$$y Riot crowds. Combating evil with more love is the only sustainable weapon.
Lovely and truly compelling thank you 🫶🏾