It’s terrifying to think that our lives are determined by our choices. But they are. This is emphasized in existentialism, a philosophy rooted firmly in the idea of free will. The central tenant of existentialism is that existence precedes essence. First we exist, then we determine our nature and lifepath through our choices. The individual’s meaning, value, future, are all self-determined.
I think what is interesting with Fanon, is the idea of alienation. Yes, we can change, we have the choice but before that, we have to break the cycle of thoughts, behaviours we grew up in. In the case study of Fanon, it was colonialism that alienated both the colonist and the colonised person. With feminism, it's how to get rid of the gendered socialisation that put women at risk, make them suffer and not fulfil themselves. But how do you realise that ? How do you get rid of all of these ideations ? How to have access to the material to freed yourself? And especially who has access to it ? If I don't believe that we are determined, I don't belive that we are fully free either and more than everything, the truth is that some people just don't have the choice. I believe existentialism and freedom is the concern of certain people, in certain places, not all.
I think what is interesting with Fanon, is the idea of alienation. Yes, we can change, we have the choice but before that, we have to break the cycle of thoughts, behaviours we grew up in. In the case study of Fanon, it was colonialism that alienated both the colonist and the colonised person. With feminism, it's how to get rid of the gendered socialisation that put women at risk, make them suffer and not fulfil themselves. But how do you realise that ? How do you get rid of all of these ideations ? How to have access to the material to freed yourself? And especially who has access to it ? If I don't believe that we are determined, I don't belive that we are fully free either and more than everything, the truth is that some people just don't have the choice. I believe existentialism and freedom is the concern of certain people, in certain places, not all.
Love this, good point(s)
Thanks 🙂