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5.2
Maidan (Independence Square), Kyiv, Ukraine during the Revolution of Dignity 2013-2014, Revolution archive Kyiv 2013.
Working in solidarity
Choose two or more of the following videos to watch. Each discusses “solidarity”, and it’s opposites, in a different context. These videos are not explicitly about climate change, but the ideas here can be applied to climate change action in a world of unequal power dynamics.
Here, the Youtuber Saturn presents the Chilean philosopher Paulo Freire’s (1970) Pedagogy of the Oppressed. Here, solidarity is embedded in the idea of shared oppression and resistance, as opposed to “false generosity”.
In the following video, the Los Angeles Times editor Ada Tseng presents stories of solidarity between Black and Asian communities in the US, who are often characterised as being in conflict.
Below, the civil rights activist DeRay McKesson discusses Whiteness and privilege, and the concepts of “Allies” and “Accomplices”.
Here, journalist and producer Jordan Flaherty differentiates “heroic”, charitable or benevolent action from mass structural change lead by oppressed groups.
Reflection
How does each video represent solidarity? Can you connect these interpretations of solidarity with issues related to climate change? How could you work in solidarity with struggles occurring in your context?