There was a very elaborate discussion in class in regard to why intellectuals are always targeted in a conflict. The answer was simple: Intellectuals carry the most dangerous weapon; knowledge. And knowledge is power. It has the power to change the discourse.
History shows that most protests against unfair governments or dictators have been led by country's intellectuals. Be it protests against Ayub Khan or in East Pakistan before 1971, intellectuals have had a pivotal role in determining the future of the state.
The killing of a Professor of Karachi University yesterday shows that the State identifies the power of individuals who are aware of what happens, and those who can speak their mind.
But one thing we must learn from all this is that we can not back down; we need to speak up for what we believe in.
After all, ideas are bulletproof, you can kill a man, but not his ideas or thoughts.
Here's a cartoon:
http://www.toonpool.com/cartoons/Nonsuit%20-%20timeout_162990
On a different note, this semester is already ending! This has been one of the best courses I've taken so far. I cherish the friends I've made, the very riveting discussions we've had, and of course, Sir Nausherwan's inspiring self. It feels so odd to having remember the difference between a State and a Government without ever giving an exam on it. Thank you for the wonderful experience :)
History shows that most protests against unfair governments or dictators have been led by country's intellectuals. Be it protests against Ayub Khan or in East Pakistan before 1971, intellectuals have had a pivotal role in determining the future of the state.
The killing of a Professor of Karachi University yesterday shows that the State identifies the power of individuals who are aware of what happens, and those who can speak their mind.
But one thing we must learn from all this is that we can not back down; we need to speak up for what we believe in.
After all, ideas are bulletproof, you can kill a man, but not his ideas or thoughts.
Here's a cartoon:
http://www.toonpool.com/cartoons/Nonsuit%20-%20timeout_162990
On a different note, this semester is already ending! This has been one of the best courses I've taken so far. I cherish the friends I've made, the very riveting discussions we've had, and of course, Sir Nausherwan's inspiring self. It feels so odd to having remember the difference between a State and a Government without ever giving an exam on it. Thank you for the wonderful experience :)
3 comments:
Well the belief that ideas are bulletproof is fine but this notion that we need to speak for what we believe in , in such hostile times is a bit idealistic. Because at a time where getting shot is becoming commonplace , we need to ask ourselves ' Do we need to face the music or run for cover' running for cover seems the wiser option.
Thanks Sundus! Great post and comments and ideas are indeed powerful. After all, Marx's ideas from the 19th century were what transformed the 20th century into an ideological battleground between democracy and communism.
And Shehryar, dissent is always necessary. However, tactful dissent is often necessary at times like these.
I agree with you Sheheryar; the timing may not be right. But I think that this is how change comes; people stand up for what they believe in, and many times they're put down (as is being done here too), but the time will come when change will occur. All we need to do is do our part and at least acknowledge the atrocities our state's institutions commit.
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