I started noticing the stark realities of social injustice from a young age. My first encounter with explicit racism, as a child, ignited a passion for human studies and an unwavering commitment to understanding and challenging the inequities that plague our society.
My pursuit of a BA in Sociology and Criminology led me to grapple with the harsh truths about the world. An initial existential crisis prompted me to step away from academia, explore Canada, and gain invaluable life experiences. Returning to university 12 years later, I completed my BA, delved into psychotherapy, and discovered my calling for guiding individuals through the intricacies of being human
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Driven by a desire to catalyze broader societal change, I immersed myself in graduate studies. The journey took unexpected turns, leading me to the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) program with a focus on Cultural Studies. The realization that true progress lies in challenging white privilege and dismantling societal norms prompted a shift in my academic trajectory.
As I delved into critical race theory, the flaws of meritocracy came to the forefront. Meritocracy, often mobilized by the privileged to perpetuate their interests, operates as an ideological myth that conceals social and cultural inequalities. Its hierarchical, competitive nature perpetuates injustice and curtails social equality (Littler, 2013).
Taking a deep dive into sociological research reveals that meritocracy is often conceptualized as a pejorative term, portraying a system where the talented and ambitious garner disproportionate rewards, leaving others at a disadvantage. Numerous dystopian novels provide insightful critiques of the notion of meritocratic societies, unveiling the concealed plutocracy that lies beneath the myth.
I want take a moment to explore Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games series, which I believe serves as a poignant reflection of Western society. Beyond merely showcasing power imbalances, the series illustrates the lengths those in positions of power are willing to go to maintain their dominance. Furthermore, it underscores a recurring theme of an apparent inability to draw lessons from historical events.
Across the trilogy, the power imbalances are vividly depicted in the yearly Hunger Games. In this brutal spectacle, children from the oppressed Districts are compelled to engage in a fight to the death, serving both as entertainment for the ruling Capitol and as a grim reminder to the Districts of the repercussions of their rebellion.
As the story progresses, the oppressed Districts unite in a rebellion against the Capitol, aiming to overthrow the oppressive regime. However, once they succeed, the hunger for power persists, revealing a cycle of cruelty. The newly empowered Districts propose a new form of retribution—a symbolic retaliation mirroring the Capitol's brutality. This suggests that the thirst for dominance and revenge transcends the initial fight for freedom.
The disturbing proposal to subject Capitol children to a similar deadly competition exposes the dehumanizing impact of the pursuit of power. It reflects a twisted desire for retribution, mirroring the very oppression the rebels fought against. The bombing of Capitol citizens under the guise of assistance further illustrates the extremes people are willing to go to maintain control and enact revenge, even when it means harming innocent lives. This narrative highlights the cyclical nature of power struggles and the dark consequences of revenge-driven governance.
In Suzanne Collins' prequel to the Hunger Games, "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes," the character Coriolanus Snow's journey unveils the Capitol's societal structure, emphasizing its plutocratic nature over being a true meritocracy. The narrative exposes family privilege, educational disparities, and the manipulation of meritocratic ideals. Despite Coriolanus' academic success, his struggles reveal that connections and wealth often play a decisive role.
The novel critiques the Capitol's corrupt systems, showcasing nepotism, inequality amplification, and the perpetuation of privilege. It draws parallels with capitalist elements, portraying a society where economic power translates into social and political influence. Through Coriolanus Snow's individual struggle, the narrative explores the tension between personal agency and systemic injustice in a society dominated by wealth and privilege. In summary, "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" provides a nuanced examination of the Capitol, depicting it as a plutocracy that masks its inherent inequalities with the facade of meritocracy.
Suzanne Collins' narrative intertwines seamlessly with the realities of the Western world, exposing the incongruity between capitalism and genuine meritocracy. The persistence of meritocratic ideals perpetuates significant social stratification, with my own awareness of being born into the privilege of a white-dominated society underscoring the unearned social capital that comes with it. My graduate research aimed at deconstructing meritocracy revelaed whiteness as the normative identity, studies demonstrated that even four-year-olds perceive the societal preference for being white.
Research after research identified the deep-rooted nature of settler colonialism which entrenched whiteness as superior in the Western world, emphasizing the need to scrutinize and diversify the narratives passed on to future generations. Navigating the complexities of meritocracy, whiteness, and societal transformation fueled a sense of hope. I crafted a trauma-focused and anti-racist framework designed to enhance emotional, relational, and cultural intelligences, fostering genuine healing in Canada's quest for authentic truth and reconciliation with its Indigenous peoples.
Despite my keen enthusiasm to contribute to a more equitable Canadian society and challenge normative structures, a pervasive sense of hopelessness pervades as I bear witness to ongoing genocides fueled by power struggles in our world. The assault by the occupying state of Israel on the oppressed state of Palestine, in clear violation of international laws, is particularly appalling.
On September 30th, 2023, Canada's International Truth and Reconciliation Day, Prime Minister Justin Trudea released a statement. In closing he stated:
“We must never forget the past and the injustices committed against Indigenous Peoples at residential schools, as well as the intergenerational trauma that remains today. Right now, with denialism sadly on the rise, uncovering the whole truth is more important than ever. That is why we appointed the Independent Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves and Burial Sites associated with Indian Residential Schools, Kimberly Murray, to help facilitate a search process with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis that will respect their needs and concerns as we work together to uncover and uphold the truth of what happened at residential schools.
Today, I encourage everyone to wear orange in recognition that every child matters and to participate in Indigenous-led events to recognize and reflect on the ongoing legacy of the residential school system. Reconciliation is not the responsibility of Indigenous Peoples – it is the responsibility of all of us. It’s our responsibility to listen to, learn from, and give space to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis voices and stories, and face the truth of our past to build a fairer, more equitable, and more inclusive Canada for the generations to come” (full statement here).
According to the United Nations website, "on 7 October 2023, Palestinian armed groups in Gaza launched thousands of rockets toward Israel and breached through the perimeter fence of Gaza at multiple locations, entering into Israeli towns and killing and capturing Israeli forces and civilians. The Israeli military declared “a state of war alert,” and began striking targets in the Gaza Strip, including residential buildings and health care facilities. Since then, thousands of people have been killed and more than one million have been displaced, as parts of Gaza have been reduced to rubble".
On December 20, 2023, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted the following statement on X: "We are continuing the war to the end. It will continue until Hamas is eliminated – until victory. Whoever thinks that we will stop is detached from reality." This statement is strikingly familiar, resembling the sentiments expressed by President Snow, a fictional character who made a virtually identical declaration as the Capitol faced assault by the districts.
The situation involving Hamas and Israel is complex, and perspectives on it seem to vary. Some view Hamas as a resistance movement against Israeli occupation, while others designate it as a terrorist organization due to its use of violence against civilians. International organizations and reporters have highlighted the severity of the humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution. My heart aches for both Palestine and the citizens of Israel who reject Zionist rhetoric and find themselves caught in the crossfire of a Zionist pursuit for power.
Drawing on my expertise in trauma, I can attest to the significant intergenerational trauma experienced by both Palestinian and Israeli communities. Global protests demanding an immediate ceasefire comprise diverse individuals from various backgrounds and religions, with millions of Jewish people actively participating. Reflecting on movies like the Hunger Games prompts us to consider whom we support, the oppressors or the oppressed, and raises questions about why such clarity is often elusive in real-life conflicts. The lack of decisive action from the Canadian and American governments in response to this humanitarian crisis begs for scrutiny.
As citizens, we bear a crucial responsibility in ensuring governments are held accountable. Our voices, the force behind electing officials, hold significant sway. Although it might seem daunting for an individual to make a difference, recall the wisdom from Planet of the Apes: "One ape, weak, many apes, strong!" Let's harness our collective voices to insist on an immediate ceasefire. As we approach the holiday season, may you experience safety, good health, and profound peace. May the people of Palestine find safety, freedom, and lasting peace.
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