2016: The Year I Didn't Study with the Zapatistas
But My Application Remains Relevant
Author's Note: I wrote this short essay for an application to study with the Zapatistas in their sovereign territory within Chiapas, Mexico. It's a small excerpt from a more extensive questionnaire, but I believe this section to be particularly resonant and felt inclined to share.
A dear friend died a few weeks before I was meant to depart for the program and grief changed my mind about attending. I felt I could not be present for the heavy content I would be learning and decided to stay home and celebrate her life with our friends.
I still hold these nascent beliefs dear, and have developed them significantly over the years. I cherish these incomplete and "juvenile" thoughts, as they led me down a righteous path of resistance and self-education.
****
DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF AN ANTI-CAPITALIST? EXPLAIN WHY OR WHY NOT.
I do believe I am an anti-capitalist. I see the benefits experienced by some within our society thanks to our capitalist and neoliberal values. Still, I see the torment it causes for so many others, both globally and domestically. There seems to be more to this economic structure we have chosen than simply a flourishing and free market; in fact, it seems as though the “success” of such a model is not a success for most individuals forced to live within the confines of such a society. It appears to be even less of a success for those subjected to the policies of capitalism without the “protections” of a democratic society. Those of us living in the world intended to profit from these structures are conditioned to ignore the violence that surrounds us and the oppressive influence we permeate.
Placation. The essence of our society in the United States. Moderate access to modern conveniences meant to placate. Media and a consumptive culture designed to quell. I fall victim to it often. My weakness for new and “fine clothes” is perhaps the greatest hole for this analgesic to seep in. But how many there are for me… Music, television, movies, gourmet coffees from one of the too many third-wave shops around. I am more numb than I realized. More pacified. But this pacification comes with anything but peace. There is no peace. There is no calm.
It’s true, we do not live in a constant state of war here in this country. Not in the sense of boots on our ground. We do not have bombs dropped on us every day, and we do not watch our loved ones die over a political end we’ve never even known. We don't hold their body parts in our arms as we curse a leader we've never met. Our home, our country, our government, and our people are the invaders -- the occupiers and the killers—both active and passive powers in this globalizing process.
However, I must remember that all that is wrong with our country is not all that is wrong with the world.
We are not the first conquerors, nor will we be the last, but how have we condoned this tradition?
With our complacency.
“Tacit consent”, as Locke put it. So, what role does this placation fill if, according to our political leaders, we have “nothing to fear” from any threat, government or otherwise? It serves to remove our empathy towards those who must suffer for us to have our surplus.
I've been thinking about consumerism. Its role in our society and why it's so important to us. I came up with something along these lines: insatiate quelling. Our culture of consumption creates insular turmoil and then, through individualism, isolates us in that dis-ease. A dopamine hit with no long term satisfaction. It instills in us a degenerative view of our connection to the rest of the world, and a hunger which only grows when fed.
Such illness in our thinking. Such disease in our ideology.
Surely, our population suffers a terrible ambivalence.
About the Creator
kp
I am a non-binary, trans-masc writer. I work to dismantle internalized structures of oppression, such as the gender binary, class, and race. My writing is personal but anecdotally points to a larger political picture of systemic injustice.
Ukraine War Briefing: Oreshnik Missile Sparks Anger at UN Security Council
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has once again drawn the world’s attention after the recent deployment of the Oreshnik missile became a focal point of debate at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The missile, reportedly used in the latest skirmishes in eastern Ukraine, has intensified global concerns about the escalating conflict and the potential humanitarian consequences. Diplomats, analysts, and world leaders are closely monitoring the situation as discussions at the UNSC reveal deep divisions among member states over accountability, sanctions, and peace efforts. What Is the Oreshnik Missile? The Oreshnik missile is a newly highlighted weapon in the Ukraine war, drawing scrutiny for its advanced capabilities. Analysts describe it as a medium-range guided missile, designed for precision strikes against strategic military targets. Its use in the conflict has raised questions about proportionality, civilian safety, and adherence to international law. While military officials claim the missile provides tactical advantages, critics argue that its deployment near populated areas risks civilian lives and could violate humanitarian norms. The UN Security Council Reacts The UNSC convened an emergency session following reports of the missile strikes. Member states expressed sharply divided opinions on how to respond. Countries condemning the missile’s use stressed that such actions escalate the war and endanger civilians. They called for urgent investigations and reiterated demands for Russia to adhere to international humanitarian law. Conversely, some nations defended the deployment, framing it as a necessary act of national defense. This division highlights broader geopolitical tensions, reflecting competing interests and alliances that influence the Security Council’s ability to take unified action. Global Outrage and Public Response The news of the Oreshnik missile’s deployment has ignited widespread outrage beyond diplomatic circles. International media outlets and human rights organizations have amplified concerns about civilian casualties, particularly in areas with high population density. Social media has also become a platform for activists, journalists, and everyday citizens to voice their anger and call for immediate intervention. Protests and awareness campaigns in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia emphasize the humanitarian toll of the conflict. These global reactions put additional pressure on world leaders to respond with decisive measures, including sanctions, diplomatic interventions, and peacekeeping efforts. Strategic Implications for Ukraine Military analysts suggest that the Oreshnik missile represents a strategic escalation, signaling a shift in the tactics used in the ongoing war. Its precision targeting may give the deploying forces significant operational advantage, but it also risks triggering stronger international responses. Ukrainian officials have condemned the missile attacks, citing civilian harm and destruction of critical infrastructure. In practical terms, the missile’s use may influence the balance of power in contested regions, particularly in eastern Ukraine where fighting has been intense. Analysts warn that the weapon could intensify the conflict, complicating prospects for negotiations and prolonging human suffering. Diplomatic Challenges at the UNSC The Security Council faces significant challenges in addressing the Oreshnik missile controversy. The council’s permanent members, including the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, and France, hold veto powers that make unanimous resolutions difficult. In this case, political alliances and opposing narratives have prevented a clear consensus on punitive measures or interventions. Experts argue that the deadlock at the UNSC underscores broader limitations in the international system when addressing conflicts involving advanced weaponry and state actors with competing agendas. Without coordinated action, the risk of escalation in Ukraine remains high. Humanitarian Concerns Humanitarian organizations have highlighted the immediate consequences of missile strikes, including displacement, injuries, and infrastructure destruction. Hospitals, schools, and residential areas in eastern Ukraine have reportedly suffered damage, exacerbating the ongoing humanitarian crisis. International agencies emphasize that protecting civilians must remain a priority, urging both sides to respect international law. They also call for increased funding and access for relief efforts, warning that continued military escalation could worsen the already dire situation for millions of Ukrainians. The Path Forward While the Oreshnik missile has intensified global attention on Ukraine, experts stress that long-term solutions require diplomacy and accountability. Negotiations at international forums, including the UN, must balance security concerns with humanitarian imperatives. Observers note that transparency in military actions, independent investigations, and adherence to international treaties are essential to prevent further escalation. Meanwhile, the global community faces the challenge of supporting Ukraine while avoiding policies that could exacerbate the conflict. Conclusion: A Critical Moment in Global Diplomacy The deployment of the Oreshnik missile and the ensuing debates at the UN Security Council mark a critical moment in the Ukraine conflict. It underscores the intersection of modern warfare, geopolitics, and humanitarian responsibility. As the world watches, the international community faces urgent questions: How can escalation be prevented? How can civilian lives be protected? And what role should global institutions play in mediating a conflict that continues to threaten regional and international stability? For Ukraine, the missile represents both a tactical and symbolic escalation, while for the UN and its member states, it highlights the challenges of enforcing international norms in a rapidly changing conflict landscape. The coming weeks may determine not only the trajectory of the war but also the credibility of global governancein upholding peace and security.
By Aarif Lashari4 days ago in The Swamp
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