EMPOWERING or DESTRUCTIVE?

“Enough had been thought, and said, and felt, and imagined. It was about time that something should be done.”  - C.S. Lewis

I love CS Lewis and I love this quote.  I also think CS Lewis would agree with my next statement.  We need to turn reflection into action, but we must continue using our brains as we act.  Reflection should give birth to action, but action should be refined and directed by further reflection as subsequent actions are more clearly understood and experienced.  How then should we act in a truly empowering manner toward the poor?

“Attempting to liberate the oppressed without their reflective participation in the act of liberation is to treat them as objects which must be saved from a burning building.”  - Paulo Freire

Freire affirms the humanity of the poor and oppressed.  This quote of his suggests treating the poor as people who are capable, creative, and intelligent human beings, which is exactly what they are.  It’s easy for a person or organization to throw money or projects at the poor.  Or maybe we feel that we are responsible for providing for all the needs of the poor and don’t realize their important role in it all. 

The poor are not objects.  If we don’t allow them to live out their potential, then we are actually oppressing and dehumanizing them through our acts of charity.  There’s just so much opportunity and potential among the poor that is often times ignored, devalued, or suppressed because we don’t believe in them.  Much more could be said on this (Freire’s written books on it), but I just wanted to post some thoughts on this important aspect of development.  This is a hugely important part of my work in K-town, and I want you who are following my journey to understand this vital aspect of development work.