TWO MODELS TO ILLUSTRATE SOCIETAL CONCEPTS Ms Lindsey Collen’s talk was focused on two models that related to the political strategies of the main political parties in Mauritius. These were set as starting points that she used to cover topics current to the local and international context. The first model was a concentric one englobing slogans like ‘one people, one nation’, ‘Mauritius-rainbow nation’, ‘living in harmony’ that networked with societal concepts like corporate social responsibility, social targeting for the vulnerable groups, communal belonging and identity, dirt poor illiteracy, etc. which were solved by parameters like trade union action, framework to combat illiteracy, street demonstration. The concentric model of society justified inequalities by providing solutions that were self-contained and identifiable. In essence, such a model showed that slogans of unity and nationalism could be sustained within solutions offered by the ruling class. This remains a model that is unscathed and unchanged since the past 225 years when capitalism gained its roots in society. The model could also speak of the end of times when fundamental changes are no more real. The second model or paradigm was pyramidal with rulers (capitalists) at the top of the hierarchy, followed by the emerging middle class (petite bourgeoisie) and a mass of labour-intensive workforce or the working class. The strategy was not criticised but the concept of feedback through positive conflict creation could engender greater interaction and social justice. The workers marketed their ‘courage’ or intellectual capital to be rewarded. It also included individuals bearing little stock (liquidity and property). At the grass root level were the ‘lumpen’ relating to destitute, sole survivors and the marginal. Despite the social strata, the pyramid could be dynamic by creating two-way communication and conflicts for greater social justice. The pyramidal model could also answer contemporary questions. The Palestine Conflict could be better addressed by exchanging views and stating problems while the concentric model would plainly state that Palestine occupation is a problem and requires a ‘cause and effect’ approach whereby the problem remains unsolved. The same could apply to the Diego Garcia conflict. The Identity card was also well framed within the pyramid where pressure groups (interest groups) could gather and voice their opinion. The case forwarded by some interest groups including LALIT mentioned that there is still hope for the issue to be better addressed whereby the new ID card could be used but without making an abuse of what it could cause if it were used deliberately and unconsciously. It came close to ‘Big Brother’ watching in the 1950s with exaggerated surveillance in times of Mc Carthy. Speaking on feminism and paying tribute to Me Rada Gungaloo, another great feminist, Ms Lindsey re-used her model to explain how patriarchal society invented its own rules and concepts with little involvement of women. Lindsey who was herself in ‘Muvman Liberasyon Fam’ in 1982 explained that feminism was not to get into conflict with the male counterparts but rather explain how women could help in reducing societal ills like battered women, prostitution, etc. Students asked questions that mainly addressed the Biometric card and got suitable answers regarding its impact on society. A question on the Palestine conflict shed light on ‘zones d’occupation’ like Gaza, West Bank and Eastern Jerusalem where Israel colonies were invading parts of the Gaza strip. A vote of thanks summed up the debate and Ms Lindsey Collen happily accepted a token from the students. She wished all the best as well as a happy New Year to all the students after a two-hour intensive and inspiring debate. Reported by N K Betchoo 04 September 2014
Posted on: Thu, 04 Sep 2014 09:47:43 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015