Understanding the Machinery
By Uliyaah
In order to understand the machine that has driven us, we must look deeply at its gears and mechanisms.
We must look at ourselves but not blame ourselves.
The machine, in this context, represents the intricate web of systemic forces that put profit over people and uses oppression and division to sustain it. As I have learned about and discovered my own experiences of the relentless pursuit of profit at the expense of human well-being and environmental sustainability, I attempt to examine the components of this system further.
The gears of this machine are powered by the labor of the marginalized, and its mechanisms thrive on the commodification of basic human needs. From the exploitation of labor to the unrestricted extraction of finite resources, this machine perpetuates a cycle of inequality and environmental strain. It's a system that has cultivated a culture where success is measured solely based on monetary means.
Contemplating our role within this context entails recognizing our complicity in a system that often prioritizes individual gain over collective welfare.
It involves reflecting on the choices we make as consumers, the companies we support, and the policies we endorse. However, the objective is not self-blame; rather, it's a call for reflection and awareness.
We are all components in this machinery, and acknowledging our place within it is the initial step toward meaningful change.
Blame is a distraction from the systemic issues at play. It is not about pointing fingers at individuals but rather about dismantling the structures that influence us to do so, distracting us from the true inequalities it creates. The machine operates on a set of beliefs and practices that prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability.
Breaking free from this cycle requires a collective effort to redefine success, value ethical practices, and challenge the machine.
As we continue to examine the gears and mechanisms of the machine, we must also envision alternatives.
What if the gears were instead powered by compassion and sustainability, and the mechanisms operated with the well-being of all in mind? It is within our power to reshape the machine, demanding transparency, ethical practices, and a shift towards a more equitable and sustainable system.
But, understanding the machine that has driven us involves a critical examination of the gears and mechanisms of the system that supports it. Looking at ourselves without blame fosters a space for collective reflection, encouraging us to question the values that our society has been built upon. By acknowledging our role within the system and how this system has shaped us to fit into those roles, we can begin to collectively work towards changing these destructive elements and envisioning a more compassionate and sustainable alternative.