Vital to study history of movements

ON NOVEMBER 27, Aziz Choudry and Salim Vally launched their latest book titled History’s Schools: Past

struggles and present realities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

The unique collection of essays, which includes case studies from South Africa, Palestine, Iran, Argentina, the US and the UK, highlights the importance of studying the history of the various former resistance movements across the globe to connect with contemporary struggles. The overlooked but powerful philosophies of former social change movements should serve as vital lessons and inspiration for current struggles.

While listening to the writers’ insightful but different accounts of the book, my mind wandered to some of the young and immature politicians and social activists who spew nothing sensible but venom.

It is so sad that some of the younger generation do not read of the sacrifices and struggles of the former or current senior community and religious leaders, activists and even teachers. Hence, they pass unfounded judgments and produce defamatory and unsupported statements. Most of the younger generation’s lives are regulated more by self-aggrandisement and self-empowerment rather than by rational thinking and wisdom, and think of nothing but themselves and materialism, consumerism and entitlement.

I recommend they read this book. History books record events and the dreadful outcomes that befall societies when hate-filled rhetoric is used for devious temporary goals.