A Moral Reckoning with a Hometown Story of Injustice…
Nigel Biggars book “Colonialism; A Moral Reckoning” looks into the challenges and historical truths surrounding colonialism.
In this book he presents an analysis of the multifaceted legacy of colonialism. By examining accounts of ethical considerations and also the contemporary perspectives Biggar goes through colonial interactions with the moral implications of imperial rule as well as its enduring effects. Through an examination of history Biggar looks at the dynamics during colonial encounters across various regions and cultures throughout our world past and present. By taking apart the power dynamics, cultural exchanges and resistance movements within structures he also allows the readers a basic understanding of how empire building impacted both colonizers and those subjected to colonization.
At the heart of Biggars book is an evaluation of the dilemmas and moral uncertainties inherent in colonial ventures. Biggars many compelling arguments and ethical evaluations allows individuals to confront the realities of violence, dispossession and exploitation. He also has many connections, between morality, power and responsibility. Biggars book has us reflect on the figures and present day societies when addressing colonial legacies. Biggars writing refreshes views with contemplation on issues such as actions, acknowledgment and healing following injustice. By sparking discussions on acknowledging these injustices and fostering community involvement Biggar looks to initiate conversations on reconciliation through exploring the possibilities and limitations of moral reflection in postcolonial settings. This book sheds light on the relevance and worldwide influence of powerful actions of the past and how they continue to influence the world now. By exploring the connections of race, power dynamics, and shared memory, Biggar encourages readers to evaluate the long-lasting inequalities, prejudices, and injustices that remain following the government.
In our shared quest for social fairness and human dignity within our cohort, the author also challenges us to take a minute and look at the intricacies of our world’s history and use that information to fight together for revolutionary change through a combination of analytical and moral reflection. What would it look like if we all stood up together, and challenged the norm we see around us? It almost seems unbearable, and unobtainable. A race against a clock without batteries to tic. This book also allows us to confront the intricacies of colonial legacies and to fight for revolutionary change based on empathy, compassion, and mutual understanding by discussing issues of fairness, reparations, reconciliation, and the moral obligations of both past and present-day countries. What would that look like in today’s society?
I would like to shift from an academic tone to a more personal one, concluding with something that happened in our small town last week. Something I just can’t seem to shake. My friend has two people that help her on her farm. They were driving down the street from her house when they were hit by a train in my friend’s vehicle. The car flipped, and the train came to a stop. (ALL PEOPLE LIVED.) In fact, even though the car had flipped, they were all able to get out and wait for assistance. It was only after help came that things went south. They only helped my white friend. The other two individuals (of different races) were treated as criminals. They only tested the other two for alcohol, not allowing one of them to retrieve their glasses from the crashed car. They aggressively questioned them and tried to deceive them several times in order to get them arrested. When further help arrived and they were doing the investigation, they distributed water to everyone except two people of another race. My friend was upset and continued to force herself in front of them, yelling at the officers for failing to do their jobs. They were not helping all of the accident victims, they were seeking revenge for something that was not mentioned but didnt take much to connect the dots. She was repeatedly warned and eventually told that if she said anything again, she would be arrested. In the end, they gave the two people a bogus ticket and let them all to go home. When my friend went to the officials and requested body cam footage, it was determined that there was an error in the system and they were unable to provide it to her. However, the injustice of it all has remained with me. What are the next steps? What should you do when this happens? How can we make this stop? My heart hurts.
About the Author
Alana Hayes
Alana is a mother to four beautiful children and wife to a farmer in Texas. She is an avid world traveler with a heart for both the world and education. She is the president of the nonprofit Against the Grain Texas where they focus on providing education to children overseas and at risk adults in the states. To date the nonprofit has given almost $100,000 to individuals around the world. In her free time she loves spending meaningful time with people and reading to further her personal education.10 responses to “A Moral Reckoning with a Hometown Story of Injustice…”
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Dr. Hayes,
I like your ability to pivot seamlessly from an academic critique of colonial legacies to a stark, personal story that echoes similar themes of inequality and injustice. Your story is all too familiar to me and others of the minority community. But what your friend did trying to speak up and be the voice for those who would not be heard is commendable. You ask the question “What should you do when this happens?” and I think your friend is a great example of that.
She was pretty strong! I am super proud of her! I am her first call from jail! No questions, be there in a minute!
Alana- Thank you for sharing that heart-wrenching story. May Jesus help us all have eyes to see people the way He sees them, as beloved children of God.
Its just so sad! Theres a lot more to unpack here!
Alana – thank you for sharing this story. Unfortunately, it is a powerful illustration of the continued effects of the very ideas that colonialism discusses. This breaks my heart so much.
Mine too!
A
wow
I love these questions that you are sitting with
“However, the injustice of it all has remained with me. What are the next steps? What should you do when this happens? How can we make this stop? My heart hurts.”
I found myself saying No! No! No! while reading this. I love that you had different eyes to see what was going on.
Every single day you bring light and hope and justice….yes, justice while working Freds. Girl, just keep doing what you are doing and loving those that come into your place. It wont take long for some of the light of the living Lord to shine on them!!
Cant wait to see you May 2 and your sweet family. May I give them hugs!!!????!!!
Lots of prayers still needed in this situation as they try to navigate the fines and bogus charges.
See you soon!
Alana,
Thank you for sharing your story of the injustice you saw. This is one of those things once you see it you totally recognize the fact that it is not ok and it causes you to see all the other times that these things may have happened.
I want to go out swinging for them!