pcr 311 - National Open University of Nigeria

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PCR 311 Philosophies and Great Personalities of Peace UNIT 4 PHILOSOPHICAL DIPLOMACY BY A MINORITY GROUP TO THE DOMINANCE AND DISCRIMINATION OF THE MAJORITY GROUP CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction 2.0 Objectives 3.0 Main Content 3.1 Spirit of Equanimity 3.2 Aggressive response 3.3 Self-degradation 3.4 Acculturation 4.0 Conclusion 5.0 Summary 6.0 Tutor marked Assignments 7.0 References/Further Readings 1.0 INTRODUCTION There are various methods of conflict management which are quite effective in either eliminating or transforming prevailing tense situation. In the words of Zartman (1989:8), conflict management refers to the elimination, neutralisation of conflict from erupting into crises or to cool a crisis in eruption. Similarly, Otite, O and Albert, I.O., (1999:11), drummed it further home that conflict management is rather more elaborate and wider in conception and application. Both definitions are in tandem with regular conflicts that arise between groups or communities, especially in developing economies of the third world countries. It is evident that the actions of the dominant society usually define the patterns of inter-group relations because such dominance gives them the power to dictate the pace of action for the minority group. Further, it is an established fact that human relationships are a two-way traffic, affirmed by Newton’s third law of motion that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Consequently, the actions of the dominant group will likely be influenced by the nature of the response these actions elicit from the minority group. This unit will, therefore, look into the role of philosophical diplomacy exhibited by the minority group in the face of psychological reactions a minority group could develop which could lead to a win – win solution in any ensuing scenario. 2.0 OBJECTIVES At the end of this unit, you should be able to: • Explain the importance of philosophical diplomacy when dealing with groups conflict. • Understand various methods of minority response to majority dominance in order to achieve a win – win situation. 36
PCR 311 Philosophies and Great Personalities of Peace 3.0 MAIN CONTENT 3.1 Minority Response to a Group Dominance There are various ways open to the minority group when responding to the aggression of the majority. Among the various methods are (a) to see the issue with the spirit of equanimity, with the belief in the philosophical disposition that at a certain time in one’s life, an incident which will change one’s course in life must occur. Such belief lends credence to life of transformation if one could persevere. It could also be seen as passive acceptance. Other methods could be through aggressive response, self segregation, or acculturation. Spirit of Equanimity This is a situation where the minority invokes philosophical method of temporarily accepting the situation it finds itself, with the hope of a better morrow. The minority adopts this view, to avoid what could amount to committing either suicide or hara-kiri. They passively accommodate themselves to their subordinate position and settle down, hoping for not too distant emancipation, as long as they live. An example of passive acceptance is Uncle Tom, the Negro servant in the novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin as reported by Jeneth B. Clark, 1965, in his book. The Psychology of the Ghetto, New York; published by Harper and Row. Uncle Tom accepted his situation that he would always be a Whiteman’s servant and on that basis, tried his best to behave in a way that would make his servitude as comfortable for him as possible. He was obedient, caused no trouble and faithful to his master’s interests. For his compliance, he was richly rewarded as he was able to achieve most of what he would have attained as a free man. This is a philosophy that goes with an African proverb that he who fights and runs away lives to fight another day. The implication is that accepting one’s subordinance does not condemn one to a perpetual slavery. We have seen how oppressed minorities developed quite helpful methods of dealing with members of a dominant society which eventually led to swinging the situation to their advantage. Humility, in the face of naked display of vanity by the dominant group could help. Over-simplicity by saying sir, sir, several times to the vaguery demands of the oppressor could also help. Those traits were exhibited by the Kenyans in the initial exploitation of their land as the displaced Kenyans even agreed to work as labourers on their farms appropriated by the white settlers. That servile pretence enabled them to understand the nitty-gritty of the white settlers before the inevitable Mau Mau uprising which paved the way for the Jomo-Kenyatas to mount the political ladder of the Kenyan nation. As earlier mentioned, the philosophy behind the passive acceptance of a subordinate status is to avoid a situation whereby an anxiety for quick results may prevent the realization of having any result at all and that could happen unless there is an absolute caution. It is quite true that acceptance may be an easy response for a minority group to make, because it promotes inter-group harmony, but it is quite understandable that those who adopt it have 37
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pcr 311 - National Open University of Nigeria

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