A few days ago, I asked my dad how he finds a balance between personal achievement and humility knowing what’s going on in the world?
It was really a much more nuanced question than that but that’s the best way to sum it up.
The reason I came to ask the question comes from my own personal reflection over the last 16 months and even longer honestly.
As someone who has spent the last 10 years not directly involved in an organization under the umbrella of “Free Palestine”, but instead making art and music heavily themed on independence from corporate labels and ownership based on the exploitative nature of the industry; which can be similarly traced back to colonial establishments, the overlap between the two is inherent to the foundation of my artistry but I find it difficult to champion myself as an “artist/activist” in the modern format of the entertainment landscape.
The question I posed to my dad comes from this overlap.
How does one inspire others to see the world through their lens while at the same time, stay humble and grounded to the cause of liberation, whether that be in politics or business?
How does one stand out in a sea of fit pics and high fashion without feeling shame and shallowness for signaling individualism?
How does one break the cultural barriers that have been built by multi-billion dollar industries to exploit the less fortunate?
How does one while enjoying the benefits of the Western world, criticize the existence of and at the same time make use of the tools available to him/her?
His response took some time but ultimately he said:
“—if you have the opportunity to take active control of your life, and don’t, that is the real tragedy.”
The fact that other evils in the world have created such disparity and struggle does not stop your ability to influence your immediate sphere.
Creating agency and freedom in one’s life does not have to look like material gain and is not limited to financial freedom.
Freedom is not limited to physical freedom either.
”Lock us behind gates but can’t tame us” - Nipsey Hussle
Freedom of the mind is one of the most crucial forms of freedom but we are indoctrinated to believe that without financial freedom, we cannot win.
This indoctrination of the mind is enemy number 1.
No matter the obstacle, be that prison bars, access to capital or information, etc. the only objective is to KEEP GOING.
To believe in what you know to be true is the ultimate freedom and your job on this planet is to carry on no matter the obstacle.
Allowing life to pass you by (floating with the wind), is not acceptable.
If you succumb to despair and fold your hand to the impassable obstacles of corporate media and government funding, the battle for your freedom will never be won.
To give up on those who have no option to give up is the ultimate shame.
Set your intentions within your heart and soul and KEEP MARCHING FORWARD.
Trust your heart.
w love,
Kassamoto