By Sara Ghanawi | Staff Writer
On Tuesday November 14th, The Psychology Student Society, in collaboration with the Palestinian Cultural Club, hosted a discussion titled “Decolonization of Minds” at the American University of Beirut. The discussion was led by Dr. Vivienne Badaan, a Palestinian Professor of Social and Political Psychology. The event took the form of a discussion in political psychology centered on Palestine, covering the coloniality of being, collective action, social hope, and each individual’s role toward liberation.
Dr. Badaan began the discussion with an overview of the history of Zionism and the establishment of the “State of Israel”. She highlighted that this recounting of history serves to show that the argument linking the establishment of Israel to the rising anti-Semitism in WW2 is flawed, as the intentions of establishing the Zionist state is traced back to the late 19th century.
Coloniality of Being
Dr. Badaan then referenced Frantz Fanon’s “The Wretched of the Earth” to discuss the coloniality of being. She elaborated on the psychological impact of colonization on the psyche of colonized individuals, particularly how it creates within them a sense of internalized inferiority. This manifests as feelings of inadequacy, a rejection of one’s own culture, and a desire to assimilate as a strategy for survival, as true liberation and decolonization require decolonizing our own beings by radically reclaiming our cultural identity.
Violence as Means to an End
Fanon’s emphasis on the role of violence and resistance in achieving true liberation, of both the land and the psyche, was the next point of discussion. Fanon viewed violence as a means to an end in countering the dehumanization imposed by the colonizers. In psychological terms, violence is seen as a means to transform the consciousness of the oppressed into that of self-assertion and liberation, reclaiming an essential sense of dignity and agency in shaping their destinies. In the context of Palestine, Dr. Badaan explained that Palestinians have attempted nonviolence for an extended period. However, historically, revolutionary violence has been necessary in decolonial struggles for liberation.
Collective Action in the Context of Liberation
Dr. Badaan discussed the social identity model of collective action (SIMCA), which suggests that group identity, group-perceived efficacy, and perceived injustice are the main drivers of collective action. Firstly, social identity plays an integral role in motivating collective action. As people of this region, it’s easy for us to identify with the Palestinian struggle and engage in solidarity and support for the Palestinian cause. For the rest of the world, Dr. Badaan hypothesizes that activating an anti-Zionist political identity mobilizes many activists in the West—especially anti-Zionist Jews—to reject the genocide committed in their names or with their financial support. Secondly, group-based efficacy was evident in the events of October 7th, where the myth of the enemy’s invincibility was debunked, and hope in the power of the resistance was restored. Finally, Dr. Badaan mentioned that the emotions of anger and hope also motivate collective action, in contrast to the fear and despair that the enemy attempts to foster through their propaganda and terrorizing strategies.
Utopian Thinking and Hope
Hope and utopian thinking were extensively discussed, as it’s Dr. Badaan’s area of research. She emphasized the importance of activating our social and political imagination toward a liberated Palestine to motivate the work for this liberation. Simply imagining what a free Palestine would resemble, envisioning the two-hour drive from Lebanon to Palestine, and contemplating the feeling of returning to our houses are imperative for instilling hope for collective action. Dr. Badaan noted that Palestinians’ unwavering faith that liberation is possible is what keeps them hopeful in the face of a horrendous genocide.
Individuals’ Roles Toward Liberation
Finally, Dr. Badaan mentioned some steps that each individual could take toward liberation. Firstly, educating oneself about the history and context of the Palestinian struggle is an essential cornerstone. This involves educating others within our close circles through engaging in difficult conversations. Secondly, disseminating knowledge and sharing it on social media is crucial to counter the Zionist media propaganda campaign. Dr. Badaan stressed on the importance of boycotting and highlighted the Palestinian Cultural Club’s remarkable initiative to promote the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions campaign. Additionally, joining clubs, protests, and groups that amplify Palestinian voices and support the cause is immensely helpful. Lastly, Dr. Badaan reiterated her advice to stay hopeful and stay angry, as these emotions promote collective action, which is crucial in dismantling colonial systems.
She concluded by stating that decolonization and liberation are multifaceted and that all our contributions are crucial for the liberation of Palestine, collectively forging an indomitable path toward liberated selves, minds, and lands.