Thursday, May 5, 2016

Freedom versus Oppression: Introduction














picture: the dutch symbol of freedom and pictures of the reoccupation of indonesia




Freedom versus Oppression: Dutch Liberation Day Celebrations


Today may the 5th 2016 we celebrate liberation day in the Netherlands. The Germans formally surrendered to the Allies on 05-05-1945, more than 71 years ago. Ever since our country has been at peace. We the Dutch had lost much to the German oppression during the hunger winter in '44-'45. The Germans had taken all our food and many people died as a result of starvation. Liberation was the biggest moment of joy in our 400 hundred year history. Large parts of our country had been liberated by Canadians, who did not ask anything in return, and did not occupy our nation. After the war they just packed up and left, leaving us free. The world could not have been brighter, live could not be more promising. Or so one would believe.

A great cynical event took place almost immediately after our liberation. Our colony in the far east, Indonesia, had declared it's independence. However the Dutch government disagreed. We wasted no time reoccupying Indonesia and began a campaign to suppress the freedom of the people of Indonesia that lasted another 4 years. At the time a colony was seen as a legitimate form of possessing another people. Few Dutch had any considerations for the wishes of the Indonesian people. Might they not also want to be free?

How much cynicism must one posses, to commit such an act? You could state that we did not deserve to be liberated. It certainly would have been better for the people of Indonesia. Although today we give a lot of high and mighty speeches about the value of freedom and human rights, our tiny country has a rather large blemish when it comes to these values.

However our behavior is far from unique. The British and the Russians did the same. And so did the Indonesians. Indonesia is actually a large patchwork of peoples and islands. Today the largest population, that of Java, dominates the many smaller tribes and peoples. Often against their will. Take for instance the people of Atjeh. They are treated as second class citizens and denied many rights and opportunities. These histories are just a few examples of how mankind conducts its affairs in relation to itself. It seems no people or race is blame free. Even the freedom loving Americans have been known to support a dictator or two.

Given our conduct, questions arise towards the value of freedom and the nobility of mankind.

What is freedom?
What is oppression?
What kinds of oppression are there?
Why do we want freedom?
Why do we oppress?
Is it acceptable for others to be free?
Do we want others to be free?
Are we prepared to fight for the freedom of others?
How much of our noble nations actually holds up under examination?
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