The discourse on inter-ethnic dynamics

Mar 19, 2014 Features / Columnists, Peeping Tom

At times academics can confuse more than they enlighten. This happens more from sins of omission than from sins of commission.
This is not a personal criticism of anyone, just an observation that when writing letters for newspapers read mainly by the average citizen, it is necessary to explain and justify the many propositions made, because unless this is done, the average citizen may not appreciate what is being argued.
It is wrong to assume that by simply stating a proposition without any explanation or justification this would be sufficient for it to be accepted. The proposition may be understood, but it may not be accepted unless it is justified.
We can say that metal is hard and people will accept this because it accords with their own understanding of the nature of metals. But not all propositions are viewed as objective reality, and especially when dealing with social phenomenon, there is a need to explain and then justify any proposition being advanced, particularly for the benefit of the average reader.
Indeed at times even the academically enlightened can come away uncertain as to the validity and soundness of certain propositions. One can, for example, make a statement, as was done in a letter written by renowned academic Dr. David Hinds, published in yesterday’s Stabroek News, to wit, that in our multi-ethnic society competition for resources and the insecurities that flow from such competition, it is a mistake to ignore inter-ethnic dynamics.
In Guyana it can be easily appreciated that competition for resources can and has generated ethnic insecurities. But making the case that it is a mistake to ignore inter-ethnic dynamics requires answering why. Why is it a mistake to ignore inter-ethnic dynamics? Is it merely because of the insecurities generated?
So is the reason why inter-ethnic dynamics should not be ignored related to the fact that these dynamics have the potential of engendering fears? Or are there other more compelling reasons for so doing? If so, what are those reasons. Could it be that if left unaddressed, some of these inter-ethnic dynamics can forestall greater economic development and promote instability? The writer leaves us hanging on just why we should not ignore inter-ethnic dynamics.
Dr. Hinds goes on to argue that “our national quest for social, economic and political justice is situated in this basic challenge.” What challenge is he referring to? Is it the challenge posed by ethnic insecurity or is it the challenge of competition? That particular point is not very clear.
He then goes on to state another argument that the quest for economic, social and political justice rings hollow if the “ relationship between nurturing the overarching national community and addressing the condition, desires and interests of its constituent ethnic communities” is ignored.
This is a very strong contention and therefore it needs to be both explained and justified. Why, for example, would the quest for justice ring hollow if this balance between the overall national development and the interests of constituent ethnic groups is not balanced?
Dr. Hinds then goes to make the point that in the process of competition for resources certain narratives of defence are created. One such narrative, he notes, is the myth of innate ethnic superiority. Two such myths are that Africans are not good at business or that they abandoned the plantations because of laziness and the preference for shallow materialism. One anticipated that he would have dismissed these myths, but again he leaves us with mere statements. But it may have been beyond the scope of his letter to disabuse us of these myths.
The letter goes on to raise other important questions as to whether the economic system of structural adjustment has disempowered Africans and if African villages are still viable economic units. It can equally be questioned whether the system of structural adjustment has not been harsher on the working class as a whole, than it has been on any specific ethnic grouping.
The letter raises questions. These questions should ideally form part of any national discourse on inter-ethnic relationships, because problems within these relations have the potential of engendering feelings of marginalization and these feelings of marginalization can give rise to conflict and instability. Conflict and instability can forestall development and worse lead to destruction, injury and deaths.
For that reason, let the discourse begin!

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