Paulo Freire -- Pedagogy of the Oppressed

What is the relationship of this oppression and violence to love?

Even if violent, rebellion is an act of love because breaking oppression restores humanity to both oppressed and oppressor.

Where does freedom from oppression come from?

From the oppressed

What does Freire mean by humanization and dehumanization?

Humanization: quest for human completion Dehumanization: humanity has been stolen; both the oppressed and the oppressor suffer from it; incomplete being; distortion of vocation

What is the relationship between having and being?

In any materialistic society, I'm going to keep trying to have more until I can have you.

What is liberation?

Liberation is creating a new life/image; there must be a change in perception.

What is the biggest problem when oppressed seek liberation?

Often the oppressed don't actually break out of the cycle, but instead become the oppresser.

What is the relationship between oppression and violence?

Oppression: any situation that exploits another. That already is violence (even if it isn't overtly violent).

What is solidarity?

Solidarity is not a mindset, but an action; "fighting at the side of". Standing at their side, but not acting as one of them (not pretending you're as oppressed as them, but still supporting them).

Why do the oppressed do this?

The oppressed has the false image that to be man is to be the oppressor.

What does Freire mean by "the oppressed must be their own example in the struggle for their redemption"?

The oppressed must look within themselves to find power (look within yourself to find the power of God).

What is the duality that oppressed suffer?

The oppressed need/want freedom, but fear it because it's unknown.

Why is reflection important?

True reflection will always lead to action.

What does Freire mean by "to be is to be under him, to depend on him"?

Born in a society where you are oppressed you only believe that you are always under someone.