The fundamental rights and privileges to which every individual is entitled, irrespective of their race, color, religion, gender, or any other attribute, are encapsulated in the concept of civil rights. An equitable society must be constructed upon these rights, whose history has been marked by a protracted and arduous quest for equality. The evolution of civil rights, the adversities encountered, and the ongoing struggle for parity in the contemporary world constitute the thematic core of this essay.
This discourse delves into the intricate workings of Nationalism within a country, navigating diverse circumstances. The focal point of analysis is the documentary “Face Cover” by AM Ashfaque, complemented by cinematic works such as “The Butler” by Lee Daniels and “Bloody Sunday” by Paul Greengrass. Supplementary insights are drawn from literary sources such as “Hindu, Hindu, Hindustani,” Benedict Anderson’s “Imagined Community,” and Shiv Vishvanathan’s “Interrogating the Nation.” Within this cinematic and literary tapestry, the primary objective is to scrutinise civil wars in various nations, elucidate the emergence of civil rights struggles, and unravel the multifaceted manifestations of Nationalism in diverse scenarios.
The narrative of civil rights, especially for marginalized communities, striving for their inherent rights, unfolds vividly in the film “Face Cover.” Centered around the Easter Sunday attack of 2019 in Sri Lanka, the film poignantly illustrates its repercussions on the Muslim minority. This narrative intertwines with the plight of women, underscoring the dichotomy between Jaffna Tamils and Batticalo Tamils in terms of geography, dialectics, and culture. The protagonist, Ashifa, a Tamil Muslim, encapsulates the displacement borne out of discrimination. The tumultuous events of 1990, when the LTTE targeted Muslim communities, laid bare the religious and cultural chasms within Tamil society. The ensuing insecurity and dispossession directly impact the human rights, political representation, and socio-economic development of this marginalized group.
The recent revelation of facts surrounding the Easter Sunday Attack in 2019, as exposed by a whistleblower in the British Channel 4 broadcast, sheds light on the insidious workings of political propaganda leveraging inter-nation conflicts. Notably, the film underscores the travails faced by women, who are disproportionately affected due to societal marginalization. Instances such as the government’s restriction on Hijab for national security reasons highlight the perversion of democratic principles, where authorities exploit their power to infringe upon minority rights, perpetuating a lifetime of suffering. Such transgressions beg the question: Is this a fair price for the pursuit of democracy?
“The Butler” offers another cinematic prism through which the diversity and dissent within the African-American community are refracted. The film chronicles the life of Cecil, an African-American butler in the White House, mirroring the struggle for civil rights within a backdrop of racial prejudice. Cecil’s silent endurance of systemic racism contrasts with his son’s active involvement in the civil rights movement alongside figures like Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela. The film poignantly captures the racial slurs and discrimination endured by African-Americans, depicting the societal hierarchy where positions of power are monopolized by whites. Yet, the denouement of the story heralds a transformative moment—the election of a black individual, President Barack Obama, to the nation’s highest office.
Gyanendra Panday’s discourse in “Hindu, Hindu, Hindustani” articulates the complex interplay of India’s formation as a nation and its subsequent hierarchical positioning of Hindus at the zenith, relegating others to marginalized spheres. The narrative unfurls the amalgamation of Hindus and Muslims, with figures like the Ali brothers and Mahatma Gandhi attempting to forge a united front through non-violence. Pre-colonization, the Mughal Empire, epitomized by Akbar, witnessed a syncretic culture. However, post-legislation societal norms shifted, fostering a milieu where religion, caste, class, and ethnicity underwent transformative changes. The article resonates with Ranjith Guha’s exploration of the historiography of colonial India, illustrating how Elitism and Nationalism align with the intricate dynamics observed in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday Attack in Sri Lanka.
Communalism and Nationalism emerge as prominent themes in society, reflecting socio-political ideologies that emphasize the interests and identities of specific religious or ethnic groups. The cow protection movement serves as a paradigmatic illustration of such ideological currents. Historical figures like Malviya and Dar exemplify efforts to propagate Hinduism and foster education for Muslim children, encapsulating the ethos of coexistence among diverse communities within the nation. Prathap Naren’s assertion that “Hinduism and Muslim are the two arms of Mother India” encapsulates the vision of harmonious cohabitation among different segments of the populace.
“Bloody Sunday” further elucidates how authorities wield power over minorities, depicting the clash between Northern Ireland’s Civil Rights and the British government. Shiv Viswanathan’s assertion that “Nations are disciplinary myths” underscores the complexity inherent in understanding the development of nations post-colonization and modernization. The delineation of boundaries based on culture, social interests, and religion adds layers of intricacy to comprehending the trajectory of nations.
From historical battles to contemporary campaigns, the trajectory of the civil rights movement has traversed a considerable distance. Despite significant strides, the quest for equality remains an ongoing struggle. Injustice and discrimination persist, presenting new challenges. Nevertheless, the indomitable spirit of activists, advocates, and communities worldwide instills hope for a future where civil rights are not merely acknowledged but fervently safeguarded and celebrated.
Genuine equality, it is posited, can only be realized through collaborative efforts, perpetual education, and an unwavering commitment to justice. This journey transcends national borders, uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds in the pursuit of a just and inclusive society. As we reflect on the historical tapestry of civil rights and the enduring challenges, let us be mindful that the battle for civil rights stands testament to the resilient human spirit and the unwavering belief that every individual merits dignity and respect, regardless of their origins or identity.
Rivindana P Weerasekara
[Rivindana P Weerasekara is an aspiring sociologist with a fervent interest in unraveling the complexities of society. Currently dedicated to advancing her knowledge, she is pursuing a Master’s degree in Sociology at the esteemed South Asian University in New Delhi. Rivindana’s academic journey began at KDU Sri Lanka, where she laid the groundwork in social sciences. Fueled by a profound passion for understanding societal dynamics, she approaches the world with a gregarious perspective, eager to contribute to the field of sociology and make meaningful contributions to our understanding of human interactions.]
References
- AM Ashfaque (Director). (n.d.). Face Cover [Film; Tamil].
- Daniels, L. (Director). (2013). The Butler [Film; English].
- Panday, G. (1990). the construction of communalism in colonial northern india. Delhi Oxford University Press.
- Visvanatha, S. (2013). Interrogating the Nation. Economic and Political Weekly.
