Simple Politics? part 1 of 2
As a young man growing up in an era where the term “politician” seems to be the common denominator among the worlds greatest or most powerful people - Barrack Obama, Nelson Mandela, Adolph Hitler, Nicolas Sarkozy, The Clintons (the list goes on) – it definitely begs the question, “What is a Politician”?
“The profession devoted to governing…”
| I asked many friends, some in constant contact with “politicians”, and I’ve observed the most bizarre responses such as, “If you wake up tomorrow and decide to be a politician you are doomed” or , “A politician is a person who gains power by selling welfare to people” – And then there’s a cloud of corruption and conspiracies associated with “politicians” or politics.
So I’ve decided to embark on a journey of my own, trying to get a simple (if possible) understanding of why people become politicians, why politicians seem to run the world In primitive societies, people were given or agreed on totem’s and the only rule was was that people of the same totem were not allowed to intermarry. The object is quite clear that our ancestors were trying to prevent marriage and reproduction among close relatives. I find in my research that there was no recognition of duty to any strangers unless food was in abundance in that area. Perhaps this is where the heart of politics lies?As people flocked to the “lands of abundance” Kinship arose. Kings and rulers of the land were chosen in warfare as hunger challenged birthright. This gave rise to “Patriarchal Societies”, characterized by Male Kinship, Permanent Marriage and Paternal Authority to be the ruling principle of social order. The population was organized in clans and tribes.
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With the development of “the art of war” and military organization some kings became more powerful and states were created. The kings summoned the population to service the nation by way of taxation and serving the military. The ideology of kinship produced very powerful states and nations until the French revolution put a stop to it! It is evident today that the greatest political organizations owe their existence to military excellence.
So are we saying that politics is all about governing land? The most powerful nations today have the largest populations and prominent geographic cover (USA and China) – We give credit to the British for uniting the American states and credit the first emperor of China (Emperor QIN) for conquering and coining a nation called China – not to the most spoken language in South Africa, credit to Shaka Zulu. We also know that the other power-houses are religious groups, but where is their land? It seems to me that land is associated with politics and abundance is associated with economics. So if people hand enough land and the correct mix of abundance (crop, cattle, skills, knowledge) to sustain themselves and the amount of contribution they intend making to the economy, would there be permanent social stability, or in simple terms peace? With a little knowledge gathered in the latter 6 paragraphs, lets attempt to answer the question, “What is a politician?” Was Shaka Zulu a politician? Was Jesus Christ a politician? |
Author: Vusi Sindane
Interesting account. I like the trace that you took through the murky waters – murky because they often say politics is a dirty game and the many figures with political backgrounds where known for their dirty tactics. In politics, we count the good ones because its easier that way – they are not that many.
Whether politics is indeed a dirty game or that them politicians are dirty is worth another debate. In my view, it is difficult to separate politics from interests, because politics is in part calculated advancement to gain power or influence over a process, a resource or a people. Those who become professionals in seeking to establish power relationships evolve into what we conventionally know as politicians. The grand stage of political activity is of course associated with government, yet it is indeed more than that.
Yes, politicians are associated with rulers or state office bearers. But they are not the only ones with interests, and therefore not the only ones who pursue calculated advancements to gain power. Those who seek to control politicians, even if they are not in “politics” as we know it, are in fact better politicians than the state actors. The main indicator of a politician is the quest to protect an interest by acquiring power or influence through the employment of tactical manoeuvres.
It can be argued that economic gains rank amongst the top material rewards many continue to seek in their waking lives. The controllers of economic means have become the greatest politicians as they seek to protect their interests through controlling those who yield state power. Far from there being abundance – it is in fact scarcity that invokes the greatest impetus for political activity. Few positions, less resources, less opportunities – these are the triggers of all the shoving, pushing and jostling that is characteristic of politicians today.
Was Jesus Christ a politician? Based on what we know about Jesus Christ and within the working definition of politician I have tried to capture, it is hard to say Jesus Christ was a politician. However, many state actors, if not all, and those who gain control over others did so through some sneaky tactics based on one promise or another in exchange for support. Politics is therefore very transactional, a something-for-something encounter.
I value you comment, I’ll incorporate some of your ideas in the next article (part 2) next week.
The main concept I’m gathering is that people puppeteers that animate statements are even greater politicians… That opens up a completely new chapter!
Who controls Barrack Obama? Thabo Mbeki is good testimony of who animates Jacob Zuma! So why would you want to be the president of a country in such a case?
For me, this is in pursuit to be able to explain to a 10yr old or younger, what politics is… or find a definition for Simple Politics if there is one.
What is a politian? Tough question chief and many of these modern day politian are unable to answer that question. A politian in my view is a representitive of the people and puts ther needs 1st. Nowadays politics is about power and money… Most have 4gotten that the people make and break and they are driven by ambitions of acquiring easy money through tenders babe hamaTenderpreneur and drink red wine EMelrose
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