Expanding on Paulo Friere’s Subtitle of “Cooperation” in Pedagogy of the Oppressed

WRIT 340 Response Paper 6

EMBRACING PRAXIS

This subtitle falls between Freire’s sections titled “Cooperation” and “Unity for Liberation”. It is important to understand that cooperation takes more than a one time decision for “dialogical communion”(Freire 170). A one time decision or a decision in a singular aspect of life, is not a true embrace of praxis. This is because embracing praxis is more than just the cooperation between oppressed and oppressor. To embrace praxis we must first acknowledge our duality as both oppressed and oppressor.

Once we acknowledge this fact it opens us to practice humility because only when we truly humble ourselves can we approach a state of cooperation. Cooperation is a state of being rather than an action, a state which is only achievable with “humility and capacity to love”(Freire 170). A cooperative state is identifiable by a consistent decision to embrace praxis.

The ability of action and reflection cannot be limited to our choice of relationship. We must make a constant effort to identify our praxis as a confirmation of our existence. If we embrace praxis as a piece of our existence, rather than viewing the process of reflection and action as a decision that we make, it is possible to truly reach a state of cooperation.

Exploring The Idea of Cooperation as a State of Being as well as a “Characteristic”

Freire calls the concept of Cooperation, that stems from dialogical communion, a “characteristic of dialogical action” (168). I contend with this idea on the belief that cooperation is also a state we can achieve and as easily lose. Defining cooperation as a “characteristic” infers that it is innate within dialogical action and not within people(Freire 168). His definition reduces cooperation to a facet of the action side of praxis. While this is true, Freire does not acknowledge the dualastic nature of cooperation.

As much as cooperation is a piece of dialogical action, it is a piece of us as well. Because when we properly identify our existence with our praxis of naming the world through reflection and action, we are open to the state of being that is cooperation. It is only through a constant pursuit of our humanity, through our praxis, that we achieve and remain in a state of cooperation.

This is not a permanent state, because we can very easily fall short in our pursuit of humanity. No one is perfect, and in our journey we may lose sight of our praxis. Ignorance to our praxis as our identity separates us from the state of cooperation. Because in this separated state we are unconsciously engaging with the people and world around us. This state is not marked by unconscious action and unconscious theory, but is identifiable by unawareness of how the two intersect in our praxis. An ignorance to our praxis confirming our existence coincides with falling out of the state of cooperation.

The Communitive Nature of Cooperation

The state and characteristic of cooperation can only exist where there is community. Cooperation requires more than a singular person, for this reason it is necessary to nurture a community where cooperation can exist. Freire says that it is the responsibility of the oppressed to “liberate themselves and their oppressors as well”, but we understand that we are all oppressors and oppressed (44). Our duality means that we are all responsible for liberating ourselves and those who oppress us, a vocation that can only be achieved through dialogue.

To bring these issues to the table, we — as a community of human beings — must foster an environment where cooperation can flourish. However, if it was that simple, the oppressor-oppressed relationship would not be so omnipresent in the world. The biggest hurdle of creating this community of cooperation lies with humility. A community where we all commit to our praxis in a state of cooperation, requires the humility of every single individual.

The importance of the individual is easily lost on us these days. The structure of society, especially in the States, reinforces the false notion that our opinions and beliefs do not make a difference in the grand scheme of things. It takes deep reflection and critical thought to understand why we think or believe the things we do. This reflection must be accompanied by an action of humility, because it allows true dialogue through an open-minded approach.

To commune with another individual requires humility and open-mindedness. It is only when we consistently commune with one another, in a state of cooperation, that we can foster the proper community. It begins with each individual, humbling themselves and accepting praxis as part of existence. Because where two or more individuals that prescribe to this praxis meet, a community of cooperation is born.

By establishing a community of individuals that are frequently in the state of cooperation, it is possible to unify. Understanding we are human means understanding our shortcomings. No one will be in a cooperative state at all times, but if we limit our amount spent outside of this state, and surround ourselves with others who do the same, the possibility for unity suddenly appears. Because a group of individuals who consistently remains in a state of cooperation can commune with one another in true dialogue. When we unify, through our praxis and humility, in a state of cooperation, we can take the necessary steps towards true liberation.