Oppression as a Paradigmatic Component of East African Indigenous Knowledge

Abstract

This article aims to bring general attention to the universal human phenomenon of oppression expressed in East African indigenous cultures and knowledge. We cannot take on the enormity of oppression as a problem; neither can we encompass, recount or analyse the enormous literature about it. We can, however, take our biology into account and examine our own experiences. We recount some history and some enlightening stories from our own lives while offering analyses and some suggestions. Our stories focus on the design of systems, activities and products. As a subject, oppression has received scholarly attention and has done so for a long time throughout the world. In India, the term ‘dalit’ means ‘oppressed’, ‘broken’ or ‘crushed’ to the extent of losing original identity; the caste system and sexuality seem to explain the level of oppression. Political Science scholars say that communism is the main reason for leadership oppression in Russia and in countries with similar ideologies. Meanwhile, racism is often cited as the main reason why there is oppression in Australia, America and Europe. Different types and levels of poverty may explain oppression within Africa, in general, and East Africa, in particular. With the general picture from readings and using participant observation, we get data we analyse and discuss here. By way of generalisation, oppression in Africa has negative and positive sides built into the cultures of the people. It is not enough to dwell on the negative parts; we would do more if we found the social-cultural roles oppression may play in making life tick.