Page 424 - Mike Ratner CC - WISR Complete Dissertation - v6

Freire claimed, “Critical reflection is also action… The same is true of revolutionary action.

That is, the oppressed and the leaders are equally the subjects of revolutionary action, and reality

serves as the medium for the transforming action of both groups. In this theory of action one cannot

speak of an actor, nor simply of actors, but rather of actors in intercommunication” and this is

Metasphere creation. Freire wrote that intercommunication might appear to imply “division,

dichotomy, rupture of the revolutionary forces” in fact, he wrote it signifies exactly the opposite:

their communion. “Apart from this communion, we do see dichotomy: leaders on one side and

people on the other, in a replica of the relations of oppression. Denial of communion in the

revolutionary process, avoidance of dialogue with the people under the pretext of organizing them,

of strengthening revolutionary power, or of ensuring a united front, is really a fear of freedom. It

is fear of or lack of faith in the people. But if the people cannot be trusted, there is no reason for

liberation; in this case the revolution is not even carried out for the people, but "by" the people for

the leaders: a complete self-negation. The revolution is made neither by the leaders for the people,

nor by the people for the leaders, but by both acting together in unshakable solidarity. This

solidarity is born only when the leaders witness to it by their humble, loving, and courageous

encounter with the people. Not all men and women have sufficient courage for this encounter—

but when they avoid encounter they become inflexible and treat others as mere objects; instead of

nurturing life, they kill life; instead of searching for life, they flee from it. And these are oppressor

characteristics.” (Freire, 2018 p129)

Community development is founded on principles of social justice and environmental

sustainability. Its process, although often a practical response to immediate issues, involves

learning to question the everyday taken-for-granted contradictions that are woven through our

everyday lives. Out of these altered perspectives on life emerges a more critical awareness, and

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