In the world of cinema, few directors have woven stories as poignant and as resonant as Ken Loach. His latest offering, ´The Old Oak´, is more than a film; it is a clarion call for solidarity, a theme that reverberates through every frame and narrative twist.
I had the privilege of watching this film at the brilliant Tavira Mostra Film Festival last month, one of my favourite cultural events of the year. The festival, with its celebration of diverse voices and compelling narratives, provided the perfect setting to experience the powerful message of ´The Old Oak´. In a world where division often seems the norm, ´The Old Oak´ stands as a testament to the power and necessity of human unity.
The film, set against the backdrop of a struggling pub in a small British town, tells the story of a community grappling with change and adversity. At its core, ´The Old Oak´ is a narrative about the intersections of lives, the meeting of different cultures, and the collective struggle for a better future. It is a story that underscores the importance of standing together, especially in times of crisis. As Loach himself said,
“Our survival depends on our ability to stay together and support each other. It’s as simple as that.”
Today, more than ever, we need this message. The world is rife with conflicts, from geopolitical tensions to social and economic disparities. The digital age, with all its wonders, has also brought about an era of unparalleled division, where the echo chambers of social media often amplify our differences rather than our commonalities. In such a context, the call for solidarity is not just relevant; it is urgent.
We know we are not acting in unity when we see the rise of intolerance, the spread of misinformation, and the increasing polarization of our societies. For instance, the surge in hate crimes and xenophobic rhetoric in many countries is a clear indication of how far we have drifted from unity. These manifestations of division block us from achieving true solidarity. The barriers are many: fear, prejudice, economic inequality, and the reluctance to engage in meaningful dialogue. These obstacles prevent us from recognizing our shared humanity and from working together towards common goals. As Desmond Tutu famously said,
“My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.”
In the movement to end violence against women and girls, this concept of solidarity is a guiding principle. Women who work tirelessly in this field often sign off their communications with the phrase “In Solidarity.” It is more than a closing line; it is a pledge, a commitment to stand together in the fight against gender-based violence. This simple yet powerful phrase encapsulates the essence of what is needed to bring about change: unity, empathy, and collective action. Consider the global #MeToo movement, where millions of women and allies came together to expose and combat sexual harassment and assault, demonstrating the power of solidarity in bringing about social change.
So how do we act in solidarity? How do we move from the passive acceptance of this idea to its active embodiment? First, we must stop attacking one another and creating more factions. The proliferation of divisive rhetoric, whether in politics, social discourse, or even within activist movements, only serves to weaken our collective strength. Instead, we must foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding, where differences are not just tolerated but embraced.
Fear of difference is a fundamental barrier to solidarity. We often fear what we do not understand, and this fear can manifest in prejudice, discrimination, and exclusion. To overcome this, we must actively seek to understand and appreciate the diverse perspectives and experiences that make up our world. This means engaging in open dialogue, educating ourselves and others, and cultivating empathy. As Maya Angelou once wrote,
“We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter their colour.”
At the heart of solidarity is the recognition of our shared humanity. Regardless of our individual differences, we all have the same fundamental needs: safety, dignity, and the opportunity to prosper. By focusing on these commonalities, we can build bridges rather than walls. We can work together to create a world where everyone has the chance to thrive. For example, consider the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, where communities came together to support one another, healthcare workers were celebrated, and mutual aid networks flourished, highlighting the power of solidarity in times of crisis.
´The Old Oak´ serves as a poignant reminder that our strength lies in our unity. It challenges us to look beyond our immediate concerns and to see the bigger picture: a world where standing together is not just an ideal, but a necessity. As we navigate the complexities of our modern world, let us take this message to heart. Let us stand in solidarity, not just in words, but in action.
In solidarity, we find our true power. We find the ability to bring about change, to support one another through adversity, and to build a future where everyone can flourish. The time for division is over. The time for unity is now.
By Farah Naz
|| features@algarveresident.com
Farah Naz is a UK trained psychotherapist of more than 30 years and is a Clinical Hypnotherapist. She has worked with thousands of people globally for a range of issues. Farah has trained doctors, teachers and health workers on stress management. Currently, she has an online international practice and a private practice in the Algarve. www.iamfarah.com email: info@iamfarah.com
