Blog Post 9 - November

The focus of the article by Zabalegi and Lober focuses on collectivization efforts led by women in the Basque region of western Europe, as well as their response to the coronavirus pandemic. The article begins with the phrase, "It's time to seize the means of care" an overt reference to the writings of Karl Marx, who called workers to "seize the means of production." The phrase is most commonly linked with communist projects, but also applies to most efforts of worker collectivization and empowerment. The article discusses how Basque women have faced both violence from men, as well as the strain put on themselves and others by the coronavirus pandemic. The article discusses how problems are often addressed by governments and other institutions with an individual approach, rather than a collective one. This can both be very isolating, and can also increase the pressures of inequality, as those in privilege have access to more tools to address their individual concerns, while in contrast, a collective approach would allow marginalized people to support one another and build power through community rather than individual privilege.

One continuing difficulty faced by many collectivist movements, as well as the main focus of the article is the difficulty in "rising up" and creating lasting, or systemic change. Many of our societies are structured in a way in which to present any fundamental change to their structure as impossible. The status quo is treated as "the way things have always been, and always will be, rather than just one step in on the path to the improvement of the lives of the people. Most governments and institutions oppose any potential shakeups in their protected systems of privilege and power, because those in charge directly benefit from them, and many are even willing to incite or participate in violence, intimidation and suppression in order to prevent change to the status quo. Collectivist movements find their greatest strength in numbers, and the argument made in this article intends to build strength for these groups by explaining their struggle and extending their communicative reach.

Zabalegi, Maite Arraiza & Lober, Brooke, "A communique from Basque Country in the time of Coronavirus." Commune, 2020.