Podcast Summary: The Chris Hedges Report – "One Day, Everyone Will Always Have Been Against This" with Omar El Akkad
Release Date: February 19, 2025
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Chris Hedges hosts Omar El Akkad, author of One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This, in a profound discussion that delves into the moral decay of industrialized nations, the manipulation of language in perpetuating violence, the ethical dilemmas in journalism, and the enduring struggle for nonviolent resistance amidst systemic oppression.
1. Introduction to Omar El Akkad and His Work
Chris Hedges opens the episode by introducing Omar El Akkad, highlighting his background and literary accomplishments. El Akkad, born in Egypt and raised in Qatar before moving to Canada and eventually the United States, is a two-time Pacific Northwest Booksellers Award and Oregon Book Award winner. His debut novel, American War, was recognized by the BBC as one of the "100 novels that shaped our world." In One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This, El Akkad critically examines the "bankrupt morality of industrialized nations," focusing on the genocide against Palestinians and the racist justifications employed by powers like the United States.
2. Language as a Tool of Empires
The conversation begins with a passage from El Akkad's book, emphasizing how language serves as a fortress for imperial powers:
Omar El Akkad [00:10]: "Language too, forces the air from the lungs... what you're trying to do is give someone on the other side of the planet... the language with which to look away without feeling a pang in their conscience."
El Akkad discusses how euphemistic language dehumanizes victims and masks atrocities, making violence seem like a justified and natural order. This manipulation allows societies to maintain their self-image while committing acts of "industrial violence" globally.
Notable Quote:
El Akkad [03:38]: "Collateral damage... is necessary because fundamentally, what you're trying to do is not represent the situation as it is."
3. Identity, Otherness, and Systemic Oppression
El Akkad shares personal experiences that shape his understanding of identity and otherness. He recounts an incident where his father was harassed by Egyptian authorities, highlighting the arbitrary nature of power and the fragility of one's identity in oppressive systems.
Notable Quote:
El Akkad [12:26]: "There is no geography, certainly no nation state that I can point to and say this is mine... I'm relatively unrooted."
This lack of rootedness contributes to a perpetual state of navigating societal power structures without a definitive place of belonging.
4. The Duplicity of Modern Journalism
A significant portion of the discussion critiques the role of journalism in perpetuating narratives that favor imperial agendas. El Akkad contrasts the media's unwavering support for Ukraine and Israel with its dismissive treatment of Palestinian voices, especially following aggressive military actions by Israel in Gaza.
Notable Quote:
Hedges [26:32]: "The press has played such a shameful role in all of this."
El Akkad explains that institutional pressures often force journalists to adopt biased language, resulting in "cartoonishly bad journalism" that fails to capture the gravity of events.
5. Moral Imperatives in Political Choices
The dialogue shifts to the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals in political decision-making, particularly the rejection of the "lesser of two evils" paradigm. El Akkad expresses a firm stance against supporting political figures or systems that enable or endorse systemic violence and genocide.
Notable Quote:
El Akkad [32:33]: "I cannot continue to think of myself as human and then casually vote for somebody who would allow something like this to happen."
He emphasizes the personal and moral refusal to align with entities that perpetuate injustice, even at the cost of political isolation.
6. The Challenge of Nonviolent Resistance
El Akkad grapples with the concept of nonviolence within oppressive structures, acknowledging the difficulty of maintaining pacifist ideals when faced with systemic brutality. He reflects on his own limitations and the inherent contradictions of advocating for nonviolence while being part of a society that endorses violence.
Notable Quote:
El Akkad [40:46]: "I cannot brush that away and say, hey, I haven't thrown a punch since I was 15 years old... I am actively engaged in it right now."
This introspection reveals the complex interplay between personal ethics and societal complicity in systemic violence.
7. Acts of Love and Solidarity Amidst Oppression
Despite the pervasive violence and oppression discussed, El Akkad highlights inspiring acts of solidarity and love that persist. He cites examples of individuals from diverse backgrounds coming together to support each other and resist oppressive forces.
Notable Quote:
El Akkad [44:41]: "I am watching daily incredible acts of solidarity... love that matters more than any other."
These acts serve as beacons of hope and resilience, countering the narrative of helplessness and fostering a sense of community and mutual support.
8. Hope, Activism, and Collective Action
The conversation culminates with reflections on hope and the imperative for active resistance. El Akkad underscores the importance of collective action and the moral obligation to engage in resistance, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds.
Notable Quote:
El Akkad [49:16]: "We are obligated to love one another even in this incredibly cruel moment... that keeps me going every day."
He emphasizes that individual actions, no matter how small, contribute to a larger movement towards justice and dismantling oppressive systems.
Conclusion
Chris Hedges and Omar El Akkad engage in a compelling exploration of systemic violence, the manipulation of language, and the moral responsibilities of individuals and journalists. El Akkad's insights call for a reexamination of societal norms and an unwavering commitment to resistance and solidarity in the face of oppression.
Final Remarks:
Hedges [52:09]: "We're talking with Omar El Akkad on his book One Day. Everyone will have always been against this..."
This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the pervasive injustices upheld by powerful institutions and the critical need for conscious resistance and ethical integrity in both personal and professional realms.