Anniversary: Che
Oct 9th, 2007 by Tian
October 9 is the anniversary of Che Guevara’s death. He was murdered by the imperialist in 1967. This year we commemorate the 40th anniversary of Che Guevara’s martyrdom.
Che Guevara has become a symbol of dignity, rebellion and the struggle for justice. Malaysian youth today have been deprived of our progressive history. The present repressive atmosphere also killed off the left discourse in the social movement. The symbol of Che somehow conveys a romantic sentiment but vague image of rebellious expressions.
The historical Che was more than just an image; he was a revolutionary leader, a party organizer and a political thinker. While many people glorify his image, and made him an icon on the T-shirt. Che would certain turn in his grave (though over the last few decades he had no proper grave) if he knew that his image helped to enrich many textile tycoons. Yet the global capitalist market is also promoting Che as a commercial icon and a commodity.
Long live Che Guevara! Thanks to fashion market!
Incik Guevara was one mighty fine revolutionary. Even when far away from Uncle Sam’s backyard (Uncle’s backyard actually goes very far and far beyond sother people’s backyards) he was a long thorn up Uncle Sam’s backside. Che went to help other countries organise their struggle. He advocated armed struggle and sentiments like that put fear in the soul of the US. And the US had to hunt him down and kill him.
Other ‘undesirables’ even those who won through democatic election were put down and their supporters viciously eradicated. Allende was one such person put down through the intrigues of the US (and others). Many many people were slaughtered in Chile. One is reminded that Hamas won a democratic election. And the West and Israel is strangling it and failing that, it will seek to destroy it by massive force.
There are new thorns up the ass of Uncle Sam, the chief of the Pirates of the Carribean. There is Chavez, there is Morales, and there is the long surviving Castro. And there is muchas oil in the equation.
The spirit of Che lives on!
Viva!
From more than 100 years ago comes this assessment of Che’s groupies:
“Every villain is followed by a sophist with a sponge.”
– EM Forster, misquoting a Lord Acton lecture