(Reflections on The Way of The Outsider)
By uMonde iNxele
Again and again, I find that I must go back to the
Promethean Myth; it is perfect at illustrating the condition of The Outsider.
The theft of Fire from the gods or the transcending of
darkness and unconsciousness through Courage Knowledge is a universal human
struggle.
AmaXhosa have a common and very ancient phrase that
accompanies every Prayer; mabuded'
ubumnyama kuvel' uk'khanya (Darkness retreat, Light shine forth). In the
Book of Genesis, God says "Let there be light".
The Outsider wants to say Yes to Existence, and to laugh
with uMdalidiphu. But when he considers his position in Society, he hears a
voice that says to him "you are mad". The Voice is Prometheus' Eagle.
The Eagle that ate away at Prometheus' Liver is much like
The Voice that is filling The Outsider's head with noise and Self-doubt.
In studying the conduct of Prometheus after the performance
of the Heroic Act, The Outsider may find a prognosis for his condition. And
truly, it is a Heroic Act today -when everyone wants to fit in- to make the
Choice to Become an Outsider.
When Prometheus is confronted by The Tyrant, he does not
falter. Torture does not succeed in getting him to recant. The Rebel remains
steadfast in his subversion of the status quo.
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