In moments of global crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has shown its capacity for unity and solidarity. Nations stood together, sharing resources and support in the face of a common threat. However, as time passes, a familiar reality resurfaces—one marked by division, power dominance, and ongoing oppression across different parts of the world.
This phenomenon is not merely a political issue. It represents a deeper humanitarian crisis, one that touches the most fundamental aspect of human existence: the right to breathe freely.
“I Can’t Breathe”: A Symbol of Oppression
Revolutionary thinker Frantz Fanon, in his seminal work Black Skin, White Masks, described rebellion as a response to conditions that make individuals feel as though they “cannot breathe.” This expression goes beyond metaphor—it reflects the suffocating weight of structural oppression.
The phrase gained global resonance during the tragic death of George Floyd, who uttered “I can’t breathe” moments before losing his life due to police brutality in the United States. His final words became a powerful symbol of resistance against systemic racism and state violence worldwide.
A Recurring Reality Across Regions
The experience of “being unable to breathe” is not confined to one country. In the documentary Beyond the Frontlines by Alexandra Dols, the daily lives of Palestinians are portrayed as a constant struggle under pressure.
From prison interrogations and military checkpoints to the looming threat of violence in conflict zones, these conditions create both psychological and physical suffocation. In such environments, breathing itself becomes a struggle rather than a natural human act.
Institutional Racism and Systemic Violence
Incidents of violence, whether in the United States or conflict regions like Palestine, reveal patterns that go beyond individual actions. They are manifestations of institutional racism—a system that enables discrimination and violence to persist over time.
Tragic events involving civilians, including those with physical or mental vulnerabilities, highlight how marginalized groups often become the most exposed victims in situations of conflict and injustice.
This underscores a crucial point: violence is not only about isolated acts, but also about structures that allow injustice to endure.
Human Solidarity as the Answer
Global reactions to acts of violence should not stop at momentary empathy. These tragedies must serve as a catalyst for strengthening solidarity across borders.
The right to live safely and to breathe freely is a fundamental human right—one that transcends race, religion, and nationality.
Conclusion
The world now faces a critical choice: remain trapped in cycles of oppression and injustice, or move toward stronger global solidarity.
The fight against racism, violence, and oppression is not the responsibility of a single group—it is a shared responsibility of all humanity.
Because in the end, the right to breathe is not a privilege—it is a basic human right that must be protected and upheld for everyone.
