The Exploration of Resistance in Al-Ramli’s Dates on my Fingers and Scattered Crumbs

Abstract

The study discusses the concept of resistance in Al-Ramli’s Dates on My Fingers and Scattered Crumbs through the lens of Michel Foucault's theory of power. Resistance is an important component in Michel Foucault’s philosophy and plays a key role in his analysis of power. Foucault was keen to make the concept of resistance inherent to the concept of power. Since resistance cannot manage without power. As stated in his book History of Sexuality, Foucault writes "Where there is power, there is resistance and yet, or rather consequently, this resistance is never in a position of exteriority in relation to power" (Foucault,1978, p. 95). The study concluded that there are three different kinds of resistance; tactical reversal in which the resistance is directed by the people against the regime by the adoption of nonviolent activities through for instance disobedience, political revolutions, rebellions, demonstrations, hunger strikes, and the sewing eyes, lips or ears. The second form of resistance is the aesthetics of existence refers to the adoption of the works of arts to resist tyrannical laws and norms. The third form of resistance is violent resistance. The paper also highlights the political oppression and helplessness of the Iraqi people and how the power is abused and utilized by Saddam Hussein's regime for his affairs.