Olufemi O. Taiwo: Elite Capture
By Kunlyna Tauch
Olufemi Taiwo’s Elite Capture examines the power dynamic in all of our interactions and in the different situations in which we find ourselves. Elite Capture is a book about the ways the elite hijacked the conversation concerning ‘Identity Politics’ and the misrepresentation of identity in the struggle against oppressive systems. Taiwo points out that the way one sometimes fights to be heard, or is assisted, can also contribute to the system they are opposing. His philosophies pay homage to Paulo Freire, Amilcar Cabral, E. Franklin Frazier, Angela Davis, and C. Thi Nguyen. Taiwo encourages readers to pull focus from what identity politics has become, the Difference Approach, and focus more on the Constructive Approach; that is on building more supportive environments and to re-evaluate incrementally as we build these new spaces to ensure that what is being built is what the community needs.
Taiwo challenges the “Black Economy Myth’ that is often spewed by conservatives, and even some in the black community. This myth says Blacks possess the ‘purchasing power’ to raise themselves into power if they were to pull their money together and reinvest, support black-owned businesses, and keep their money insulated and not spend their money on frivolous things. This ‘purchasing power’ is estimated to be somewhere near a trillion dollars. Taiwo sites E. Franklin Frazier who said that when this idea came about, the total combined finances of Black America didn’t even amount to the lowest total of a White bank. Instead, he argues against this myth. That it is not only flawed but contributes to negative Black stereotypes and shift the blame from the elite to the Black community. It is not Black spending habits that is the problem here but the elite who continue to victimize others by maintaining the oppressive system from which we are all suffering.
Hence, the issue of power and power dynamics needs to be examined. In Elite Capture, Taiwo shares a story about the king who thinks he has an invisible garment, and is brash enough to walk the streets wearing it. Unknown to him, he is essentially naked. He assumes that if no one says anything to him then he does, indeed, have an invisible garment on. But what he doesn’t take into account is the other factors that prohibit the townspeople from pointing it out, such as threats of violence and death, the townspeople own livelihoods, as well as other things.
This is the same in the real world. When an oppressed person speaks up or against an oppressor, or elite, there are other things that the oppressed person needs to consider that may be more pressing than simply telling the ‘Truth’. Silence does not mean they agree. What Taiwo is showcasing here is the dynamic in which we operate and how even in rooms that are made to help oppressed peoples, it still can have oppressive elements.
Inclusivity and how it looks was also examined by Taiwo. Being invited into rooms where conversations happen by nonprofits, or any other organizations that aspire to help those less fortunate, can also strengthen the systems that hold us down. Taiwo makes the distinction between helping oppressed peoples and what the elite thinks helping oppressed people is. He goes on to say that including people in a ‘Room’ is still a way of oppression since they are made by, chosen by, and assisted by people and environments — in this example the room — that is a part of the problem.
The selection process, the rules and regulations in said room, can be limited because, as C. Thi Nguyen points out, all games, worlds, are designed with limitations and these limitations actually box people in when they may need to expand or grow. Taiwo states, “The true problem lies in the system itself, the built environment and the rules of interaction that produced the elite in the first place.” Leaning on the Constructive Approach, Taiwo is encouraging people to build their own rooms and therefore create the right environment to represent themselves, to not depend on ‘being invited’ by those who are oppressors.
Taiwo has a point here. For one, as an incarcerated person, speaking truthfully to a person in power, a correctional officer, can be very detrimental. There are factors that I have to consider: I have to live with these people. They control the access I need to obtain an education or programs. There might be a chance that I can face retaliation and be written up for my candor. Plus, I must constantly gauge how much I actually care about a given subject and how far I want to push the envelope.
When it comes to building better rooms I agree with Taiwo again; if we don’t build it entirely, at the very least we should assist in constructing it. I like the idea of being a part of implementation and not just a representative who is invited for quota sake, like the token oppressed person. When an organization wants to help me, I prefer they ask me what it is that I need assistance with. I do not appreciate it when I am a part of a conversation that they started because they assume I need it. It insinuates, and reinforces, the stigmas that I cannot think for myself and further perpetuates a sense of helplessness.
What I prefer is: choosing to invite them into OUR room for conversations and let US discuss how WE can use their privilege to OUR advantage if THEY really would like to help US. So, I agree and recommend this book for anyone that is willing to explore the power dynamic in a given situation. What Taiwo is doing is not accusing; he is warning, he is presenting a different perspective. He is encouraging us to fight for ourselves in the revolution that is needed to break the power of the elite. This is life.
Kunlyna "K" Tauch is a Cambodian-American writer from Empowerment Avenue. He is a freelancer who appreciates telling stories about the humanistic side of the carceral experience and a storyteller who uses writing as a medium to express the stories that speak to him. He admits that he has unsuccessfully tried to give up/quit his career as a writer many times. He is currently incarcerated, and has found peace with the places he has been, the pain he has experienced, and works every day to live for the life he stole.
He can be reached via GettingOut, under ID #G54423 in California.