The Concept of Solidarity in a Self-Centric World
Solidarity, the unity and mutual support within a group, is a concept that, while simple to define, is often challenging to grasp in a world that increasingly prioritizes individual success over collective well-being. In today’s society, where personal achievement and self-interest are highly valued, acts of solidarity—such as sacrificing one’s own freedoms or personal safety for the benefit of others—are often met with both admiration and skepticism. This dichotomy reflects the tension between individualism and the common good, raising questions about the true motives behind such selfless actions. What drives someone to put the needs of others before their own? What do they hope to gain from such sacrifices?
In many cultures, individuals who embody solidarity are celebrated as heroes, yet they are also subjected to scrutiny. Society often wonders what hidden agenda or personal benefit might be motivating their actions. This skepticism underscores the rarity of genuine solidarity in a world that seems to reward self-interest above all else. However, as we explore the stories of those who have risked everything for the sake of others, we begin to understand the profound power and meaning behind such acts of unity and support.
The Documentary "The Strike" and the Fight Against Solitary Confinement
The documentary The Strike, available on the PBS app and YouTube channel, offers a poignant exploration of solidarity through the lens of the solitary confinement system in America. Directed by JoeBill Muñoz and Lucas Guilkey, the film centers on a series of hunger strikes organized by incarcerated men at California’s Pelican Bay State Prison, beginning in 2011. These strikes were a direct response to the inhumane conditions in the prison’s highest-security units, where inmates faced prolonged isolation, inadequate food, and little to no meaningful contact with the outside world.
One of the most shocking aspects of solitary confinement revealed in the documentary is its duration. While the United Nations’ "Mandela Rules" classify solitary confinement beyond 15 days as torture, inmates in Pelican Bay were often held in isolation for decades. Additionally, the prison’s "debriefing" policy forced inmates to provide information about gangs in exchange for their release from solitary confinement. Many incarcerated individuals in the film allege that they were labeled as gang members based on their race, the books they read, or other arbitrary factors, without any concrete evidence. Once placed in solitary confinement, it was nearly impossible for them to escape this brutal reality.
The 2011 and 2013 Hunger Strikes: A Call for Change
The inmates at Pelican Bay State Prison decided to take a stand against these injustices through hunger strikes, a form of nonviolent protest that required immense courage and determination. By 2013, their efforts had gained momentum, with nearly 29,000 inmates across two-thirds of California’s 33 prisons and four private out-of-state prisons participating in the strike. This massive show of unity lasted for two months, with 100 prisoners still refusing food by the end of the protest.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the strikes is how the inmates managed to organize such a large-scale movement while being held in solitary confinement. The documentary highlights the creative and resourceful methods they used to communicate. For example, they would empty the water from their cell toilets and shout through the pipes, allowing their voices to be heard by other inmates. This ingenuity not only facilitated their organization but also underscored the resilience and determination of those involved.
The film also delves into the personal stories of the strike organizers, many of whom spent years in solitary confinement. Their experiences reveal both the physical and psychological toll of isolation, as well as their unwavering commitment to challenging the system. By sharing their stories, The Strike humanizes the inmates and sheds light on the harsh realities of solitary confinement, offering a powerful critique of the U.S. prison system.
The Power of Solidarity in Overcoming Division
At its core, The Strike is a story about the transformative power of solidarity. The inmates involved in the hunger strikes were not natural allies; many of them came from rival neighborhoods or ethnic backgrounds, and had been conditioned to see each other as enemies. Yet, in the face of overwhelming oppression, they recognized the necessity of unity. The strike organizers took a bold step by signing a "non-hostility pact," a decision that caught the Department of Corrections off guard. This act of solidarity not only demonstrated their strength but also revealed the deep connections they shared as individuals fighting for a common cause.
The authorities, aware of the power of unity, attempted to break the strike by dividing the prisoners. They offered incentives to those who would abandon the protest, hoping to fragment the movement. However, the inmates refused to give in, recognizing that their collective action was far more powerful than any individual reward. As the documentary shows, the strike organizers discovered that they had more in common than they initially realized, and that their strength lay in their ability to work together toward a shared goal.
This sense of unity extended beyond the prison walls. The 2013 strikes attracted the attention of non-incarcerated individuals who joined the cause, marching in protest and demanding change. The documentary captures news footage of these demonstrations, highlighting the broader impact of the inmates’ solidarity. By standing together, the prisoners not only challenged the prison system but also inspired others to join their fight for justice.
The Lasting Impact of the Hunger Strikes
While the hunger strikes did not single-handedly dismantle the solitary confinement system in the United States, they had a profound and lasting impact. The number of prisoners held in solitary confinement remains alarmingly high, and there is no centralized database to track this information. However, the strikes brought much-needed attention to the issue, sparking conversations about the ethics and consequences of prolonged isolation.
Perhaps even more importantly, the strikes changed the way the participants viewed themselves and the world around them. For many of the inmates, the act of standing together in solidarity was a transformative experience that gave them a new sense of purpose. It showed them that even in the most oppressive conditions, collective action could lead to meaningful change. This realization extended beyond their time in prison, influencing how they saw their place in the world and their ability to effect change.
The documentary also highlights the broader implications of the strikes. By challenging the solitary confinement system, the inmates were fighting not just for their own rights but for the rights of all those subjected to similar conditions. Their solidarity sent a powerful message about the importance of standing together in the face of injustice, regardless of individual differences or circumstances.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Solidarity
In a world that often prioritizes individual success over collective well-being, the story told in The Strike serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of solidarity. The inmates who organized and participated in the hunger strikes exemplify what it means to put the needs of others before one’s own, even in the face of immense adversity. Their courage, creativity, and commitment to unity offer a beacon of hope for those fighting against injustice, both within and outside the prison system.
While the struggle against solitary confinement is far from over, the legacy of the hunger strikes endures. The documentary ensures that the voices of those who suffered in silence are heard, and their stories are remembered. By shedding light on the power of solidarity, The Strike inspires viewers to reflect on their own role in creating a more just and compassionate world. As the inmates’ journey shows, even in the darkest of places, unity and collective action can lead to transformation—both for individuals and for society as a whole.
