I used to think it was to overthrow oppressors, see
If we destroy the system, that means we'll have less of greed
But see, it's not that simple
I got to thinkin' about the history of human nature
While this instrumental played, then I realized somethin' that made
Me wonder if revolution was really ever the way J. Cole – High for Hours
You get the power, but you know what power does to man?
Corruption always leads us to the same shit again
So when you talk 'bout revolution, dawg, I hear just what you sayin'
What good is takin' over when we know what you gon' do?
The only real revolution happens right inside of you
I said what good is takin' over when we know what you gon' do?
The only real revolution happens right inside of you, nigga J. Cole – High for Hours
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When it comes to revolution, Cole’s first thought was to overthrow the people at the top and destroy the system, but he notices that it may not be the best option. It’s likely that, if it were possible, the victims would turn into the oppressor and seek revenge similar to abusers and their victims.
In an interview with Complex News at the 2014 protests in Ferguson, Cole said:
Cole makes “lootin', can” sound like “Luther King”, who the song references and was known for his strong stance on non violent confrontation. Subsequent lines show Cole is ok with violence in overthrowing oppressors hence f*ck Luther King. Funny enough after introspection he realizes revolution through violence results in further violence so “Luther King” was right all along.
Reference the Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire. “No pedagogy which is truly liberating can remain distant from the oppressed by treating them as unfortunates and by presenting for their emulation models from among the oppressors. The oppressed must be their own example in the struggle for their redemption (Freire, 1970, p. 54).”
In 1997, Randall Kennedy wrote an article for the Atlantic consubstantial with Cole’s views. He wrote:
“Surely one of the most striking features of human dynamics is the alacrity with which those who have been oppressed will oppress whomever they can once the opportunity presents itself. ”