The sharpening of contradictions in revolutionary theory refers to moments where the nature of opposing views, ideologies, and/or material forces becomes readily apparent to everyone. The sharpening of contradictions forces humans and often classes of people to recognize the systemic character of the oppression or exploitation facing them or their fellow humans and the role different people, forces, and ideas play in that system.

In moments of heightened conflict or war, contradictions are sharpened and people’s political consciousness shifts—their demands become more radical, they recognize the futility of traditional vehicles for alleged change, and they start to feel empowered through direct action and movement building. We are in a moment of sharpened contradictions. In Vladimir Lenin’s words, “There are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks where decades happen.” We are experiencing decades of shifts in the consciousness of millions of people, especially younger generations.

We are witnessing even the most integrated youth within the US political and social establishment — congressional staffers, state department workers, journalists, celebrities, etc. — forced to confront that the people around them and the system they work for is genocidal and in opposition to their principles. We are witnessing the foundation of revolutionary movement in the US being built within younger generations. And we, the Palestinian liberation movement, are acting as a vanguard or front in this foundation-building process.

This is the case because our struggle cannot be co-opted in a way that serves imperialism. It is in direct confrontation with imperialism, with ruling elites, with CEOs, corporate media, etc. This is something to be proud of but it also must be a role that we must continue to assume responsibility for.

We must continue to sharpen contradictions: to agitate our peers and colleagues to see the reality of the beast we live under. We must advance a revolutionary zeal among our youth to see that any solution to any problem we face lies in the building of revolutionary power, not in liberal demand-making. To be active agents in our struggle is to make us subjects and authors of history—to be protagonists and leaders in the battle for justice. Recognize that you, as a member of this struggle, have already assumed this role, and be proud of yourself for having risen to the occasion. Our people are already proud of you.