Ploughing Tilling Fighting: – A History of Peasants on ARTE
An exploration of the roots of domination
Stan Neumann’s four-part documentary series “Le Temps des Paysans” (The Age of the Peasants), broadcast on the ARTE channel, plunges the viewer into the heart of past centuries to offer a striking vision of the advent of religious and seigneurial domination. Through a captivating narrative and fascinating archive footage, this series takes us on a journey through time, illuminating the disturbing parallels between the forms of domination of the past and those that persist in the current economic and social system.
From the very beginning, the series immerses us in the complex world of peasants, revealing the power structures that shaped their existence. From feudal lords to religious prelates, each episode unveils the workings of the control exerted on peasant communities, shedding light on the mechanisms of domination that kept them in a state of invisibility and/or subordination.
One of the strengths of “Peasants’ Revolt” lies in its ability to establish links and bridges between the past and the present. By observing the patterns of power, land grabbing and exploitation that have marked history, the series invites us to reflect on the striking similarities with contemporary forms of domination. Indeed, although social structures have evolved, one cannot help but notice the persistence of power mechanisms, particularly through the prism of capitalism.
Modern capitalism, driven and protected by the nation-state, appears to be the direct heir of past systems of domination. Just like the feudal lords of yesteryear, today’s economic elites exercise tight control over resources and the means of production, thus consolidating their dominant position. Similarly, the nation-state, often presented as the guarantor of order and security, in reality acts as the armed wing of capitalism, protecting its interests to the detriment of the most vulnerable populations.
By exposing these parallels in an illuminating way, “Le Temps des Paysans” raises essential questions about the very nature of power, hierarchy and domination. The series confronts us with the idea that, despite the advances of modern society, the mechanisms of control and exploitation remain deeply rooted in our social structures.
However, the series does not just paint a bleak picture of history and the present. By highlighting the struggles and resistance of peasants throughout the ages, it also offers a message of hope and emancipation. By showing how peasant communities have been able to challenge the powers that be to claim their autonomy and dignity, “Le Temps des Paysans” reminds us of the strength of solidarity and collective struggle in the face of oppression.
In conclusion, “Le Temps des Paysans” is much more than a simple historical documentary series. It is a powerful testimony to the persistence of mechanisms of domination throughout the ages, inviting us to reflect on the issues of power and exploitation that continue to shape our world. By immersing us in the struggles and hopes of peasants past and present, the series offers us a valuable perspective on the challenges we face and the possibilities for change and resistance available to us.
Below are the links to the four episodes of this excellent documentary:
- Le temps des paysans (The Age of the Peasant) – episode 1/4
- Le temps des paysans (The Age of the Peasant) – episode 2/4
- Le temps des paysans (The Age of the Peasant) – episode 3/4
- Le temps des paysans (The Age of the Peasant) – episode 4/4
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Translated by TerKo with the help of a free translation tool.