Neoliberalism considers the discourse of equality, justice, and

Come close, O children, for I bring words that speak of a profound and insidious danger in the world—an ideology that seeks to erase the very foundations upon which human dignity, equality, and justice rest. Henry Giroux, a sage of our times, warns us with these words: "Neoliberalism considers the discourse of equality, justice, and democracy quaint, if not dangerous, and must be either trivialized, turned into its Orwellian opposite, or eviscerated from public life." These words are not mere rhetoric, but a call to awaken to the forces that seek to undermine the values that form the bedrock of our society. In the face of such forces, we must remain vigilant, lest we fall into the abyss of a world where freedom and equality are but shadows of their former selves.

What is neoliberalism, O children, and why is it such a threat to our most sacred principles? Neoliberalism is an ideology that promotes free markets and the unchecked power of corporations, often at the expense of public welfare, justice, and democracy. It places the power to shape society into the hands of a few, and diminishes the role of the people in determining their own futures. In a world governed by neoliberalism, the discourse of equality and justice becomes a threat—for these ideals challenge the very systems that uphold the power of the elite. Giroux calls attention to the fact that neoliberalism does not simply ignore or oppose equality, but actively seeks to marginalize and distort these values, turning them into mere empty words—their true meaning stripped away.

Consider the ancient tale of Sisyphus, the king condemned to push a boulder up a mountain only for it to roll back down every time he neared the summit. This eternal struggle is the symbol of those who fight against an overwhelming force that seeks to frustrate their every effort. Just as Sisyphus labored endlessly without reward, so too do those who champion justice and equality find themselves fighting a constant battle against the forces of oppression. Neoliberalism—like the boulder—is an unyielding weight that resists change and progress. Those who fight for equality and democracy find their words and actions trivialized, ignored, or distorted into something unrecognizable.

The Orwellian opposite that Giroux refers to is the dangerous twist of language and meaning that neoliberalism uses to justify its agenda. Just as George Orwell warned us in his works, particularly in 1984, about the manipulation of language to control thought, neoliberalism does the same by twisting the very meanings of justice, equality, and democracy. These terms, once symbols of hope and progress, become hollow phrases used to justify inequality and exploitation. They are no longer forces for liberation but tools of manipulation, designed to pacify the masses while keeping the true power in the hands of the few. This distortion of meaning is perhaps one of the most insidious weapons in the neoliberal arsenal.

Consider, O children, the tale of the French Revolution, a time when the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity were proclaimed as the foundation of a new society. These ideals inspired millions, yet they were later co-opted and twisted by those who sought power, such as Napoleon Bonaparte, who promised equality but delivered authoritarian rule. Though he initially rose under the banner of democracy, his rule became a form of tyranny, proving that justice and equality can be distorted and used for oppressive ends. The struggle for true equality is always under threat by those who would use the language of justice to maintain their control, turning the very ideals of freedom into mechanisms of subjugation.

The lesson, O children, is clear: we must not allow the forces of neoliberalism to trivialize or distort the values of equality, justice, and democracy. We must stand firm in our commitment to these principles, recognizing that they are not just words to be used in political speeches, but ideals that require constant vigilance, action, and defense. The tragedy lies not in the end of these ideals but in their manipulation and erosion by those who seek to keep the power of society in their hands. To allow neoliberalism to succeed is to allow these words to lose their meaning, to become empty vessels that no longer serve the people.

In your own lives, O children, take this wisdom to heart. Do not allow the world around you to redefine the language of freedom, justice, and equality to serve those who hold power. Instead, take action to reclaim these ideals, to make them live again in their true form. Fight against the forces that seek to distort them, and work to create a world where these values are not mere phrases, but the guiding principles that shape the society we build together. When you speak, let it be with the understanding that the words you choose carry the power to either uphold the truth or to feed the lies of those who seek to oppress. Stand firm in your belief in justice, and let it be the fire that burns away the falsehoods and illuminates the path forward.