Thinking of Biko in the time of Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic has presented serious questions; not only of a medical-scientific nature, but deeply philosophical nature as well. Often, when faced with the unknown—whether in form an environmental catastrophe or general health threat—finding effective ways to overcome our fear unknown yields important clues regarding self-understanding human beings, also all-too-human perceptions Other(s). While impact been especially harsh on people living conditions extreme poverty and material deprivation, collective response (predictably) proceeded from position that privileges interests lifestyles rich, well-resourced politically connected, manner sadly confirms biblical prophecy: poor will always be among you. This essay seeks examine South Africa. Its analytic focus proceeds perspective Steve Biko’s conception Black Consciousness philosophy. It argue humanist project liberation offers insights can assist us normative quest for society “with more face.”