In the TV series The Blacklist, the mastermind criminal Raymond reveals his strategy by explaining the game of chess to a child. In the final scene, Raymond gives the child a chessboard as a gift and explains the importance of arranging the pieces correctly. He tells her, “Smoke before fire, that means the white pieces move before the black.”
This metaphorical game of chess is a reflection of the power dynamics that govern the world. It reveals how those in positions of power manipulate events to their advantage and obscure the true nature of conflicts.
However, when a single player controls both sides of the game, the outcome becomes more complicated. In the case of Raymond, he is the single player controlling both sides of the game, using his criminal genius to manipulate events to his advantage.
In the world of capitalism, the pursuit of profit and power can create a smokescreen that obscures the true dynamics of a situation. The markets, which appear to be based on fair competition and merit, are often rigged in favor of those with the most resources. Large corporations use their wealth and influence to shape political decisions and sway public opinion. They create monopolies and use their power to stifle competition and limit consumer choice. Governments may also use their legal authority to restrict individual freedoms and consolidate their power.
The metaphor of chess serves as a reminder that the real game being played is often obscured by smoke and mirrors. Those in positions of power manipulate events to their advantage, often at the expense of the less privileged. The chessboard represents the world stage on which these power dynamics play out, and the pieces represent the actors who control the game.
The lesson from this metaphor is that we must be vigilant and discerning in our efforts to understand the power dynamics behind conflicts. We must not be deceived by the smokescreen of propaganda and manipulation used by those in power to maintain their control. Instead, we must look beyond the surface-level narrative and strive to understand the motivations and objectives of those in power.
In the context of chess, “smoke before fire” means that the white pieces move before the black. In the context of real-world conflicts, it means that those in power are often able to control the narrative and manipulate events to their advantage. They have the resources and influence to shape the playing field to their liking, leaving those without power at a disadvantage.
To counter this, we must take a critical approach to understanding the power dynamics at play. We must be willing to challenge the status quo and seek out alternative perspectives. We must be discerning in our consumption of media and information, and avoid being deceived by the smokescreen of propaganda and manipulation.
Ultimately, the game of chess serves as a reminder of the power dynamics that govern the world, and the importance of understanding them in order to effect change. By looking beyond the smokescreen of propaganda and manipulation, we can better understand the true nature of conflicts and work towards a more just and equitable society.