For the last couple of years, I allowed myself to choose whether to be a part of the silent majority or the louder minority. I’ve been fully aware of how easy it is to stay quiet, avoid backlash and just not care. Moreover, been aware of how it takes guts to at least speak out if not take action, face the backlash but with strength, patience and enthusiasm.
I fret about what occurs on a daily basis. The very gruesome fact that this earth has turned into nothing but a burying ground and a prison that is a chock-full of hate makes me anxious. I try to talk it out with people around me — to only hear the response of the very common phrase; “Girl, Chill!”. I’m able to comprehend the excuse of “living life to the fullest” rather than brooding over politics and engaging into “ineffectual” conversations but FUN FACT: being concerned about HUMAN RIGHTS/LIVES that are at stake in any Country is not political. Sympathizing with the victims of terror attacks should not only be limited to the people of a country that’s targeted. Clamoring for equal rights should not be limited to women only. Raising voices against abuse should not be limited to children only. Speaking out/fighting against the immigration ban SHOULD NOT only be limited to the people living in the USA.
Allow me to expound a few facts, to help you empathize with the deprived. Living souls are being annihilated from crowded streets and even hushed basements. Infants live and die in a mother’s womb, not leaving a chance for their parents to lament their deaths as they breathe their last too. That’s when some feel the need to pull up at stakes but are restrained. The ones that sought refuge from oppression are instead being questioned about the bomb they never let off, the sniper they never laid hands on, the women and children they never raped. Know that, there are a few that are somehow being forced to turn their backs on the religion they were born with and embrace another for the sake of being alive and free. Women everywhere are physically/emotionally abused and assaulted but then, are ridiculed for ‘grumbling’ too much. Most left shattered and some end up taking their own lives. Children, both boys and girls bid goodbyes to their dreams, dreams that could have been but can’t in order to live up to the expectations of their society or because they have their childhood and innocence taken away.
Apologies for the long post but insincere ones. Men/Women/Children belonging to any other country of ANY RACE, currently under oppression shouldn’t be the only ones to persist and resist. Speaking up/ fighting against injustice, despotism and inequality should not only be limited to humans suffering under it. It can get gnarly talking about issues. Self defense is undoubtedly, very important. Therefore we expect everyone around us to be happy but there are people, literally dying while fighting for their lives. Find a way to raise your voices on behalf of those who can’t and with those who do. This is OUR struggle for the soul of OUR world. There is an immeasurable amount of fear and distress in the atmosphere and it’s fierce! Use your voice to intensify the volume of empathy, hope and optimism. Raise the standard of consideration and compassion for others. It won’t cost you but repay you.
STAY WOKE!
STAY WOKE
Originally published at medium.com