I have been contemplating the actions of those protesting over Tibet (both inside the country and out), the people who protested over the election results in Kenya, the brave souls who actually ran for election in Zimbabwe ... well the list is pretty endless really.I know I have held placards and walked in marches. I have signed petitions and written letters to the editor. I have blogged.
But I ask myself whether I would actually risk arrest, imprisonment in nasty prisons, beatings, death or worse for a cause? I know I would have in my youth when I was far more passionate about things than my present state of what I call my 'tempered maturity'.
I would like to think that given an issue and a time, I would still be out there on the front line but, I live in a country where we are comfortable (and relaxed) and aren't faced with such decisions.
And I can't be sure what I would do. I don't know how brave I would actually be.
8 comments:
I am like you MG, I have picketed, signed petitions, wrote letters and poetry. But could I risk arrest for civil disobedience?
I sometimes feel guilty for being at peace while others suffer, but how could I be any help at all to anyone by being cold, hateful and angry, I would just be adding fuel to the hate.
I have resorted to doing what I can when I can, letting go when I have done all that I could, and sending out my blessings and thoughts of peace daily. I truly think that my thoughts of peace do more good that what we can actually see.
Ditto girls - but now I have people, other than myself (ie. my son) to consider, I am reasonably certain I would not risk arrest for a cause, no matter how passionate I was about it. These days I prefer to tackle my crusades in a more peaceful, but sustained, manner. Like you both, I continue to write letters, sign petitions and endeavour to spread the message by word of mouth. I think I, and others like me, are far more use to whatever cause we are supporting by being free citizens.
I think the serenity prayer that Kyles blogged about recently sums up my attitude - it's important to let go of the things that are external to my control; that does not mean getting complacent or forgetting to care - it just means making oneself sick, stressed and miserable over things over which we have no control, is ultimately not healthy. I need to do as much as I can, then let that be enough ... and walk away. My happiness and that of those close to me, usually depends upon it.
Great post - as ever - MG :)
what a thought provoking post ms pearl, how far indeed? i could type forever on this, but will simply say Missus T took the words right out of my mouth (yes a sly meatloaf reference there for you pearl!) with her second paragraph.
...for me now it's not so much about maintaining the rage in a way that would neglect the fact that i have young ones i am responsible to and for, and i am a wee bit less selfless in that my boundaries have changed as i have gotten older, thanks for making me think, as always xo
I picketed once, when I was 17, for Pro-Life because I let somebody talk me into their "cause"... which now that I look back upon, their belief in that cause is not my belief. But I was young & impressionable. While that particular demonstration was peaceful, my friend has since been arrested for picketing at other demonstrations.
Having said that... I won't picket (anymore), because I have a great fear of having an arrest record for any reason!
We have to choose our battles carefully.
A verty honest post, mg. I, too, have marched, etc. But I would be too cowardly to risk my life, I think. I admire those who do and my thoughts are with them.
Interesting question. I like to think I'd be brave but I don't know that I would. If brave were making speeches, I might do ok. I hope I'm never tested.
I have decided that arrested for civil disobedience (or similar) would be fine - I was always taught that before you go to a protest have your bail money ready to go. But only in a country like Australia. China, Tibet, Burma, Zimbabwe and the like ... not a chance of setting myself up.
I don't have to think of children or other responsibilities (as such) but I still don't think I would be brave enough to put my body or my life on the line.
Makes me a bit sad to realize and accept that change in me.
BTW, welcome to Musings Raven :-)
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