#takeyourstand

A friend asked yesterday why stick my neck out with opinions on far-away issues that have no direct consequence to me. The answer is simple: because the last part of the statement is wrong. Because I need to take a stand, and taking a stand matters.

These big questions are of direct consequence to me. To my constitution; to the principles and values which undergird my daily actions. In the words of Elie Wiesel: ‘We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.’ (thanks Karen for the post which brought Wiesel and this quote back to mind).

Indifference is insidious; taking away our humanity in the penumbra of our own mind, one bit at a time. We need to recognise that indifference is a luxury of the privileged. Generational majority-minority injustices are rarely eliminated but survive into the modern day by rooting, subtly or otherwise, under the veneer of middle class indifference.

This is the case not only in America, but in all societies including Singapore. Economic progress enables many to look away from the comfort of their private cocoons. Injustices often do not break through the veneer into public consciousness like the dormitory issue; the worst of which are held by structural majority bias under tension just under the surface for a long time - afflicting fear and anguish to parents and progeny.

Yes, action ultimately speaks louder than words, but action does not fall out of the sky. More of us need to think and commit to not be indifferent as a necessary first step, and actions will follow. You need to constantly win the fundamental protest in your mind, again and again. We all have angels and devils and need the best of ourselves to hold sway.

Also beware action materialism in the age of the social. The most important actions are often not the one-off marquee but the mundane. It’s the small and repeated daily acts of kindness and understanding by more, that will be the true barometer of change of heart and mind. And it is from this well-spring that any societal change will emerge.

I think and commit through writing, hence I write and post. More of you should consider doing so too. Take your stand. Today.