Thursday, 17 October 2013

NOW is the RIGHT thing to do


Selective humanity is a ground reality, but is often disguised in the name of targeted intervention and preservation of order, culture, faith, and even most shocking, preservation of human race itself.

We live every day in the oppression of Isms; …sexism, racism, heterosexism, classism, etc. and the burden of privilege that has evolved with every new generation of a new ism. Our understanding of questioning these privileges is watered down as acts of rebellion and where possible, punitive laws and harsh punishments are used to intimidate and eradicate the nonconformists. 

Is Might always RIGHT?

Is there a simple answer to the question how to change? Why are we so quick to judge without removing the logs in our own eyes first? Are the isms of oppression so ingrained in us that we are unable to make right RIGHTS? Why do we deny the intersectionality of oppressions even when it stares right back at us when we look at each other?

It is not an easy task for one person to carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. We do not need to look beyond us for other people to dictate what is defined as right and not RIGHT. We are all born equal, and everything else is inculcated to us. Sometimes we do not question these inculcations because we grow comfortable being in them but does it strip us of what makes us basically common? 

We carry on unashamed, acts of vilifying those we do not understand, those we look down upon, those who are different from us, ignoring the diversity that is us.

What can be done? Perhaps we should become more aware, brave up and not cower in fear or embarrassment when speaking up about sensitive RIGHTS issues. It has been for decades, and continues to be, a struggle for those who question status quos, those who ask questions that make us fidget in our seats, those who expressly denounce segregation and vindictive, subjective, plain selfish interpretations of what is right, ignoring what is RIGHT. 

NOW is the right time to do what is RIGHT. It’s a road less travelled, with unimaginable challenges when looks of fear and defeat stare back from those who are unable to speak up. Heartbreaking when tears from pain flow from us and around us. 

The RIGHTS path is a struggle for us, but the rewards of even the slightest positive change is so rewarding and outweighs all negative consequences.

Thursday, 26 September 2013

Taking a moment to breath in the changing winds

So, another year passes, and I am celebrating my born-date again tomorrow (Sept 27th). Thinking through what has transpired over the last year....from work to relationships, to fun, to the tears and low moments, to self evaluation, to dreams and just blank moments.

Having discovered a lot about myself after being pried out of my comfort zone, from where I had for years circled about, I cannot lie that I have fully adjusted yet. However, I have learnt to take it in stride and accept that I do not have answers to everything, and I cannot carry the weight of the world because I got two hands only.

Oh, don't I admire people who are able to wake up one day after going through a messy situation and resolve to just forget it and move on as if nothing happened. Why can I not do that? My sister said, it is because apparently, some people like me tend to want to trend so carefully, feeling wooiee for everybody else and forgetting to feel wooiee for myself. I ain't no saint though and I have done my share of terrible things.

So here is a tribute to the people I have hurt that past year. I have not yet come up with a way in which I can take that away. However, I still have a tug in my heart every time I think of you, and I smile once in while when some memories come flooding back. Like when I would pick up my camera and just flick away, then we would sit and review the photos that captured the bare soul, so prominently evident in your eyes and body. I hope I have made it easier to make you still talk to me and have a laugh with me before the awkwardness sets in and we have to say our goodbyes till the next conversation. It is the least I could do.

And for the new friends and loved one that I have met over the past year, foregoing my weaknesses and flaws to embrace me as I am, to love me and stand by me...to let go when my claws come out and am a pain in the ass for at times, I thank you.

Here's to another year of better things to come!