The title of this post may feel very much in conflict with the times we are in, and what is being thrusted upon us. Especially for those of us who are non-white, non-Christian, and female or transgender or just don’t fit into the ‘societal norms’ that these people have created.(Lets remember social norms are in a state of constant flux and never remain the same for one generation to the next – just speak with your parents, grandparents or your children – if you have any – to understand and see the validity of this statement)
Now don’t get me wrong I myself am fearful of what’s to come, especially being guided by what appears to be blinded, ignorant and fearmongering leaders. In fact, I would even go so far as to call them home-grown terrorists. I know the use of such a word may appear controversial but in reality if ‘the cap fits wear it’. The very definition of a terrorist is someone or something that breeds terror to bend people/states or things to their will. After all is this not how Brexit happened by leading people by their fears? Is this not why Trump is in power? Is this not why right-wing politics and policies are gaining power across the globe? It is why France fears it’s coming elections, and why Germany sits nervously in it’s wings. Germany more than most countries know the reality of giving way to fear. As such it will be interesting to see if these societies can find hope, light and love when it is time for their elections or will they fail to learn from not only their own past but modern-day history and what is happening around them.
It is because of all the above that we need to believe in hope. These people of power are doing what they think right. They are doing what they believe is a Christian and moral thing to do. But if I look at any religious book it teaches to hope and to love our neighbours. Accept who they are and work together to find a better way. Religion for me is a moral and ethical philosophy and becomes flawed by human interaction and interpretation. Designed to give people hope and to help find a better way, it has only led to greater fear and prejudice. It has created greed, fear and ignorance the very opposite of what it should do because of human interaction and power bases of influence.
Despite all this we need to reach out the hand shake of friendship, encourage open communication which is frank and honest no matter how painful. We don’t turn our backs in those in need regardless of creed, ethnicity, religion or sexuality. We stand strong. Each for the other quashing our fears saying I believe in you. You are my future and my hope. I have your back as you have mine. Together we will make a better world. A world without fear. A world without prejudice . A world filled with hope. For non power bases, and governments, this means organised peaceful protests, petitions, and doing what you can to raise these issues up to those who can make a difference. But it requires each and every one of us to play our part and to do it ‘Together’.
I still believe that many people have become disillusioned and have fallen into the jaws of fear without knowing that this is what has happened. It’s easy to get pulled along in a tide, when everyone is going one way but you want to go the other. We must all stand strong and say ‘No!’. I will fight with you but not out of fear, out of hope. I will stand with you out of a desire to create a better world where every man, women and child can stand tall & proud and talk of their history, journey or story without fear of repercussions or reprisals. The questions raised are one of curiosity and not of spite and are formed in trying to overcome their own bias and ignorance.
So how do we instil hope in those who have based their thought and beliefs, on ignorance and lies. How do we convince those who are stuck with riding the ‘train of fear’? We continue to challenge and educate and debate. We question out of curiosity their thoughts and process, and present logic and factual statements back to them. These facts must be based on well researched data and presentable information – not top-level superficial, information that only show one side. The argument must produce a well-reasoned and informative case that they can associate and align with. At the end of the day we connect with those people and matters to which we are most connected to.
Therefore I say to provide a time for hope.
We march and we rally and we make our voices heard. We support our media. We do not bow down to falsehoods or bullies or terrorists home-grown or not. People in power are elected in most countries and those were they are not we fight for the right to give those people a choice and we take our first steps towards hope.
The fights of the history books are as relevant today as they were then. Don’t make the mistake of thinking the past is the past as everyday we live will become someone else’s past.
So stand with me For Hope. For Freedom. For equality
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