Imlisanen Jamir
As we survey the state of the world today, it is easy to feel a sense of despair. The forces of reaction and regression seem to be ascendant. And yet, for all of our handwringing and lamentation, it is clear that mere reflection is not enough. We must move beyond the passive mode of contemplation and into the active phase of engagement and resistance.
But what does it mean to move from reflection to action? At its most basic level, it means that we must act on what we know. It is not enough to simply observe and analyze the world around us; we must also work to change it. And in order to do so, we must first confront the difficult truths that we have been avoiding.
This requires a certain amount of courage, because it forces us to face the reality of our own complicity in the world's problems. We cannot simply point fingers at others and absolve ourselves of responsibility. Instead, we must acknowledge the ways in which our own actions, and the actions of our societies, have contributed to the current state of affairs. This may mean acknowledging the ways in which our own privilege and power have been used to maintain the status quo, or recognizing the ways in which our own ignorance or apathy have allowed injustices to persist.
But once we have taken this difficult first step, we can begin to move forward with purpose and clarity. We can begin to identify the areas where we can make a difference, whether it is by working to combat climate change, standing up for human rights and democracy, or advocating for greater economic and social justice.
Of course, taking action is not easy. It requires us to step outside of our comfort zones and take risks. It may mean confronting powerful interests that are opposed to the changes we seek, or standing up to entrenched systems of oppression and inequality. It may mean facing ridicule or scorn from those who do not share our vision or our values.
But it is precisely these challenges that make the work of activism and resistance so rewarding. When we take action, we are no longer passive observers of the world around us; we are active participants in shaping its future. We can see the impact of our efforts, no matter how small, and feel the sense of agency that comes from working toward a common goal with others.
Moreover, taking action can be a source of inspiration and hope, both for ourselves and for others. When we see others standing up for what is right, it can remind us that we are not alone in our struggles, and that change is possible. When we see the impact of our efforts, it can inspire us to redouble our efforts and push even harder.
Of course, there are no guarantees of success. We will face setbacks and disappointments along the way, and we may not achieve all of our goals. But if we remain committed to our values and our vision for a better world, we can overcome these obstacles and create a brighter future for all.
In the end, the choice is ours. We can remain mired in reflection, wringing our hands and bemoaning the state of the world, or we can take action and work to create the world we want to see. To quote Arundhati Roy: "Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing. The question is, will we have the courage and determination to join her in the struggle?
Comments can be sent to imlisanenjamir@gmail.com
