Wednesday, 6 February 2013

Wake Up Woman


 “The essence of non-violent technique is that is seeks to liquidate antagonisms but not the antagonists.” Gandhi 

In my last post I suggested that women need to take the lead in India. With each day, I am
more and more convinced that we must seize the moment. Wake up woman and be the 
bringer of change! This change must come from within, first and foremost, by a rejection 
of all values that seek to oppress, and diminish the worth of the woman. By a rejection of 
all media that perpetuate these values. Rejection means non-acceptance, non-compliance, 
disobedience, non-cooperation, non-submission to any form of repressive thought or 
action. 
Gene Sharp puts forward a convincing case for pragmatic, strategically planned nonviolent 
struggle, which he believes can be highly effective in conflicts to lift oppression and as 
a substitute for violence
Sharp's key theme is that power is not the outcome of some intrinsic quality of the group 
in power. He believes that any power structure relies upon the obedience and cooperation of the people, voluntary or forced. If the people do not obey, then, the hierarchical power structure is destroyed, and the oppressors have no power.”Non violent struggle has been waged on behalf of a myriad of causes and groups, and even for objectives that many people reject.”
But change always comes at a price. The toppling of old ways of thinking, of old ways of 
doing, and old ways of being will always be loud, and noisy with all the commotion, 
clanking and clammering that arises when old, creaky conventions are broken. It will be 
painful as it may mean the breaking of old habits,and stepping out of comfortable 
cocoons, and leaving familiar paths to explore the unknown. It also means allowing 
yourself to become vulnerable and facing the flak and criticism and retaliation that 
always accompanies a change of order. 
“But our daughters’ daughters will adore us and will sing in grateful chorus – Well 
done, sister suffragette!” From the movie, Mary Poppins. 
Read here about the Pink Chaddi Movement. 

Read here about the Suffragette Movement that fought for women's right to vote.

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