Mark Sanchez
We are now seeing more than ever, a grassroots movement changing the face of politics and challenging oppression wherever it raises its ugly head. The question that I love to ask is €œwhy€? Why is it happening and why does it work? In order to answer that question, we have to look at Gandhi and the overthrow of British colonialism in India.
Gandhi wanted to see India free. He also wanted to do it non-violently. Gandhi had to find a way to inspire his countrymen to action. If he attacked the British head on he would lose. He had to find a way to have small wins that were achievable and inject hope into the hearts of the oppressed. He had to find a small issue that affected every Indian and craft a strategy that would bring attention to the non-violent resistance.
One thing that every Indian struggled with was the British taxing of salt. Salt is a critical part of diet, preservation and other religious rituals. Gandhi came up with a brilliant plan. He was going to march to the sea and get his own salt. Along the way, he would call others to the march. At first, the occupation laughed at the campaign. They stopped laughing when tens of thousands joined Gandhi on the walk. The march was so successful that the British lifted the tariff on Salt. This was the beginning of the end of the colonization of India.
We can learn so much from this story. Small acts of non-violent activism will topple regimes, oppression and other forms of discrimination. This is the blueprint for the new America. We have serious issues challenging us to become active. We have a mental health crisis. So many people have mental health issues but are unable to get help because the system is overwhelmed. We have an issue with living wages. While corporations rake in huge profits yet pay their people next to nothing. How long will it be until we realize that we too can have our own walks to get salt?
I hear a clarion call to walk from sea to shining sea calling for freedom. The large issues may seem impossible to overcome. However, the small wins topple nations.
What are you passionate about? Get involved! Get active!
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