I Hope this Makes you Angry

My initial aim for this column was to participate in personal challenges that literally put myself in the shoes of another in order to reflect on how good we have it and the actions we can make in order to relieve a few burdens on the world. Eight weeks into it and the challenge I now face is to find something I can commit to that doesn’t entail running the risk of extreme pain, illness or death. In the past 2 months I feel more in touch with the rest of the world than ever before but the issues that really break my heart seem far away and without a corresponding personal sacrifice I am able to make.

I don’t feel my sentiment that ‘what the world needs now is love, sweet love’ is one I feel alone. I am confident that there are more people, probably even you, who wish that more could be done and feel the same levels of frustration when hearing about thousands of refugees forced to leave their homes or see children on television with sunken eyes and only a thin layer of skin over their bones. Makes you feel a little helpless right?

What good is helpless when you can get angry!! Take forty seconds right not to think about all the things you think are wrong with this world. Go on, get right pissed off about it! Furrow your brow, grind your teeth and get all sweaty mad about it. I know a certain level of Canadian makes you feel you should remain compliant and hush yourself on issues that might make others feel uncomfortable. Think discussing other peoples trials and tribulations is uncomfortable, try imagining what it would be like to live in fear of being raped in the middle of the night, living in a country where you face imprisonment for standing up for right you should inheritantly be granted, watching your family massacred in front of you or watching as your entire country slowly becomes engulfed in water with no one willing to take you in. I wonder how it would make them feel to know you are too reserved to speak up for them when you are living comfortably on the other side of the world most likely using resources and buying things of unnecessary material value at their expense?

We are just one on our own but together we are a vital force that can challenge even the most trying of global issues. This doesn’t take an overwhelming amount of energy or time from each of us but it does take a little bit of anger and willingness to use the privelages we have to carry the rest of our global family. So here are some ‘parts’ I suggest as alternatives to keeping quiet and waiting on the world to change:

Petitions: Level of difficulty: Can you sign your name? There is literally a petition for every cause that makes your heart beat.
Rallies/Marches: Level of difficulty: A little more than a signature but allows you to physically connect with others that are passionate about the same issues as you while making those around you take note. Bonus: Who doesn't love an excuse to walk and chant?
Write to politicians/corporations: Level of difficulty: If you can put your thoughts into words and have access to a computer or a pad of paper and stamp you are golden. They are dependent on our demands for support and paychecks so tell them where to put your dollar and their practices.
Educate yo’ self: Level of difficulty: It is what you make it but for the love of humanity don't play the 'ignorance is bliss card'. Ignorance is not bliss....it's ignorance.
Speak up: You have a voice, use it! Angry that your grocery store doesn't sell local strawberries when they are growing from grates all over Ontario in the summer? Mention it to the cashier at the check-out. Disappointed that your favourite restaurant still uses styrofoam for take-out? Ask if they want help looking into alternative packaging solutions. Ever wonder what conditions your shirt was made in....ASK! It may surprise you to know that people in business are people too and inside their hard exterior they are just as concerned about the issues you are or at the very least want to make you happy so you will return.

Next time you see something that makes you angry or you know is at the expense of someone else just as worthy of life, love, safety and freedom as you are don't calm yourself down. Pick up a pen, a sign or a book and do something to express your frustration in a way that challenges the current state.

Note: If you are part of a student group or local community initiative that works to bring attention to an important ethical, environmental or social issue or you just have a creative idea and would like me to take it up as a weekly challenge, drop me a line.

Resources:
365 Ways to Change the world: http://www.365act.com/
The Petition Site: Look up thousands of petitions or start your own www.thepetitionsite.com