The News Site of Fresno City College

The Rampage Online

The News Site of Fresno City College

The Rampage Online

The News Site of Fresno City College

The Rampage Online

Global protests fight for democracy

Global+protests+fight+for+democracy

Across the globe, violent uprisings and public revolts against oppressive government forces spread like wildfire.

Despite the violence, these conflicts reflect the ultimate power of the people and the importance of standing in support of these brave protesters- regardless of national boundaries.

Right now, citizens are dying, detained in prisons and shot with rubber bullets and pepper spray while buildings burn.

News reports capture the chaos and unknown futures of countries far from us. For these countries, the social and political stability of their homelands is crumbling.

In Ukraine, more than 80 protesters have been killed in a clash between the government, its citizens who desire a change of power, and the Russian troops refusing to withdraw from the Crimean territories they invaded.

Yet this Eastern European nation is not alone.

Venezuelan protesters march while dozens of individuals are thrown in jail and over 15 people were killed in police clashes.

In Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya and other African countries, brave protesters condemn the anti-homosexuality laws and the “witch hunts” heightening the criminality of being gay.

Burma (Myanmar), Turkey, Bahrain and Thailand are also among this array of countries struggling with sociopolitical problems that only seem to grow in intensity.

In the most privileged and insulated country on the planet, Americans are morally obligated to inform themselves about these terrors currently spreading around the world.

American movements such as Occupy Wall Street, beginning in 2011, exposed similar sentiments of frustration and distrust in government that are currently being displayed in Ukraine, Turkey and many other countries.

Yet what began as raw and genuine desire for change in the U.S. became another example of complacency in our wealthy nation.

Sociopolitical revolutions never  do run smoothly, nor are they as glamourous as glossed-over historical accounts will warrant.

The future of daily life for citizens in countries like Ukraine and Syria will continue to be convoluted and challenging.

As a 2013 Human Rights Watch report states, “Those now in power face a daunting task: building rights-respecting democracies that uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of all citizens, even those who are unpopular and suppressed.”

It will be difficult for such countries to gain a stronger foothold on democracy after such violent conflicts, and all of their triumphs and tragedies will be open to observation from those of us privileged enough to not be caught in the crossfire.

While other countries struggle with very real battles for democracy and justice, Americans watch idly as these events play out on our flat-screen, high-definition TVs.

What we need to be doing, however, is taking action by standing alongside our struggling comrades.

Where has our bold, brave dream of a future founded on equality and freedom gone? Where is our solidarity with citizens who give their lives for a dream of democracy? Do such rights only apply to those of us born American citizens?

If we ever hope to embody the lofty goals of our own Constitution, we must stand in opposition to these recent attempts at suppression of democracy and human rights.

Much like the Occupy Wall Street movement, Arab Spring sparked hope in thousands of people watching the events unfold day by day.

“Much of the excitement of the early days of protest has waned and frustration at the slow pace of change has set in,” the HRW report continues.

Quite frankly, the future is murky for countries in the midst of change. Their battle is far from over. If North African and Middle Eastern countries are still deeply entrenched in conflicts following the Arab Spring, these current problems will persist.

For Americans observing these dramatic, historical events transpiring before their very eyes, supporting protesters in both action and thought is crucial. Not having empathy or concern for the protesters and oppressed in such imperiled states is not only cruel, it is hypocritical.

Flaunting American “dedication” to freedom while turning the other cheek to the suppression of inalienable rights – such as the right to vote, the right to speak freely, the right to make sociopolitical choices and the right to disagree with one’s government- is hugely contradictory.

So what can you do to stand in alliance with all the brave people fighting the catalytic battles of our time?

Write letters to your local government, to the White House, or voice your opinion in open forums. Speak with your friends and family and explain to them why these protests are worth their concern.

But most importantly, continue to support democracy and the establishment of democratic societies. Remember that these battles being waged are not all for naught, that people are dying to bring freedom and political rights to their countries.

Even in the Internet age, people are still being killed simply for refusing to surrender to oppression and for demanding democracy for their countries.

And even from the safety and stability of your own American home, the least you can do is stand in support of the individuals who continue to fight for rights we’ve long since taken for granted.

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