57 online
 
Most Popular Choices
Share on Facebook 4 Printer Friendly Page More Sharing
Exclusive to OpEd News:
OpEdNews Op Eds   

Sisters in The Struggle

By Delaney Bruce  Posted by (about the submitter)       (Page 2 of 3 pages) Become a premium member to see this article and all articles as one long page.   No comments
Message
+ in war""where, at least one time in each generation, our country is moved to armed conflict and where the flag-waving and patriotic posturing serves only to mask what is ultimately at the center of all warfare, i.e., the taking by force of that which this country has come to view as property only, the lands humans walk upon and the natural resources under our feet.

What are we women to do? How can we possibly hope to end this centuries-old pattern? How do we help to redirect an entire country, much less the world?

We begin with the more manageable task, perhaps. We become the soul of a movement.

Whether within our individual organizations or the worldwide human rights network, we work within a collective. It's important that we always show regard to the principles of collective life, therefore, not our personal inclinations. Our organizations (or movements) thrive with the presence of true commitment, we know. But perhaps we will truly flourish, both as individuals and organizations, if we also work from an ethical foundation, recognize reality always, and respond appropriately to that reality, i.e., with swift and sure action (not to be confused with undo haste or recklessness), and with both creativity and courage (boldly exercising our free will, but also accepting responsibility for our actions).

We need to respect one another, first and foremost, and recognize that we all contribute in our own often unique ways. We must also acknowledge that this isn't done without sacrifice. We all lose important pieces of our lives along the way. As has often been noted, freedom is not free. We have all, as the song urges, found "the cost of freedom" to one degree or another.

We need to practice inclusion. Our respective movements represent the branches of the one tree""human rights. If we strive for human rights, all of us as human beings must be included in the vision""regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, etc. Committing as we do and sacrificing in equal measure, we must all be equal partners in The Struggle.

We need to put forward our ideas to our organizations""openly, freely. The organization, in turn, must value all ideas whether we adopt them or not. In this way, there will always be a free exchange of thought, as well as an environment graced by creativity""the very things that will help us keep our organizations viable and advance our vision of freedom.

We need to eliminate "sibling violence" between the members of our own political movements. We claim that we "speak truth to power." Can we likewise claim to speak truth to ourselves? The violence seen worldwide (physical, psychological, and emotional) is resident in our own movements""and be it man-to-woman or woman-to-woman abuse, we too often look the other way as one of us does harm to another. If we seek to take responsibility for the state of the world, of a nation, we must first take responsibility for our own behavior.

Should we indulge in personal attacks, pick quarrels, vent personal spite, or seek revenge? For the sake of unity, or progress and getting the work done properly, might we instead communicate openly and honestly and respectfully so as to avoid interpersonal conflict, as well as concentrate fully on work-related issues that emerge rather than personal ones?

If we seek justice, we need to practice justice. We often reject the ways in which justice is administered in this country, but should that mean that we also reject the promise of justice for all? We cannot condemn our compatriots with conjecture, gossip, innuendo, or hearsay. If one accuses another of wrongdoing, the burden of proof must be on the accuser and guilt must be established beyond a reasonable doubt. Members of our collectives must never be tried and convicted by our organizations without ever having heard others' complaints much less being afforded the opportunity to speak to those complaints. If we do not practice justice, we become that which we struggle against""the oppressor.

When someone among us has clearly gone wrong""unless the actions are proven and are so egregious as to require expulsion""we need to proceed with principled argument and thorough examination of fact, and with the purpose of correcting the behavior only, rather than condemning a member of our community. In this way, our organizations and the individuals within our collectives will not be harmed.

In this dangerous time when many of our movements are under attack by the oppressor, we must not succumb to the COINTELPRO-style machinations of the government which appeal to the baser elements of our nature. Those whom we oppose learned long ago that ideological, political, and organizational chaos will ensue wherever personal interests come first before the interests of our respective movements. The oppressor also knows that when fear infects us, it serves only to blind us to the truth. Another lesson learned: With fear, there can be no justice. These elements can do nothing else but destroy unity, encourage dissension and, ultimately, create apathy. They rob our organizations of motivation, dedication, and discipline, and prevent our plans from being carried through and our goals achieved. For these reasons, the oppressor welcomes the continuation of such elements in our movements. For these reasons, we must eliminate them. To do otherwise is to give "aid to the enemy."

What can we women do?

We can carry on The Struggle with dignity and grace. We can bring focus to and pass on the values upon which our organizations were founded. We can bring life, as is our nature.

In Solidarity,

Delaney Bruce

Next Page  1  |  2  |  3

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).

Rate It | View Ratings

Social Media Pages: Facebook page url on login Profile not filled in       Twitter page url on login Profile not filled in       Linkedin page url on login Profile not filled in       Instagram page url on login Profile not filled in

Go To Commenting
The views expressed herein are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of this website or its editors.
Writers Guidelines

 
Contact EditorContact Editor
Support OpEdNews

OpEdNews depends upon can't survive without your help.

If you value this article and the work of OpEdNews, please either Donate or Purchase a premium membership.

STAY IN THE KNOW
If you've enjoyed this, sign up for our daily or weekly newsletter to get lots of great progressive content.
Daily Weekly     OpEd News Newsletter
Name
Email
   (Opens new browser window)
 

To View Comments or Join the Conversation:

Tell A Friend