"You must be the change that you want to see in the world" Mahatma Ghandi
Everything we do, everything we say, everything in this world has the potential to do more damage or more good than we can possibly see. In a world today filled with violence, destruction, hate, riots and oppression it can be hard to see what our actions could do to help mend this broken world. However, personal transformation can and does have global effects. As we change so does the world, for the world is us. The revolution that will save the world is ultimately a personal one.
Whatever changes you would like to start in our society, they must begin with you. Looking at the current headlines in the world today, it may seem like we do not have much say on the events of the world. In efforts to try and find some solace or feel like we are making a difference, we may share articles on our page, or change our profile pictures to the flag of the oppressed. However this is not enough, putting all of our efforts on one example of injustice is not enough, I do not recall Facebook making an app when over 150 people were killed in Kenya or when bombings occurred in Lebanon the same day as the bombings in Paris. Gross violations of human rights should not be differentiated based on geographical location. It may be no longer shocking for these events to occur in Syria, Iraq, Kurdistan, Libya, or in other countries where this is more common, but the occurrence of these actions should not take away from how terrible they truly are.
Terrorism is something that is constantly affecting nations all over the world, the lost and disturbed lives of those in third world countries are equally important as those in developed countries. Death and terrorist attacks should not become a routine in any part of the world. It is up to our generation to change this impression.
There tends to be a disconnect when violations of human rights like these happen overseas. It is easy to feel helpless and detached when they are not occurring on the home front. Terrorism is not just a problem for the people that are facing it, it is a problem for all of us. In order to make a change, we must face the change from within. Every one of your actions should be a reflection of your beliefs. Your every word should be a reflection of your own thoughts. The best leaders in the world are the reformers who were responsible for their own change. The commitment for change has no days off, and it does not allow for excuses. It’s a true commitment, a commitment to advocate for those who are undergoing injustice and to add value to the world. Fight the racism and hate that takes place here at home. Realize that discrimination coming from fear is one of the main motives for extremist groups like ISIS. By allowing discrimination and fear into our lives we are allowing ISIS to win. The very job of terrorism is striking fear into the hearts of the people. Do not let this happen. The marginalization of cultural and ethnic groups are what fuels this violent hatred. Terrorism is preventable. I hope that we can make an internal change in ourselves to work together and cry for protection of the human race. Each of us has the power to make a change.
If you want to see change you must start from within. It is as profound and simple as that.
