Blog Action Day 2014: It’s Not Easy “Being the Change”

It is difficult to speak out, especially when you challenge the status quo thinking and practices which perhaps contribute to the problems in our world. Change is not easy. We have learned that much from our great leaders and our prophets… You don’t do this to make friends. You do this out of a desire to change the world, to help others that aren’t as blessed as yourself.

The situation in the Middle East is difficult. I don’t need to tell you that, but, as someone sharing his grandfather Mahatma Gandhi’s wisdom, Arun Gandhi has often had to take the lead and represent voices that the mainstream doesn’t want to hear, particularly here in the West, and specifically in America. Although times are changing, there are political and economic disparities that must be addressed around the world, and Israel and Palestine are definitely on that list. Arun Gandhi is close with Jewish Voice for Peace, and if you want to understand more on that, go to: www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org.

Arun Gandhi is, of course, on some groups’ lists to attack because of his influence, and because he challenges the status quo and he asks students and adults to basically think for themselves. Several years ago Arun Gandhi came under fire from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) for asking people to do just that, to think for themselves with respect to Israel. Let me clarify, the ADL has some great programs which address bullying, but when it comes to Israel-Palestine, the ADL and their leader Abe Foxman have become the bully. History will prove that we must question agendas, particularly when it has to do with war and/or independence. Palestine and Gaza fit very well in that conversation.

The world is awakening to the politics of greed and power and more and more, people are beginning to understand what Arun Gandhi’s grandfather’s message was about and continues to be today, and they are standing up for peace and nonviolence in a very active way. Just two days ago in London, there was a symbolic vote for Palestine to be recognized and was overwhelmingly in favor of a Palestinian state. However, as the victory for peace and nonviolence nears, those on the ultra right-wing political side will lash out in desperation, and Arun Gandhi will remain a target. For students and groups, this is an amazing teaching moment and opportunity to involve communities during history in the making. Additionally being engaged with such a legendary figure, as Arun Gandhi, sharing his grandfather’s message as his legacy, will leave a lifelong imprint. But, this work will have its challenges, as you will find many emailing or calling or posting on social media complaining, because this threatens the very way things have always “been.” You probably already understand this…

Now, it is for you to decide how you will lead, and who you will bring in to teach your communities, and your children. I can tell you first-hand, Arun Gandhi is amazing with his words and stories and he always leaves students and adults wanting to “be the change.”

The times we live in now call for real leaders and strong individuals who can stand up to challenges and stand for social justice.

Never Again

We must never forget… the apartheids, genocides, holocaust, and events that are still happening around the world. When we say “never again,” it means for all of us, not just one. When we are freed, we must fight to free our brothers and sisters of the world. We must fight against oppression no matter what its name is… We are one.

Arun Gandhi was interviewed once and the reporter asked a question about the Israel and Palestine issues. The reporter asked Arun Gandhi why Israel should step up and be the one to call for peace, and not Palestine to be the one. Arun Gandhi simply answered: it can be either side that steps up, but the one who is the most educated and privileged should be the one to take the first step. Unfortunately, the most educated and privileged is not always the most compassionate. It’s our responsibility to awaken the world now.

Let’s flip the downward spiral up. What if there were now contests for who could be the most compassionate? The world would change overnight. Be greedy for compassion. Be ambitious for peace. Be a peace monger. Be overindulging to your compassion. Be excessively giving. Be about enormous amounts of change, not money. Share the world. Protect the planet. It’s the only one we have. We are one. Be the one.

Peace + Love

-MC

editors@bemagazine.org

***Gandhi’s Be Magazine is proud to partner in Blog Action Day 2014, joining thousands of bloggers from over 100 countries worldwide on October 16, 2014, a day dedicated to blogging about the issue of “Inequality.” Learn more at Gandhi’s Be Magazine www.bemagazine.org.