Not to take away the glory of the golden
rule of Reduce, Re-use and Recycle, today more than ever we need to recognize
the importance of all the battles being fought for a better world. To change the world we need everyone to get invovled in at least one of the three new R's (Raise Awareness, Reform and Revolution).
Many times
when speaking to people about initiatives to raise awareness, reform or revolution, they start
taking sides. Responses are typically something along the lines of the
following:
“Raising awareness will change nothing to
change the current system, we need concrete action!”
“Reform! This will
only change the superficial aspects of a flawed system. We need to get to the
roots of the problem and revolutionize!”
“Revolution…I agree
that there are issues with our current system, but you’re too idealistic
thinking that a revolution will occur…get yourself a job and push for reform
(or help promote positive ideas), that’s what we need!”
I believe that people
are sometimes so apt to point out the flaws of certain movements, people and
ideas, to make themselves feel more comfortable for doing nothing. The world is
going through a major shift, we are hitting huge economic, environmental and
social challenges. We can’t afford to sit around going through David Suzuki’s
trash to see if he put recyclable material in the garbage. We can’t sit around
and squabble about which approach to positive change is best. We no longer have
the time to sit around reading and researching about climate change and
economic downturns in order to convince ourselves how big the problem really
is.
How much evidence do you
need to recognize that there is a problem here? Huge economic, environmental,
social issues are making headline news every day. There are documentaries
galore. It’s time to get up off your ass and do something. And forget looking
for the ‘perfect solution’ or what battle is worth me getting involved in? This
again will only stall your actions for positive change. Let’s be clear, a
battle for a better world is worth fighting, period.
We need people who are
continuing to raising awareness of the issues going on around the world. From
independent media to organizations such as wikileaks dedicated to giving us
accurate information. We need people who are working and pushing for reforms in
their workplace, or reforms in the political system. Even if the current
corporatocracy were to be dismantled, we will (hopefully) not be starting everything
from scratch. Pushing for reform is not an effort in vain, it is an essential
tool. Calling for revolution via attempts at creating alternative societies
such as eco-villages and showing that an alternative world and lifestyle is
possible is also needed. Our system is heading towards a collision; we need to
know what kinds of systems we want to strive for after this collision. We need
alternatives.
We need it all. No
battle is too small or too big. We need to stop criticizing positive actions no
matter how small they are. We need to unite our battles. In the end the 99% of
the world want a better world. We all want the same thing, so wake up! You are currently living in what will be known as one of the most
challenging and revolutionary times of human history. Unite and push for a
better world!
