Until one has felt
the weight of oppression, the anger of invisibility and the pain of
indifference – the "need for" and the "urgency of" – protest
is unfathomable.
Until one has
experienced the rejection and denial of their humanity, protest, against a nation
or system in which that person is fully affirmed and given the rights and
privileges it affords, appears as an affront to their freedom.
Perhaps,
investigating what provoked the protest is the best recourse
versus further
dismissal of peoples/a person's rights and humanity.
If one hasn't felt
the "urgency of" or "need for" protest, doesn't it remain
plausible someone else could have been legitimately violated? Is it feasible
their pain compels the pursuit of healing through protest? This is anecdotal
but it’s probable the majority of plaintiff’s main goal is justice: (1) recognition that they/their rights were violated and (2) restitution of
said rights.
If anguish from the lynching of the right to be human has never been experienced, perhaps
denouncing and denigrating another's response to their pain exposes a lack of
empathy, even worse maybe, a disdain for the afflicted.
In fact, Americans
should understand protest! Protest against the British was pivotal in the
growth of what is now proudly call the United States of America. Without the protest of
"no taxation without representation", most likely, Americans wouldn't live in
a democracy under which one reserves the right to protest – even against
injustices perpetrated within this "nation of laws".
In
the absence of redress and in the interest of humanity and justice, shouldn't
the victimized, like the founders of the U.S., reserve the right to determine
how, when, and where they protest?
Are the chosen methods of protest – marching, sitting, engaging in the political process, bearing witness to one's constitutional rights, raising awareness to the pain and suffering of fellow citizens, etc. – more significant than what provoked the protest?
What
is protest?
Protest is an
unambiguous proclamation, a problem exists and requires immediate attention.
Simply put protest is born from the absence of freedom, love, justice,
equity, being visible and identified as fully human. Protest is an action of
faith under girded by a commitment to securing Freedom, a birthright.
Protest is costly, redemptive, dangerous and necessary.
Robert Burns frames
the problem:
“Man’s
inhumanity to man
Makes
countless thousands mourn!”
In essence, humans are often injurious to one another. Protest provides a mirror exposing the inhumanity that people,
governments and systems perpetuate on other humans. Even when the mirrored reflection is ominous, protest provides the Light of opportunity and a pathway toward justice.
Truly,
protest is a love language fortifying constitutions
and
moving people and systems toward a perfect union.
Until one
experiences the violation of their soul, revocation of their humanity or
develops empathy for those who have – they can't/won't understand the
"need for" and the "urgency of" protest. The
scriptures provide a lens for viewing the necessity for and urgency of
protest:
For instance,
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego under the looming threat of death, in protest
refused to bow before/worship King Nebuchadnezzar's gold statue saying:
"O
Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you.
If
we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save
us.
He
will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty." Daniel 3:15b-17
Esther, a reluctant
protester, determined her voice could be the salvation deterring the intended
genocide of her Jewish people:
"...And
then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king.
If
I must die, I must die." Esther 4:16b
Protesters conform
to a Power greater than any localized, militaristic, nationalistic, natural or religious powers. Denied by governments, laws, religion and people, protest(ers)
seeks higher moral and spiritual ends.
Jesus captures the
essence of protest – love, accountability, justice and equity! In the Temple, Jesus
confronts corruption-injustice, knocking over tables and the chairs of avarice-laden
business and religious merchants, then emphatically states:
"The
Scriptures declare, 'My Temple will be called a house of prayer',
but
you have turned it into a den of thieves!" Matthew 21:13
Jesus exemplifies
the courage and non-conformity required of protesters to reject/resist bearers
of power and the status quo.
Perhaps
the oppressed are unfairly expecting those who experience
the
full "rights and privileges” of being human
to
understand the "urgency of" and "need for" protest.
Thus, until
understanding/empathy exists, until everyone, nations and systems dutifully
acknowledge by law and action the humanity of every human Being, until freedom, love,
justice, equity and visibility (recognition of the significance of every
soul-bearing Being) is a reality for all people:
Protest
Matters!
--
INSPIRED BY LOVE,
Pastor Marcus J. Singleton
