“Oh, but what’s the point of posting on social media? I’m not in charge of the laws. Nothing will change and anyway, all this is a lot of negativity.”
Firstly, if you are in a position to make this negligent statement, stop and recheck your privileges. The audacity to categorize basic rights, day-to-day struggles, and horrendous social issues as just “negativity” could come from a space of —
1:
You belong to a certain class, caste, and gender that is not directly threatened by any of these issues. Nothing matters to you because YOU are safe in your bubble of privilege.
2:
You are exhausted. You are deeply troubled by this world that nothing makes sense and it’s getting hard to a point where you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.
In this case, as harsh as it sounds, let the grief eat your insides. This discomfort and turmoil you feel within is healthy. It makes you human. As much as your silence and vexation is valid, sadly, your voice is the only weapon that can annihilate systemic dysfunction.
What is the point of posting on social media?
Simple, DIALOGUE!
Do not dismiss the power of dialogue. The more you talk about it, the better. Unfortunately, this is not an era where people read newspapers or watch the news. Social media has become the medium to reach people. Every time, an atrocity occurs, it can and will stir an important conversation. It is an opportunity for blind-sided colleagues to be aware, to educate the kids and elderly at home, for men to understand it is all men, to question your place in this society and what you can do to make it a better place.
Dialogue is substantial.
It seems trivial, but it is the beginning of a bigger picture.
Amplification of voices
It is not just the Dalit’s problem.
It is not just that child’s problem.
It is not just that doctor’s problem.
It is our collective failure.
The marginalized do not have the accessibility or clout to put up a fight we can. The child is naive, it does not know or see a cruel world. The doctor was only doing her job. As an educated person, the least we can do is be their voice and amplify it.
For example: Nobody knew about the RG Kar Medical College incident until social media sparked a dialogue. Dialogue amplified voices with shares.
And what did that do?
Hell, it got millions on the streets.
Yes, you are not in charge of the law.
But, the government is watching.
You and I both know that privacy is a myth. Your algorithm is rigged, your ads are controlled, you are watched. Scandalous, but might as well make use of it. If the government is tracking your every move on social media, express to them, loud, and clear, that you are infuriated.
Do it time and again, if you have to.
Scream if you have to.
Push them to an edge if you have to.
They will be forced to take action.
At some point.
Recollection and shame are necessary.
Remember and remind yourself over and over again, the number of times, similar incidents have occurred. Feel enough shame to do better, be better. Think of circumstances where your silence boosted the ego of the oppressor. It could be in a small argument among friends, or colleagues.
Question your conscience.
Question your hypocrisy.
Question your privilege.
Question your way of life.
Question why you vote for a certain government.
Question that government.
Question.
“You think even if we do all this, things will change?”
I am as skeptical as you are.
Nevertheless, the proof that the plight of women has progressed in several ways over generations is a testament that revolution will bring change.
The bare minimum is still our battle. But it’s still a battle we have to fight.
We might not even be alive to witness the light of the day.
Someone will.
Stir a conversation, share that post, call people out, communicate, and show up.
Do what you can and a little more within your limitations.
Small steps, big impact.
Continue to hope, and believe.
Continue to express resistance.
Continue to educate, agitate, and organize.
“Oh, but what’s the point of posting on social media? I’m not in charge of the laws. Nothing will change and anyway, all this is a lot of negativity.”
