Varin Parekh - Week 5: It's up to us
What do I mean by this? Well, take a look at the US today. Do you see country-wide movements taking direct action against the negative changes happening here? When was the last time you recalled mass protests against an important issue? There’s the issue: there are not even close to enough movements for them to be recalled. Why?
Forgive me if I sound accusatory for the words I will put forth. It is not my intention to demean or insult anyone, nor am I simply rambling for mindless terrorism either. However, it is not ludicrous to say anymore that so many people in this country do not even think themselves capable of accomplishing anything meaningful through civil organization. Many people on social media and even in person emphasize “voting” as the only way to have your voice heard by the decision makers in America. Would it surprise you to know that when people have historically realized voting was not enough to solve their problems, and when they got together as a nation to demand and force change, these same decision makers caved almost instantly?
It might seem unthinkable, but the rapidness in which our government caves in when its people demand change should not be underestimated. This can be seen in various instances, such as the George Floyd protests in 2020, where the city of Minneapolis overhauled their entire police department within weeks after an innocent African-American was brutally burned and murdered by 2 Caucasian police officers. In 2026, the state of Minnesota became so universally rallied in response to brutality by Immigration Customs and Enforcement officials that within a few months, the number of them heavily decreased. In June 2025, ICE deployment in Los Angeles was met with large protests in response to the violent raids on workplaces and homes, and within around 9 days the federal government rolled back its policies on raids in workplaces and agricultural areas.
I was shocked as much as I think many will be when they realize that the power is within themselves, within their communities, to accomplish real change and action, not in years, but in days. So remember: you, along with the people you know, have that power. Do not let those who would rather place policies detrimental to you dissuade you from utilizing that fact. However, at the same time, do not give in to hate and pointless violence; this only leads to more violence, brutality, and hurt, which accomplishes nothing and hurts many. Stay strong, and be brave.
Image credits: Time Magazine
Varin, thank you for pointing out that power begins with the people. As Gandalf said, “Some believe that it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folks that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love.”
ReplyDeleteThe power of people (particularly large groups) is not to be underestimated; after all, most major historical events in U.S. history have been carried out by a group of people, with or without government authority. In fact, I would argue that in the end, the group that makes the societal opinion upon whether or not they have power would be the people themselves. Other groups may influence them, but in the end, it is their decision to change their minds.
I also resonate with your personal statement at the end of your blog. It is important to reach out to individuals before one can create a society as a whole. Thank you for your insight.
Hey Varin! First off, great article. I really like how you pay attention to detail and are able to give examples within your life that support your argument. I also really agree with the power of civil protests and action against issues within the United States. Even though it might be a long process, the end result is always worth it. As the United States, we rely on the people through our government. Our constitution literally says “We the People” and without control of the people, the government cannot function properly. I think as humans we are very capable of fighting for reform and we are intellectuals. It has been proven in history that we can do this. Personally, I agree with widespread peaceful protests, but I highly disagree with rioting or violent protests. Nothing is achieved by doing that except draining government resources. It’s important to draw a fine line between this because one is used for the benefit of the people of the United States, while the other destroys the country as a whole. You can look at Paris where there are widespread riots and attacks on the people. The government wasted money on tear gas and the whole city looks destroyed and dirty. But ultimately all of this comes to show that it's important to start more change. We need more change and we deserve more change. Our mentality cannot be “voting” enough to make a change. Overall, I really enjoyed reading your article and this topic actually really resonated with me. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to read it!
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ReplyDeleteHi Varin, I think that in the United States we definitely should be taking meaningful steps in order to ensure our country is a good place for everyone to live in. I think what our country really lacks is a sense of unity, and that division is what makes it difficult for us to have large-scale protests. Our two party system contributes to this. The media has made the members of these parties seem like enemies to each other, and so they will go against whatever the other party says, completely ignoring the true problem.
ReplyDeleteA lot of people believe that they are just one person, and that they cannot make any meaningful changes. I agree with you that people should realize that their voices do matter because if a bunch of people come together to fight for something, you are part of the noise. I really liked hearing about the protests in France, where so many people are fighting for better living conditions.
I do agree that violence is not that way to go. If we were to ever have a large-scale protest, violence would not be great. This is shown by the recent French protests. Small businesses and a historical landmark have been damaged, which hurts the communities and undermines the change that protestors are hoping for. I hope if the United States ever takes meaningful action for our rights, that it would not be violent, and instead would focus on peaceful protest. Indeed, it is up to us, the next generation of adults, to change the country for the better.