The current worldwide population is over 7 billion people. That's more people than most of us can conceptualize. With this many souls covering our planet, it's easy to feel insignificant.
However, most of the major events in our history exist because one person had an idea and either changed things on their own or had the charisma or influence to persuade the multitudes to do this with or for them.
No matter the astronomical odds, one person can make a difference. It's just finding the correct way towards this end that can be daunting.
This has been evident in the various wars, coups, and uprisings throughout history. But is terrorism and bloodshed really the best course of action? Can change really be brought about through peaceful means?
While it has been proven that civil disobedience and alternate means of action can be effective, the results of this path are often difficult and take much longer to bring about changes than more violent means tend to do. Still, this path is often more effective especially if the end goal is a more gentle result such as equality and acceptance.
In the struggles for racial equality, non-violent demonstrations by those inciting change not only led to humanizing themselves but also highlighted the extremes of those opposed to the movement. But since so much of the racism experienced centered in brutality and condescension, the concept of peaceful protest was foreign to them. Also, the restrictions of their education led them to be less aware of not only what the basic rights they were entitled to but also how to even go about seeking the few benefits they could legally receive.
The process of educating the affected as well as organizing the movement was the main goal of the Citizenship Education Program (CEP). It was was at a conference to expand the reach of this organization that Dr. Martin Luther King made his final speech known popularly as "I've Been to the Mountaintop". While this speech on its own is inspiring, hearing it today in reference to the fact that it was the final speech he gave before an assassin's bullet silenced him forever, it is an even more moving message.
The impetus that you can throw off the shackles of society's bias and instigate change no matter how much of a nobody you perceive yourself to be was illustrated in King's oft repeated quote, "Nobody can ride your back if your back’s not bent."
Though the message still rings true today, especially in the fight for universal acceptance and equal rights of/for the GLBT community. Still, the actual quote has mostly been overlooked by history and is currently one of his lesser-known adages. However, with 2014 being the 50th anniversary of the awarding of the Nobel Peace prize to Dr. King and a resurgence of interest in his life, works and purpose is working to reinvigorate his story and help preserve his teachings and introduce them to a new generation and those to come.
So remember, no matter how insignificant you perceive yourself to be, you are somebody and have the potential to change the world if you just try.
This was my
therealljidol entry for this week's topic, Nobody can ride your back if your back’s not bent. I thank you for reading and hope you enjoyed my efforts.
TTFN!