Iran, freedom of expression: an invitation to write, series
I have been watching the events that have been unfolding before our very eyes in Iran. Watching helplessly as they cry for help. As they cry for the right to choose their path. It has been truly heart wrenching. Up to now, I have not written anything because I thought that I could not do it justice.
However, even I can no longer remain silent. So many amazing women have been putting their lives on the line for the right to equality, freedom and a better life for themselves and their families.
The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran was begun by women that were not afraid to do what was necessary for a better Iran. Many of the women right’s activists have been arrested and imprisoned. Little is known of many of them but it has not deterred others to take up the cry for freedom where the others left off. I am amazed at their bravery, as they stand next to their bretheren in the fight for their rights.
I am truly humbled by their convictions, resolve and sacrifice. I have seen as the mothers go to Evin prison in hopes of seeing their loved one. Even if it is for the last time. Why are so many of them in prison? Simply for demanding their right to be free.
They are not alone. All over the world through the ages people have demanded the right to equality and freedom. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Mahatma Gandhi, Susan B. Anthony. I am sure you could name even more. They all believed that people had the right to live in a better world. They believed that we were all created equal.
History has shown that the more a people are opressed the harder they will fight to be set free. They may try to break them but they can not break their spirits. There will be more to carry the torch to freedom.
Paulo Freire once said “Washing one’s hands of the conflict between the poweful and the powerless means to side with the powerful, not to be neutral.” Where do you stand? I know where I stand.
Note: The author of this blog is not trying to push any particular form of government on Iranians. She believes that Iranians should have the right to choose.
