protest – rickymay style
The new tension between the US and China is not really new, but in my opinion, it’s not necessary.
China and the US have, at best, a bittersweet love affair. There have been as many good times as bad. We keep coming back to each other though. One just can’t shake the other, but neither can commit to anything long term right now.
If new troubles and tensions arise this year and beyond, I choose to protest in my own, personal way. No, I won’t march down to Tiananmen with banners and posterboard signs. That would get me arrested and deported, but most likely not in the papers. That’s not my style. 😉
Instead, my protest is to continue my work. Continue being myself and continue making efforts to build bridges of understanding between the Chinese and Americans. Protest–rickymay style.
Instead of believing they hype and propaganda, instead of falling prey to negative attitudes of what is impossible, instead of remaining ignorant and fearful. Instead of channeling all your personal faults and problems onto someone else.
Choose love. Compassion. Understanding. Hope. Faith in humanity. Education. Communication. Honesty. Dignity. Bravery.
Make decisions–all of them–based on time tested principles that encourage cooperation and peaceful cohabitation. Do not tolerate ignorance, but face its hate and anger with understanding and resolve.
Protest–rickymay style.
When you’ve exhausted yourself. When you are certain and convinced that hope is foolish and the exclusive commodity of younger, less experienced people, remember me. Go ahead. Think of me and know that you are not alone in this wicked, ugly world. For at that moment, the world will still appear wicked and ugly, but your spirit will be lifted as has happened a million times before, to others throughout world history. At that moment, the weight on your shoulders will be lighter; the burden in your heart will be a dark truth you can finally face. At that moment, you will be accepting the human spirit–in all of its tragic beauty.
And you’ll understand me. And why I protest–rickymay style.