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Home / Albums / Keywords Verna Spayth
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ADAPT (330)
[The first part of this photo is a continuation of the story that starts on ADAPT 131 and the full text of that article is included there for easier reading. Below is a second article that is included here.] Non-violent civil disobedience effectively promotes change By Verna Spayth Power is not inherently violent, however, in governmental form it is often expressed in a violent manner. Governmental power is maintained through the agreement of the oppressed and the tacit compliance of the majority of the governed. Any significant withdrawal of that compliance seriously restricts, or even removes, governmental control. Apathy in the face of injustice is a form of violence. Struggle and conflict are often necessary to correct injustice. Our struggle is not an easy one. We must not think of nonviolent civil disobedience as a safe and easy way to fight our oppression. The strength comes from our willingness to take personal risk without threatening others. When a compliant majority sees us risking our personal safety and health for our cause, they will be forced — perhaps for the first time — to confront their stereotypical images of people with disabilities and to begin to change those images. However, it is essential that we separate the individual from the role played. Non-disabled people are not the enemy. The “enemy” is the system that forces people into the roles of oppressed and oppressor. A nonviolent campaign must focus on the issues and the system, rather than on the personalities involved. Nonviolent direct action is an attempt to produce change. It should be treated like a conversation where one is communicating a particular message. We should always be willing to listen and learn from the other side. If we treat our opponents with honesty and respect, our truth will be easier for them to hear. Avot d’Rabbi Nathan has suggested that the “strongest of the mighty” is the one who “makes a friend out of an adversary.” We must begin to confront and move beyond our own personal fears. There is true strength and power to be found when we come together. Pandit Nehru described the core of Gandhi’s campaign for Indian self-rule this way: “It was against this all-pervading fear [of British repression] that Gandhi’s quiet and determined voice was raised: BE NOT AFRAID.”