Power to the People: A Book in the Hand

Today's headlines on CNN Online included this article about non-violent protesters using the "three-fingered salute" which originated in the Hunger Games trilogy. Dissenters in the novels use this salute to signal their displeasure with the political and governmental construct, decisions, and actions. This hand signal is also used to demonstrate the shared beliefs of a minority and unite them.

Apparently, this trilogy--and the movies which have popularized the novels' ideas--has inspired many in Thailand to publicly express their dissent with their own government by using "the three-fingered salute."

People are being arrested for making this sign--it has been declared illegal and inappropriate. As I recall, one arguer asserts that "if we let these people do this, then we open up others to dissent."

Oh, the power of the written word.

What is most striking, as far as I'm concerned--and the reason I'm posting this here instead of on Facebook--is that we see here, as it has been demonstrated, how POWERFUL written ideas are.

We must never forget this.

We must also never forget that people are people, the world round. The messages and ideas contained in this book series, written by an American woman, have profoundly impacted, and "struck a chord," with people who live in an entirely different country, on the other side of the globe.

A passion for human freedom and civil rights is not unique to Americans. People the world around are concerned and engaged, as well.

This article reminds us that when people get a glimpse of what could be, of what should be, they never forget it. Even when that glimpse comes from what is categorized as a "purely fiction novel." When given that glimpse, a percentage of them begin to stand up for what matters to them most, despite whatever consequences. They refuse to allow the Establishmebnt to squash their dreams, hopes, and human rights.

The moral of this posting?

"Power to the People" is "A Book in the Hand."

We should never forget it.

Never.


http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/20/world/asia/thailand-hunger-games-salute/index.html?hpt=hp_t4