It was a beautiful day in Massachusetts today—a day to get outside, breathe in fresh air, enjoy the sunshine, listen to the birds, and be grateful for being alive. All of which I did.
But then a close friend brought me back to another reality, one that is never far from my consciousness or conscience, by sending me the link to the video at the beginning of this post.
Please watch and listen.
Watching and listening made me gnash my teeth, weep, rage. ask for the millionth time how people can bear to treat other people cruelly. Such images always lead me, at least for awhile, close to despair.
But I had other reactions to the video. The music is exalting; it raised me up and energized me. It reminded me forcefully of the courage of people who speak out, who sing out, who fight for social justice, and grateful that I personally know so many fine people of multiple hues who participate in that struggle.
What are your reactions when you tune in to the video? what do you feel? what do you want to do?
Personally I am sad to have retired from college teaching, to have lost the opportunity to encourage my students to be the real patriots–that is to work actively for peace and social justice in this country, But I will continue to sign petitions, send letters, participate in demonstrations, and optimistically write this blog, grateful to any readers willing to approach my soapbox.
The story behind the making of the video and the lyrics to the song can be found at: http://www.swarthmore.edu/sites/default/files/assets/documents/chester-childrens-chorus/CCCSpringNewsletter.pdf. Please read. The poem/song is another great example of art on behalf of peace and social justice.
by Kathie Malley-Morrison
