I often take for granted the amount of free speech I posses, which is guaranteed by the United States Constitution. Our media within the country might, or tends to be (however you want to look at it), tainted. However, we have alternative media sources such as: twitter, livestream, blogs, and etc. We are able to read these sources, and we are also able to contribute to these sources without fear of repercussions (for the most part).
Part Two of Doctorow’s book For The Win allowed me to imagine the complications of overseas protesting. A character within his book named Nor, and nicknamed Big Sister, attempts to change the status quo. Her textile factory in Singapore receives a large request, but the bosses refuse to give the employees a bonus despite the extra money flowing into the company. Therefore, Nor decides that she has had enough, and begins to demand better treatment by standing on table during work, and verbally slamming the corporate personnel of the company. She feared retribution, but the other woman rallied alongside her and protected her. The book transition quickly to a horrible display of police force against woman fighting for their rights. They are gassed, and repressed. The factory women’s union, Mute, attempts to help them. However, their attempts to receive more pay are futile, because the factory shuts down and moves to Indonesia. Furthermore, the women in charge of organizing the protest through the union are sought out and beaten horribly by the factories police.
The images brought forth by Doctorow are unsettling. Similar events occur throughout the world, even though the events within the book are fiction. We see oppressive tactics performed by government officials around the world when people take to the street and protest for their rights. It is currently happening. We only have to turn on the news, and we see protest and violent consequences to that protesting all around the globe. From the Arab World to Europe, to Asia, to Latin America, and even here in the United States.
Today there are Occupy Wall Street protest and actions taking place all around the United States. The Occupiers have occupied space legally, mostly, have continued to protest in the streets, and make noise for their cause, which is quite similar to Nor’s cause within For the Win. We are quick to denounce leaders in other countries for their oppressive tactics. However, when are we going to wake up and begin to oppose the unjust treatment of our fellow citizen? Check out this video, and see what happens for yourself…
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