March 16, 2010

Protesters in Thailand poured their own blood at the gates of government headquarters Tuesday, a vivid symbol of their commitment to fight on for new elections four years after the military deposed a popular prime minister who championed the country’s poor.

(from NPR.ORG)

“The blood of the common people is mixing together to fight for democracy,” Nattawut Saikua, one of the protest leaders, told cheering supporters. “When Abhisit works in his office, he will be reminded that he is sitting on the people’s blood.”

(from bostonherald.com)

I honestly have to say that I thought this was all quite creative. Why? Because it’s a marked change from all the riots and protests that is associated with violence. This is both symbolic, ironic, non violent, yet sends its message across. 

People deride this entire thing. Just read online comments and can’t help but feel pissed off.
” Waste of time and energy!” “Lame”
I do understand that these comments only come after the people know that the roads were immediately disinfected and washed. Sure, the Red Cross guy was right to say that this is all very unhygienic and the blood could be put into better use. But you can’t write this off just as “lame”. 

You have got to understand. When you live in a country which is so often plagued with military coups, protests and riots, the last thing on your mind would be hygiene. When you’re struggling with life, and you exercise your voting rights only to find the elections rigged or encounter more violence on the streets- frustration and helplessness totally sets in. Can you even blame these people wanting to do something like that? They made a stand. They made themselves heard. They fight for what they want. I think that’s commendable. Couch internet surfers in their lovely homes behind the computer and plush chairs honestly have to put more thoughts into their comments. Who the hell are YOU to judge?So what if it’s not very pragmatic? But look at limited options they have. Violence, been there done that. Non-violent rallies etc. Same. Time for a different approach. And this?  It puts them into international limelight and ultimately bonds the people involved. Better than true blue bloodshed in protests in the streets right? And better than doing nothing at all. You criticize because it’s not pragmatic. I appreciate because at least there’s an effort.Because they don’t give up.

Reading about riots and all that in history notes do make a difference. You think a government is easy to form? You think a peaceful society is a given. Please think again. All these conflicts and tension in our world is so real, so real. Maybe geographically far away but its existence is undeniable. Wake up your idea. So many people are still fighting for their countries. Look at Myanmar. 

Basically, just don’t take things for granted. And more, don’t even try scoffing at others just cos you have it better. 

Ironic as this is, I’m making a trip down to donate blood tomorrow. Funny how this all coincides so well.