The current presidential race in the United States is one of the exciting episodes of the history of the American nation. This nation as a generous and patriot nation is an example of change for making a difference. If you look at the history of this country you will be impressed with the amount of change and the size of evolution that took place in a short period of time. For example lynching of African Americans that had occurred mainly in the South took place in 19th and 20th centuries. Today only 40 years after Dr. Martin Luther king movement, you can see a Black candidate who runs for presidency of the United States is still in the race and has high chance for being a party nominates for November election.
Can you see the magnitude of change, I am from Middle East and I can tell you in some societies of our region if you are from minorities, despite the fact that lynching is not a case, but it is almost impossible for you to be in the office race (if there is any). In this country it is possible and does not need centuries to see it happened.
It is strange, and reminds me the Strange Fruit, a song by Billie Holiday, a song among the list of Songs of the Century. This song was an objection to lynching of African Americans.
Southern trees bear a strange fruit,
Blood on the leaves and blood at the root,
Black bodies swinging in the southern breeze,
Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees.
Pastoral scene of the gallant south,
The bulging eyes and the twisted mouth,
Scent of magnolias, sweet and fresh,
Then the sudden smell of burning flesh.
Here is a fruit for the crows to pluck,
For the rain to gather, for the wind to suck,
For the sun to rot, for the trees to drop,
Here is a strange and bitter crop.
Sometimes ago I heard on NPR that when this song came out, not every one knew what it was about. In fact at one of Billie Holiday’s shows, a white fan yells out and says: sing that “sexy fruit song”.
I 100% agree with you, Syamak, on how important and crucial is the “change” for a society to remain vital and progressive. I admire this country and this system for letting people change, follow change, and define the direction of change they want to see. There is one step before change which is more important that change itself. That’s having a social platform that let you view and observe different perspectives. Although in this country media, most of the time, control that platform to some way or the other but you are free to decide what you want to hear, see and decide based upon. Change is the baby of such a society. In our country, Iran, there is not such a platform, nor willingness to have that. We are so scared of committing sins and going to hell that we would rather stick tight to what the previous generation thought us. I love change, I advocate that and I stand for it.
Dear Banafsheh,
Thanks for your comment, please feel free to write on this blog as guest writer, I always enjoy your approach to problems.
Take care, Syamak