Do you have faith in the White ribbon?
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Feminist, blogger and activist Anasuya Sengupta, in an essay called ‘Fundamentalisms of the Progressive‘ wrote,
‘One of our campaigns was to wear a white ribbon for peace (the White Ribbon Campaign for Peace, India) – we used it both as a symbol and as a talking point, to begin conversations about violence of all kinds, including what we call ‘communalism’ in India (the rousing of hatred against particular communities). Initially, some of our friends scoffed at us, and wondered what an insignificant white ribbon could do, to change attitudes and animosities.
But the interesting thing was that there were so many people – both young and not so young – who were unable to be political in the same way as they saw ‘activists’; they felt this meant standing at street corners with banners, or going on rallies, or shouting slogans against the government. They found this too ‘political’ (in their understanding of the term), and yet they were deeply disturbed at the kinds of violence being perpetrated in the name of religion.
So for these people, wearing a ribbon was the beginning of a series of conversations they had with others, which began other processes of change, at least in terms of breaking the silence around violence.
And because it was something everyone could do – and have conversations at whatever level of politics and ideology each was comfortable with – it wasn’t intimidating in any way, and yet gave a sense of belonging to a community against violence, and speaking up for peace.’
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Do you believe in pluralism and justice?
Are you Secular, liberal, free thinking?
Do you believe that all religion has in its essence ways of leading a soulful, integrated and fulfilled life?
Do you believe that religious extremism has done us no good?
Say No to religious bigotry.
Wear a White Ribbon today.
Why dont you be more specific Screen? This White Ribbon Campaign appears to be very vague. Who are you targeting with this campaign?
I think it’s time we stop being vague and get to the point. We have been vague for years now. Let us not kid ourselves anymore.
What according to you is vague about this campaign?
Dear Screen,
Owing to the elections, I feel like this campaign is being addressed to a certain community. The timing of this campaign implies that you are targeting a specific community.
Will this campaign continue even after the elections?
Thanks for bringing this up!
The campaign is addressed to all communities, although it has a majority voice to it.
It will definitely continue to show up every time we feel the need to stick our necks out for diversity and peace.
I would love this go on even after the elections.
and we at the White Ribbon Campaign send our love to you.
Peace.
This was clearly a request for Hindus to vote for Congress.
Muslims are 9% of the Vote Bank in Gujarat.This Campaign was for everybody.
We’re all trying to understand democracy, and it is not majority rule.
But you have made a very interesting comment on the nature of Indian identity politics.
I suppose we are all a prey to it.
Construct an ‘other’, and we will all need to unite to fight her/him.