You know, I often find myself in debates with friends, family and random strangers regarding my various views on politics, feminism, anti-racism, queer rights, conspiracy theories, social programs, education, curriculum, etc. As someone who feels I spend a lot of time explaining my viewpoints it would be somewhat unbelievable to say that I find people apathetic. And yet, I do. Because for every worthwhile debate or discussion I have, there are at least three that don't happen. Usually it happens like this: I say something and immediately the witness' (because they are not participant) eyes start to gloss over and roll up, darting around for something more interesting than this annoying pent-up left-wing rager who is about to rant about something.
For instance, just today, someone on facebook posted a comment about welfare recipients potentially being required to submit a blood test to prove they are not drug users. Responses from "Big Brother!" to "damn right!" were brought up and I decided to weigh-in. I targeted one responder in particular, and following my response she semi-agreed (or at least acknowledged I made some valiant points) and then said, "I dunno... This is getting to in depth for me! Lol!". I'm not sure this can be considered apathetic (as she did have an original point), or more so an example of how the internet gives everyone a voice, if sometimes perhaps hastily thought-through before it is articulated.
But that, I suppose was not my point... I meant to talk about apathy. And although this blog generally serves as a vessel for me to voice anger, today it serves something different. Today I witnessed the true anti-apathy of Toronto citizens via social media, in particular twitter. Today, from glorious Sudbury (home to Science North), I was able to watch Torontonians get angry, get heard, get tired and stay strong at City Hall. Bodies, such as mine, that were not there in physicality have sat peeled to their computers watching live-feed of what has occurred, who is saying what, and voicing what truly matters to them in their own city. Hundreds of citizens made it to City Hall before 10am to sign-up to speak to Rob Ford, the mayor directly. I'd suggest that hundreds (if not thousands) more are attending in web-spirit, broadcasting what is wrong with cutting social services that benefit us all as citizens of this city.
And how thankful I am to be apart of it, even if it is behind this cyberscreen. Because from behind this cyberscreen I have been granted the power of a voice. The brief dances of twitter allow small glimpses into the citizen's spirit, and this spirit is viral. Let this entry serve as a tribute to those who have proven today not to be apathetic. Thank you. There is nothing more inspiring than knowing there is a discussion occurring -- always. There is nothing more refreshing than knowing we aren't all averting our eyes to the ceiling wishing that concerned person over there would shut the hell up.
