Since I started getting involved campaigning and social activism in Singapore early last year, I have been hearing many concerns from friends and family, people who were surprised or even shocked that I would choose such a path, and that I would actually come out of my shell and voice out.
“It’s good that you care, but sometimes you care too much.”
My family, not exactly trusting of the government’s promises of “opening up” and creating a more “inclusive society”, were particularly worried. And not only were they worried that I might get in trouble with the “Powers That Be”, they were also worried that my exposure to all the injustices and darkness of the world at such a young age would turn me into a depressed, bitter, angry individual.
“Be careful, be careful, don’t lose yourself.”
I have been involved in social activism for a little over a year now, and although there have been difficult times when I was upset or frustrated or disappointed with the people and the system I have had to come up against, for the most part activism actually makes me feel better, not worse.
Most of this comes down to the people I work with. These activists are the most dedicated, determined and warm-hearted people I have ever met, and I’m always amazed by how they can come through during the most difficult of times, and refuse to give up. They always seem to know what needs to be done. Even if they don’t, we know that we will find some way to figure it out.
I am also inspired by the other group of people I work with. I won’t call them “victims”, because that automatically makes them sound weak, and they aren’t. They might feel helpless and lost, but I am constantly floored by the strength that they have to push through difficult periods of their lives. How they pull themselves out of bed every morning and keep going no matter what. How they are ready and willing to find solutions and brave enough to tell their stories to the world, and how they never give up hope.
Vui Kong's brother Yun Leong signing the petition to stay Chun Yin's execution, as reported in the Malaysian press.
Activism and campaigning has also helped me to learn more about myself, and be more aware of my surroundings. Thanks to what I’ve been doing I now have a clearer idea of how strong I can be when hard times come by, and it’s helped me find the confidence to trust myself more. My world feels bigger and I’m now aware of just how much there is out there in the world – which does wonders for the writer part of me too.
When depressing or frustrating or downright outrageous things happen, I find that it simply motivates me to work harder. I might be furious for awhile, but then that feeling gets replaced by a sense of how lucky I am to be in a privileged position where I am able to do something about it. As long as I can write, I can plan events and campaigns, I’m not helpless. I am a part of this world, I have a voice and I am lucky enough to have the access and ability to get it heard. At the end of a tough day of meetings, campaign planning or a bad verdict at court, no matter how tired or drained I am, I go to bed feeling not dejected or outraged, but blessed that I am able to play my part.
I believe that as long as I am able to do my bit, as long as I am surrounded by people who have such conviction and commitment towards making this world a better place, we cannot lose. Sure, we might not win immediately, but one day the change we want to see will come. It’s a hope that we all have, and more than anything I want to be part of this movement towards being the best that we can be.
So sometimes I find the perception of activists being people who are always morally outraged, raving and ranting against the injustice of the world, a little too much of a stereotype because it simply doesn’t match my own personal experience. I am not angry all the time, and neither do I want to be.
Anger isn’t and never was my main motivation in doing what I do. Hope is. Hope and love for not just myself, but for what I believe in.
thenakedlistener
May 31, 2011
I applaud your spirit for personal fairness and social justice. However, as a trained lawyer (not practising), I say be very careful and very sensible every step of the way. You mean well, obviously, but there’s no telling how or what others might think (on your side as well as the ‘other’ side).
I hope you won’t find me patronising by offering you two pieces of advice:
1. You are responsible for the foreseeable costs of your wrongdoing.
2. Law protects the reasonable expectations of the parties (which might not necessarily be yours).
Stay frosty.
thenakedlistener
May 31, 2011
Just to make clear, those two pieces of advice are standard law school advice. Suggesting no wrongdoing (ever!) on your part.
Just thought of another (from sci-fi) which makes a lot of sense before deciding on any action:
“Nuke it from orbit – it’s the only way to be sure.”
I’m pretty sure you know how to interpret/reinterpret this to fit the situation at hand. Just my twopence worth.
kirsten
June 1, 2011
Thank you very much!
Through my work I’ve had to work alongside quite a few lawyers, and they also give the same advice and make sure we don’t get ourselves into situations out of ignorance.
whatsaysyou
June 1, 2011
Kirsten, you deserve a pat on the back for being outspoken on the blogosphere and keep up with what you are doing.
Winking Doll
June 3, 2011
Thank you for sharing. Your focus on hope and love instead of anger as the main motivator is inspiring. The future is indeed bright with young people like you.
kirsten
June 4, 2011
Thank you! I just find that anger, although it has its uses, can only take you so far. If, at the end of the day, you don’t really feel the need to do what you’re doing, then you won’t last that long.
mypeaceofheaven
June 9, 2011
Hey kirsten, where and how do you get involved with social activism? Is there a group that people can join and what are the activities like?
kirsten
June 9, 2011
It depends on what you are interested in doing, really, because there are quite a number of groups in Singapore that you can join. Civil society isn’t as vibrant or strong or flourishing as some other countries but I do think it’s coming up a bit more in Singapore.
For me, my first contact with social activism here was when I started volunteering with The Online Citizen (http://theonlinecitizen.com) doing photography, video and writing. From there I started getting more aware of the issues going on and the people who are involved in NGOs, civil society, etc. And then I co-founded my own campaign against the death penalty (http://webelieveinsecondchances.wordpress.com).
Most groups in Singapore welcome volunteers and new members, and the activities vary depending on what groups you join (i.e. anti-death penalty, migrant workers’ rights, animal rights, etc.)