There are various kinds of rebels.
The quiet ones who maintain a calm and composed exterior and a low profile. But when required can speak up with conviction and be very forthright.
Then there are the ones who are eloquent debaters and always put forth their view point with logic and reason. They take pride in being vocal even against age old norms, deeply sowed values and well established systems.
And then there are those who accept fate unquestioningly. They are obedient law abiders. They do not expect much from society. But they are the ones pushed to the wall so often.
And one fine day suddenly they turn around and attack with grim precision. They become warriors weaponising their grief, helplessness, and privations. Their solidarity is terrifying. They learn to battle not out of choice but out of sheer hopelessness, fatigue and sense of betrayal.
I have made a few uncommon decisions. But those do not make me a rebel. I realised subsequently that those unconventional steps were preordained. I love my space. I am a quiet worker. But I do not put up with unnecessary encroachment.
I have learnt the hard way to protest against wrong. I may not be in a position to rectify or overhaul the system but to take a stand is my birthright.
I believe in small changes which may in the long run add up to something big. I love my comfort zone way too much to shift orbits.
I am people centric but I seldom make the first move. I am approachable but not an extrovert. I am not a confrontationist either. Confrontations breed negativity. You carry it with you even after the word storm is over.
But sometimes I am hit by acute apathy. I don’t object, raise my voice or show anger even if the situation demands. I ignore. I let things pass. I recede into a shell. I endure giving the opponents a lot more opportunity to exploit than they deserve.
Then one fine day I wake up all charged up. Ready to combat. Prepared to strike. I realise I have been trampled and taken for granted. I lash out spewing venom. Of course, I win. But it leaves me drained … spent.
So what am I? A rebel?
I am a little confused.
What should be my war strategy? Should I always be up in arms? Or should I strike only when the iron is smouldering hot?
Should I give up? Or should I always be conscious and critical of pressures ?
Or should I forgive …
And forget…
Retaliating when pushed too far is reasonable defence. Forgive but do not forget.
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Thank you very much Derrrick. I will remember that – forgive but do not forget. Both are hard.
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Thank you, Geeta, for your eloquent and amusing essay on being a rebel!
Joanna
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Thank you Joanna
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Thank you, Geeta.
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GC, my thoughts-you’re not a rebel. you’re a balance. Calm until needed, fierce when it matters.
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Thank you very much Mr. P. I am still learning.
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And you are a good learner.
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Thank you so much 🙏🙏🙏🙏
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I think I can relate to a lot of this – and especially liked the part “Confrontations breed negativity. You carry it with you even after the word storm is over.” – and I avoid them too – but like you – if it comes down to speaking up – I can get charged up – but it really depends
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Yes, it really depends. Yvette. Sometimes things have to cumulate to make a reaction.
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yes! and your post remind me that even though I might be good at speaking up when the time comes, I hate confrontation so much I will avoid it as much as possible – and that does have some perks – ha!
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I think the middle road is always the best. Soft protest against things that irritate or harm us must be done.
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Yes, you are right Sadje but that softness should be firm.
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Yes indeed
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A very relevant text to reflect on. I think that, as souls, we were free until we were placed in a biological body and a system full of limitations that leaves us wanting. Yes, there’s something more…we know this by the nature of the soul. Each person expresses their revolt and rebels in different ways, as you mentioned. But deep down, rebellion is within each of us. It just needs a trigger to surface. Thank you for the text!🙂🙏🏻✨✍🏻📚🌌🧚🏻♂️
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Thank you for elaborating the post with your scholarly comment
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beautiful illustrations!🙂🧚🏻♂️
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Thanks. The child in me…
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They are really very similar to you. Congratulations on the beautiful work and text.🙂
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Wow, Geetashree Ma’am, this is a very powerful post. These lines in particular evoked the imagery of a warrior goddess in my mind: “Then one fine day I wake up all charged up. Ready to combat. Prepared to strike. I realise I have been trampled and taken for granted. I lash out spewing venom. Of course, I win” Over these years I too have found myself in a conundrum whether to rebel or to let go in some cases. Life has also taught me that one has to pick one’s battles wisely although I have equally learned to speak for myself gently yet firmly. I always see myself as the “silent rebel.” Your reflections are always reaffirming and reassuring for my own journey.
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I’m not sure if my original comment got posted so I’m resharing it: “Then one fine day I wake up all charged up. Ready to combat. Prepared to strike. I realize I have been trampled and taken for granted. I lash out spewing venom. Of course, I win”- your lines reminded me of the warrior goddesses and their fight for the righteous cause. In fact, I too experience this conundrum between standing up for myself and letting go! Life has also taught me that not every battle needs to be fought although I have always been a silent rebel who never hesitates to advocate what I truly believe in.
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And your powerful writings always reaffirm and reassure my own journey! Thanks a lot for sharing your wisdom, Ma’am
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Thank you for your presence and comment Deeptangshu. Its always a pleasure.
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We become quite demonic in our own ways. 😆😆
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