The world has evolved so much since its previous days, but it wouldn't have been possible if people didn't stand up for their rights. Everybody-- it doesn't matter who or what you are, should be entitled to rights. And that's why standing up for yourself, is so important. Because, if you don't stand up for yourself, who will? It's by standing up, that you make a difference. It may seem small, but what I've realized, is that small actions can go a long way.
Clara Barton is an inspirational woman, and is one of my favorite heroes. But what is so important about her, is her selflessness and her sense of duty to those in need. Which made her a very capable and compassionate nurse. It took a lot of bravery to be a nurse in the Civil War. But the journey didn't stop for Clara Barton. In 1869, in Geneva, Switzerland, she was introduced to the Red Cross. And it was there, that she began to believe in the possibility of an American Red Cross. But not many people agreed to this idea. Clara persevered, and finally in 1882, President Chester Arthur accepted and the American Red Cross was born. With Clara Barton as its' founder and leader, the American Red Cross thrived. Clara Barton is a great example of a person who stood up not only for her rights the right to create an organization; but for other's rights, the right to have well-functioning aid system. Perseverance and self-advocacy go hand in hand. You need perseverance, because the first time you stand up, people might be reluctant to listen, but you should keep standing up, because as you keep speaking, more people will start to listen.
In 7th Grade, Mr. Peters, showed us a video on Youtube. It's a very famous video, but not for any random reason. It's because of what this particular man did, and its' impact worldwide. He is referred to as Tank Man or The Unknown Rebel because of what he did. In 1989 there were protests in Tiananmen Square, Beijing; and the Chinese government decided to put an end to them. So on June 5th, 1989- the tanks started to roll in, but they were met with an obstacle. Against all odds, this brave man, stood in front of the tanks, put his life in danger, all to stand up for what he believed in, which in this case was- protest without disruption. Free Speech. It was simple, it was meaningful, and it was non-violent. I wonder, how someone could think up something, that when portrayed around the world would demonstrate how much it meant. Time's magazine- 1999 added him to the Time 100- the century's most influential people. By standing up for what he thought was right, Tank Man was an impetus, a reminder to people that we should always fight for what we believe in. It will never be forgotten. But I think that's a big part of what standing up for your rights or beliefs is about. It's about courage. The courage to make that final decision and stand up.
Another powerful woman is Ichikawa Fusae. She and many other Japanese women activists were a big part of introducing the “Fusen Kakutoku Domei” a.k.a Women’s Suffrage League, it was the first in Japan. They fought for women’s suffrage in Japan. With women’s suffrage, countries can fully start to accept gender equality. Ichikawa Fusae, fought to enforce the fact, that women, are just as equal as men and in turn, should be allowed, to vote and run for office. What Ichikawa Fusae did, was start part of a revolution in women's suffrage. And by doing this, she fueled the ambitions of millions and millions of girls and women, worldwide. She refused to be quiet and by being so outspoken and so adamant that this law had to be made, full women's suffrage was achieved in Japan on November of 1945. And many other countries, especially in Asia, followed Japan's lead.
And, I'm not asking you to stand in front of tanks, or create another huge foundation. We're only 13 and some of us are 14. But that doesn't stop anything. While we're crossing the road, we take small steps, and keep in mind that, even the biggest of heroes started with small steps. Small steps could mean anything, it could mean standing up to bullies. When you stand up for your rights, there will always be people, who will discourage you, or put you down. Forget them. What you're doing is right, because in a world this big, a person without a voice is lost. In a poem, Robert Frost once said- "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference." Standing up for yourself, is often like taking the “road least traveled” in the sense that not a lot of people take that road, but the outcomes are rewarding. We need to remember that we should always stand up for what we believe in- if we truly think that it's right. And that we should persevere, even if we stand alone.
