The drama at AWARE has degenerated into almost 'name-calling'. Soon, it'll become seditious.
I really feel that this fight shouldn't be about religion. Yet, the facts and statements plus historical baggage that have tumbled out prove that it seems to be so. Should I care? I honestly don't give two hoots about what goes on in AWARE. If the organization's vision and actions align to mine, then I support it. If it doesn't, I ignore it. Ha. That's apathy isn't it?
But I am bothered about the messages that AWARE is publicly signalling at this moment. AWARE has been a respected and credible NGO all these years. What happened? As an NGO, AWARE must remain secular. It must not lean over to any side. No matter how, the religion and personal values of the an organization's Exco will come into play.
I have no vested interest in AWARE. I'm not gay. My friends are. I don't see a problem with that. So don't you dare throw the Bible at me. I'd like to see you try dying and refusing aid from a gay dude, preferring to wait and probably die before the straight guy gets to you. These friends stand loyal and brilliant to our friendship. These are friends I have trust my tuglines to and they stood by me throughout. I have no problem with people who are homophobic. But I have a problem with people who condemn and openly denounce gays when all they've seen, unfortunately, is the promiscuity of a general few.
The unfolding saga at AWARE has riveted the island. It might be the only thing for a long time now that has made people sit up and think, and perhaps be urged to move off the fence. I believe that the voice of civil society must remain strong. When was the last time you believed in a mission or a vision (that is not a work or personal cause) and did something concrete for it? If the controversial AWARE leadership change means this much to voting members, then we must speak, or hold our peace till the next AGM.
No need to tell me why I should vote. I can read. On one hand, I know I can't live with myself if I sit by and giggle over the news reports, make random comments and not do anything. I can't speak my mind on politics in any sort of sphere except the mainstream. That isn't a route I will take. However, it doesn't mean I have to shut up on other issues. I need to be very sure about why I want to vote.
I must dig deep and ask myself, if I attend the May 2 EOGM, what am I truly voting for?
5 comments:
You're voting if for nothing else, for the fact that a group of people came in and basically launched a hostile takeover. This is NOT a company. As you said it's an NGO.
If a group that is supposed to be about women, comes in and their first act is to sabotage the existing women in that group, how can they be trusted to look after the welfare of women as a whole?
Even if they strongly felt AWARE was doing a bad job, start their own NGO. Certainly they're all credible women. Or else JOIN AWARE and work WITH the women in there. Don't go in and chuck the old guard out because it makes me question the moral integrity of people who would do something like that.
sometimes, despite what you believe in and what u vote for, the results might still be disappointing.
dawn: the moral integrity isn't there at all. even if it's a corporate takeover, it's still scary. i need to check myself to see what stand i should take:- as a member or as a member of the public.
seth: that doesn't mean one shouldn't try, yes?
I kind of hope that both members AND members of the public will reject this behaviour. What can I say? I'm an optimist :)
dawn: YOU ARE! i'm a pessismist!
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