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Tuesday, September 20, 2016

That Thing Called Nationalism

People often ask why we study history. Of the many reasons, one is that it has a way of creeping back into our present lives in the strangest of ways.

Then...
They called us terrorists; we called ourselves freedom fighters
They called it a mutiny; we called it a war for independence
They jailed us for sedition; we proudly called it our right
They shut down our press; we called out their fear of the truth
They massacred us in our gatherings; we learnt to make bombs
They killed our citizens; we killed their soldiers and officials
They hanged our leaders; we praised them as martyrs
They said we were part of them; we said we wanted nothing to do with them
They said we were divided on what we wanted; we agreed, but knew that we didn't want things as they were
They said we couldn't survive on our own; we asked for the right to try
They asked for obedience; we asked for freedom;
They called us terrorists; we called them oppressors.

Now...
We call you terrorists; you call yourselves freedom fighters
We call it an act of terrorism; you call it a war for independence
We jail you for sedition; you proudly call it your right
We shut down your press; you call out our fear of the truth
We kill you in your homes; you learn to use guns
We kill your people; you kill our soldiers
We shoot your leaders; you praise them as martyrs
We say you are a part of us; you say you want nothing to do with us
We say you are divided on what you want; you agree, but know that you don't want things as they are
We say you couldn't survive without us; you ask for the right to try
We ask for obedience; you ask for freedom
We call you terrorists; you call us oppressors.

100 years have passed
They have changed
You have changed
We remain the same
Except
I'm not quite sure who we are anymore.

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