I misspoke when I said in class that his death was in vain. It's not. It can, however, become in vain if his story doesn't become a tool we can use, and do in fact use, to expand and to continue his fight (something I expect his sons will surely be doing for the duration of their life). That being said I must ask if all brave acts are wise ones? Are there not many stories of foolish bravery? How can we use Shahbazi's story to grow from if we can't look at it with a critical eye? I feel that asking where he made mistakes in his methods, and how he could have been more powerful in what can only be described as an up hill battle (and that's probably an understatement) is more than appropriate, it is necessary.
My comments in class were probably, again, not articulated as best they could have been, but I was simply trying to point out why I think he wasn't as successful as he would have liked, and saddened by the fact that his path directly lead to his death and that his path was the main aspect of his fight I believe should have been different. He would have accomplished little to nothing if we are unable to learn from his experience (strengths & weaknesses) and draw on his courage and unrelenting opposition to what may, including myself, would call forces of evil (not to be to dramatic...).
2 comments:
I agree with you, it is important to use Shahbazi's story as a lesson to learn from. What he did was very brave and hopefully it will teach all of us to stand up for something we believe in, and even help out those who have already started fighting for a cause.
I don’t think his work was in vain. It takes times for the work of martyrs to become recognized. He was the beginning of the protest against outrageous oil prices. When larger groups take up the fight I am sure that his sacrifice will gain more notoriety.
I am also glad that you recognized his heroism instead of viewing him as a foolish man.
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