Revolution

It's definitely fair to say that I'm a person who takes an interest in what is going on around him. That applies not only to my immediate surroundings, but to the larger scope of the world. What I'm referring to specifically here, is changes I've observed in peoples thinking. Both people I know personally, and many all over the world seem to have been gravitating towards an appreciation of revolutionary rhetoric, and in some cases an interest in it's tangible application to the current state of affairs in the world. While I definitely acknowledge that there have been many points throughout history when revolt was the only recourse that could have lead to legitimate change, whenever I hear people talk about it, I can't help but wonder if they're getting so wrapped up in the romanticism that they forget or overlook the cost that comes with it. No one I've ever known personally that likes to talk about "revolution" has every been in any type of scenario such as the French Revolution, the February Revolution, the American Revolution, or anything even remotely similar to the events of which they speak, so I can't help but wonder if they're fully aware of what they're pushing for, seriously or otherwise. This applies to all corners of the political spectrum. During the Obama presidency I remember all too well how some members of the Tea Party would harp on and on and on about the necessity of overthrowing the "radical tyrant" in the White House. Side note, I also thought it was a little funny how they couldn't seem to settle on one of two angles they wanted to criticize president Obama from; it was as though they couldn't decide whether they hated him because he was a "tyrannical communist dictator" or a "pathetic weak soy boy". Alright obviously I got off track there, but I just had to say it. Then you've got the other side of the aisle which has become more prominent lately with Trump taking over. While I'll admit that he is certainly a terrible president and human being who shouldn't be in the position of power that he's in, I'm still not sure if a violent revolution is the way to go about it. Don't think I'm some spineless liberal though, the reason I'm against it is that I have doubts as to whether or not it would be successful in achieving it's purpose. While the administration is obviously disliked by the majority, those that do support it do so with blind loyalty and seemingly rabid vigor. That would make a revolution, at least a violent one, quite messy. However, revolutions, contrary to what some think, aren't always violent. Even the word revolution itself simply invokes turning around. This doesn't have to be a bloody struggle, but can and has been at times a revolution of thought. That's definitely something I'm more on board with, but for something of that nature to come into fruition, the circumstances would need to be right for it. Recently I've made some new friends in my new town who enjoy talking about these types of things, and while I'm not in 100% agreement with them on everything, I'll admit that there's some overlap. One thing we do agree on is that in order for substantial change to happen, enough people need to be on board and for that to occur, there's quite a bit of groundwork to be done. Battles need to be chosen pragmatically and decisively, discussions need to be succinct and effective, and misconceptions need to be thoroughly put to rest. Having the wrong type of people on the intellectual frontlines can very well do more harm than good in this arena, which is why it's almost impossible to describe how important it is that when going about changing minds you understand how you're coming across. To change minds you have to befriend them first. With some that may make you shudder, but it's important to put emotions aside when it comes to intellectual revolutions sometimes. To change minds, you can't come off as hostile, you can't come off as condescending or pretentious. You need to establish as firmly as you can that you are on the side of the people. Only when that has been cemented can you go about changing minds. I'll admit that was a pretty big side track so I'll get back to the main course. Revolution, at least for the most part in my mind, is a tool to be thought of as a last resort. It is something to turn to when all else has failed. I'm well aware that a serious shake up of the current system is sounding pretty good to many at this point, after all, it's failed in many respects, but I wouldn't consider it completely deserving of being burnt to the ground for the purpose of starting over just yet. I have another old friend who is very big on the anarchistic school of thought and it's very obvious when you talk to him about his views for, maybe a few seconds. He's clearly very nihilistic and disillusioned with the system as it is. He believes that corruption has passed the point of no return and is no longer an unfortunate glitch but the norm. His views are slightly different from my new colleagues, in fact, they probably wouldn't get along too well, but the funny thing is that he and they often sound similar in the way they express their views. The resentment is very present in both cases. I can relate to both parties but the thing with me is that I haven't completely given up on the current ways, and I'm still trying to weigh whether a radical change would produce worthwhile results or even the results that many think it would. Throughout history, revolutions have often taken unexpected turns that resulted in an even worse state of affairs. Revolution, at least a rapid and radical one, is a gamble when you take everything into account. It's something that you shouldn't shoot for unless you know the odds are in your favor. I'm not saying I've completely ruled out the idea of a revolution in some form or another, I just think it's best not to be premature about these things, especially if there's still a chance that whatever change you are hoping to bring about can come about with less drastic measures. Again, I know I'm sounding like a "spineless liberal" but that isn't the case. I'm just cautious because I know that if you shoot your shot too early, you can very much end up regretting it.