Neda

It is my sincerest hope that the people of Iran will find a peaceful resolution to the conflict that is tearing Iran apart. It is my sincerest wish that no-one else will lose her or his life, that no more families will be doused with the gasoline of grief and set afire by the agony of losing a loved one.

I have been torn up since last night, when I watched the video [not suitable for minors] of a young Iranian woman dying in the street after she’d been shot in the chest. I do not recommend watching it, and yet I feel like people should watch it. People are dying in Iran over these protests, over their desire to see justice, because they demand to be heard as their government attempts to silence them.

People have said, “Why do you care so much about Iran? People are dying all over the world for similar reasons”. And they have a point, but I think that the reasons are moot. What matters is what’s happening right now, and the fact of the matter is that what is happening in Iran has captured a great deal of attention. A great many Iranians are struggling for fairness, for justice. They are struggling en masse to be heard, and they are being heard. It is not a matter of imposed unfairness against others who struggle. It simply is what it is, and I think it’s wrong to penalize people in any way for paying attention to the plight of Iranian protesters. Instead, let’s encourage others to get involved, to pay attention now to what’s captured the attention of so many people who otherwise would not know or have any reason to care compelling enough to so command their attention.

When the crisis in Iran has passed, and whatever resolution has been reached, perhaps there will be more people socially aware (in a global sense) enough in the wake of the crisis to become cognizant of other crises in the world.

But for now, for this time, let us extend ourselves toward helping the Iranians in whatever way we can. And let us mourn the death of this young woman, Neda, who was not doing anything but observing when she lost her life in front of her music teacher. Watch the video if you don’t understand.

or, Create a Petition

[Edited: Neda was shot while with her music teacher, not her father.]