The Distant Drumming so Close to Home

I need to write about this before the feeling of elation leaves me.

In Geology class this morning the drumming started so slowly members of the class could have easily mistaken it for the beating of their own heart. As it grew louder curious glances were thrown towards the windows and there was a slight stirring as the sound became more clear. People were shifting in their seats and I could tell many were confused and wanted to know what was going on, but they also did not want to disrespect Dr. T. I was perhaps the only one who had an idea of what was happening due to one of the meetings I had last week. But I'm getting ahead of myself. I went about business as usual and when I was done with my 1145-1245 math class I was headed back to my room. And there it was again...coming from the direction I had just come. So, I looped back to the Oak Grove and seeked out the place of the sound. And there coming from the center walking towards a group of people gathered near Leonard in front of them a sign that read, "?Get rid of? HATRED." and another sign with "Stop Opression" and a bunch of students banging on make-shift drums and tamberines (and I'm sorry I know that's spelled wrong) and things. I knew what it was because I found out at Pride last week. A few of the leaders of Pride are also part of the group that organized this called, the Liberation Ground, and I actually saw them there. I couldn't help but smile. Widly, and wonderfully. I felt so elated and so free. *laughs* and I wasn't even a part of it. ALthough, if I wasn't such a coward I would have been. (The Zinni I strive to be is not a coward but an outspoken passionate person who's not afraid to dance or make a fool of herself, but I am unfortunately a long ways from there. But that's another story for another day.) But, what was so cool about this is that they weren't protesting war, a political decision, sensitive issues that are debatable. They weren't postesting an action, a belief, a law or policy. They were protesting hatred. They were protesting an emotion. Like...am I totally strange or does it seem so cool to protest such a destructive emotion? A by-product of hatred is opression and other things which in a round about way they were protesting, but that's not what they were saying. And they weren't attacking anyone with their protest because how can you attack anyone when you're protesting an emotion? You can't! I just.. I don't even know how to put how COOL this is. Am I the only one that feels this way? Gosh! I just.. wow, and they were having so much fun out there. Despite the cold, and despite the unenthusiasm from the crowd. Some that knew what it was about were getting into it, while others just gave weird looks. But still...it had an impact and it was just the coolest thing ever. Because it encompasses sooo much and soooo many people. There's a reason it's called The Liberation Ground. It's liberating people. And even if it's effects aren't global, and what they're doing seems pointless, it's not! If just one person thinks about something they're about to say before they say it because it comes out of hatred then the effort is WELL worth it! There doesn't need to be proven results to know that it makes an impact. I had a bounce in my step all the way back to my room, and the thought still makes me smile. Maybe it's because now, I am a part of a minority and feels good to have people fighting back, but I think it's more the fact that hatred is so destructive and I like the idea and how happy they all were out there banging their instruments making a difference. That's another thing the Zinni I strive to be would do. She would make a difference, peacefully ofcoarse, but make a difference still, or die trying. I love blending in to the crowd and not speaking out too much. But the Zinni I strive to be suffocates there. *smiles* but I've said too much, I just wanted to tell you about how ecstatic that scene made me and what a cool idea I thought it was and get your opinions about it. =)

(And if I didn't clarify it, in what I just wrote, what The Liberation Ground organized today is explained well in the campus e-mail that was sent out about it. And is as follows:
This is the first communiqué of Liberation Ground.
Liberation Ground, IUP’s anti-oppression activist coalition would like to invite all people to join us in a march against hatred and oppression.
On Wednesday, February 8th, Liberation Ground will march against oppression in the Oak Grove and greater campus. This march will observe the strictest alignment to manners and common sense. Our revelry will begin and end during passing periods, during classes we will settle into a group for quiet educational sessions and potluck style meals. Let me stress again that our movement, and events associated with it are strictly non-violent.
The march begins at 9 AM and will last throughout the day. Everyone is invited. Come unite with the IUP community against racism, sexism, genderism, speciesism and the countless other forms of oppression.
The revolution starts with you!)




Also...the snow right now makes me want to cry it's so beautiful...huge white dainty falling flakes. As TL has said and I have quoted, "Snowflakes are giggles from heaven." *smiles*