I vividly remember my first political memory being one that would impact the majority of my life choices, like deciding on what major I chose to study in university and my outlook on social justice and activism. This event takes place back in 2006, where there had been a massacre of the Coptic minority in Egypt and where the Egyptian government took no action on those responsible, which continues to happen even in 2020. The Coptic minority in Egypt has been one constantly plagued with persecutions from the Muslim majority for centuries. My family, being Coptic, were devastated that our friends and family were persecuted due to our religion, took to Parliament in Ottawa, Canada for a demonstration.
I was young at the time, 9 years old, but I still remember the bus loads of Coptic Canadians showing up with banners and posters, chanting for the Canadian government to act in some way. I remember circling Parliament's front lawn several times until someone addressed the growing crowd. The crowd was not only composed of Copts, but of other minorities from different areas of the world joining in on our effort. After the address, we took to the streets, marching and waving our signs, chanting,
“Enough, Enough Christian Blood!”
I was young and did not understand the entire scope of the problem, or how bad the issue has always been. My Father has always spoken about the persecution back home, but that was just a story to tell. It did not feel real to me, especially not in the comfort of Western society. But going to the protest, chanting, marching, and seeing those around me, made me realize just how real this reality was for many. Now that I am older and having been to Egypt several times and researching the conflict, I see and understand how the Copts are disenfranchised. This fueled my passion, my desire, for someone to stand up for those who cannot. To speak for those who do not have the freedom from stigma, cruelty, and persecution. To be a voice for the voiceless.
This was my very first political memory.
Comments