I never watch the news. Following an earthquake story back when I was in school; I stopped attending to the news business. Because I realised that’s what it is: a business. It sells, makes profit and it puts the stories that will make it the most profit, first.

I hear about world events via twitter, friends, family and blog posts. I choose to pay attention to how people feel and what they think about events; rather than what some corporation, whose only goal is to make money, wants me to know.

Following Occupy Wall Street, Block the Bill and the Dale Farm incidences, I’ve come to see a pattern emerging in how people are treating each other. And I’ve been inspired, by both the peaceful and the violent behaviour, to write about it.

Occupy Brighton (my hometown) began a week ago; during an annual event for the clocks going back. Brighton is open until 3am on this night and everyone is encouraged to go out and enjoy art in the extra hour of the day: This where the protest began. During the week, I’ve been meaning to get down there and get involved. If you’ve seen my twitter feed over the past two months you’ll know it’s a pretty big thing to me and that I’m on a mission to spread the word.

I believe in this cause.

Two years ago, I bought RATM’s single “Killing in the Name of” five times to ensure I did all I could to show that I supported the cause. That I want the people to have their rights back. And we won.

I’ve noticed, however, that I don’t want to go and be a part of this local protest. It’s true that I want to hear their stories and really acknowledge their grief; to find out how people feel; to especially see what has driven people to support America alongside England (there are other protests going on here, as well as the occupy protests).

Emotions

I’ve been so angry over the issues and so inspired by those who are showing compassion and community in this time of need. I’ve started watching the news again.

I’ve been regularly looking at the online papers and checking youtube for American news clips. I discuss it with my two best friends; one in Missouri and one in New York. At University I brought it up with two classmates, who gladly discussed it in an informed manner. There are people who care enough to get their facts straight.

Humans don’t like it when they are screwed over; and they have the determination to continue fighting for change until someone gives slack. And we understand and support you in this cause.

As of this morning, there are protests in Berlin, Brighton (my hometown), London, Alaska and India for goodness sake! The word is spreading and your message is being heard.

And that brings hope.

How much compassion is there for these people; how much love and care and “I wish they all had enough” is floating around this planet?

How many people are sharing resources, giving encouragement, bringing plastic bags, blankets and food to share? How many musicians have come to speak and play at these protests?

It’s the most inspiring thing of all and I feel so blessed to be part of it. Things need to change. And we all know that change rarely happens quietly.

And yet, there is so much violence. I read the comments under online articles, or see the abuse yelled in the street and hear it mentioned in class at university. An American in my class actually asked why I care; stating that she doesn’t because she wasn’t being affected.

How many police have appeared to be abusing their rights?

And for that matter, how many protesters are smashing up windows and destroying public property?

How many humans are ignoring fellow human beings?

How many people are using labels of “lazy”, “ungrateful” and “disruptive” to justify ignoring this?

I’ve had to send money to my friend in America while her mum had surgery and she was the only earner [alongside school and caring for her brothers]. Perhaps some people are “jumping on the bandwagon”. However, a large majority of those people have something real which is endangering their health (or someone they know’s health); be it choosing between rent, food or medicine or eating only one meal a day so their child can eat three.

If your family was about to end up on the streets, wouldn’t you help them? Offer a place to stay if you could? So why aren’t you supporting your friends friends, their families and other humans just like you; kids and elderly who’re suffering and war veterans getting injured or who can’t afford to buy food.

This is Real.

And we could all be supportive.

Maybe you have no time, maybe you can’t afford to protest. You can speak. You can smile at people. You can hold the door open for people and ask how they are.

Maybe you don’t agree with it; that’s fine.

I’m asking you though; please don’t insult or harm those of us who see suffering and feel compassion for these people.

We’re all following our hearts and we just want equality.

I think that’s a valid wish.  Don’t you?

Written by Katy Rose for #occupythecloud who also tweets about the protests.