2011 allowed the global audience to witness history in the making. The world watched as revolutions and civil uprisings were changing the governments and dynamics of Northern Africa and the Middle East. Regular people achieved these changes by using peaceful methods.
Three months ago, the New York Times published an article about Gene Sharp, Shy US Intellectual Created Playbook Used in a Revolution. Mr. Sharp’s 198 Methods of Non-Violent Action is the blueprint for the activist.
This blueprint is especially useful to Circassians (or anyone!) who wants to tell the world the story of our nation. The Sochi 2014 Olympics will be on the exact site and take place on the 150th anniversary of the horrific Circassian Genocide. Since 1864, the Circassian Genocide is not recognized, even though scholars study it as the first Genocide in modern European history; it could have served as a blueprint for future crimes against humanity. 90% of Circassians live in Diaspora without any right to repatriate to their homeland. Circassians who do live in the Northwest Caucasus are undergoing a cultural genocide. Their identity is stripped away daily. Circassians throughout the world are denied to choose their own future. Instead they are forced to accept a fate that Russia has pre-ordained for them to assimilate, to die out, to disappear forever.
Circassian activists have raised these issues, but it is now time for ALL creative people and conscious minds to use these peaceful methods, and let the world know that Circassians deserve equality, justice and a better brighter future.
