September 5 2014, Friday
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Young
calves
The Chinese saying goes like
this: New-born calves are not scared of tigers.
This is what came to my mind as I
watched in admiration those young people on screen. They were screaming for
justice, barricading streets, holding overnight vigil and getting arrested
right in front of our eyes. I have the greatest respect for their courage and
determination. But as a teacher, a parent and a grand-parent, I hope their
deeds are informed choices. I am not worried about those organizers old and
young because they know why they are doing what they are doing.
Calves are ignorant of what
injury tigers can inflict on them and so they dare the tigers! Do these young
followers know what they are fighting for? Do they know they might be
physically injured or get a criminal record that would affect the rest of their
lives? Now university students are crying out to boycott classes! These young
people have exhausted the last ounce of energy to get themselves admitted and
yet they are now skipping classes! And organizers are even encouraging
secondary school students to join in! Legally speaking, these students are only
minors.
I know fighting for a cause does
carry a romantic appeal but as in all romantic affairs, there is a price to
pay. Only mature adults who are well informed of the whole situation and who
can afford the price should tread this path.
