Bravery In The Midst Of Injustice | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

Bravery In The Midst Of Injustice

Sacrificing his life for the oppressed.

16
Bravery In The Midst Of Injustice
Bustle

The Olympics season as we all know has been amazing! Many events have taken place in the Olympics concerning some athletes. One of the most profound of all is the Ethiopian medalist who led protest as he entered the finishing line. As many are unaware of it in the western world, Ethiopia is now facing one of the most unexplainable human rights violation by the corrupt government. The government favors one specific ethnic group, the Tigray tribe, in which tries to rule over the majority of other ethnical groups in Ethiopia. Through ethnic discrimination, economical and social corruption, many citizens are left to die in the hands of the government that is supposed to protect them. The everyday ethnic cleansing is a coward act of manipulation, a way to spread fear to those that are actively protesting against the government.

The runner, Feyisa Lilesa crosses his arm above his head as a sign of protest against the government's killings of countless numbers of innocent people. Lilesa's aim was to stand up for his people, the Oromo tribe- an ethnic majority that has long complained about being marginalized. This brave sign of protest that could cost this athlete his life is in hopes to let the world know of the savagery of the Ethiopian government. At a news conference following the race, Lilesa expressed his fear for the lives of his family back in Ethiopia as well as his safety saying he might be put in jail or get killed. "If I go back to Ethiopia maybe they will kill me. If not kill me, they will put me in prison." Lilesa immediately suggests that he might have to move somewhere else, he was conscious of the danger of his action. But still chose to risk his life for those that could not protest, for those that can't say a single word of truth about the cruel government. There is no further assistance or investigation done to uncover the truth of the government.

Unfortunately, many Ethiopians are living a life of terror, killings and prison everyday for simply demanding change in the system. Systematically breaking human rights boundaries has been the main focus of the government along with removing people from their houses, systematic sterilization of certain ethnic groups and killings. Unlike many other countries, Ethiopia is now facing inhumane act of violence. But the fear of the consequence of protest for Lilesa, even when he's not in Ethiopia proves the wickedness of the government. There are many unexpressed emotions, anger and frustration deeper than words could express but Ethiopians are not backing out of this even if it costs tears and blood. As Jonathan Swift once said, "For in reason, all government without the consent of the governed is the very definition of slavery."


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

14055
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

2778
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 14 Stages Of The Last Week Of Class

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1677
black marker on notebook

December... it's full of finals, due dates, Mariah Carey, and the holidays. It's the worst time of the year, but the best because after finals, you get to not think about classes for a month and catch up on all the sleep you lost throughout the semester. But what's worse than finals week is the last week of classes, when all the due dates you've put off can no longer be put off anymore.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments