Siby Kollappallil Joseph
On February 28th, two events will unfold, echoing the timeless spirit of non-cooperation pioneered by Mahatma Gandhi. The Global Blackout Day, initiated by Mothers Against Genocide, and the Economic Blackout, led by The People’s Union USA, share a common thread – the withdrawal of cooperation from systems that perpetuate injustice.
This synchronized initiative invites individuals worldwide to temporarily withdraw their cooperation from systems that perpetuate exploitation, inequality, and injustice. By refraining from shopping, using social media, or engaging in other economic activities, participants can send a powerful, unified message to those in power, demanding change and accountability.
According to a political scientist and Gandhi scholar in the United States, the Blackout Day initiative in the US is rapidly gaining momentum on social media, with a core message that urges citizens to boycott large corporations on February 28th. The call to action varies, with some advocating for a complete halt on shopping, online and offline, while others suggest staying home from work. This diversity of participation options ensures that individuals from all walks of life can contribute to this collective effort.
The Global Blackout Day is a call to action for people of conscience worldwide, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural differences. Participants are encouraged to:
• Refrain from work, as a symbol of solidarity and a gesture of non-cooperation
• Avoid shopping, online and offline, to deprive corporations of their economic power
• Refrain from using devices and social media, to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the human experience
• Engage in no consuming of anything, to break free from the cycle of consumerism and materialism
This global boycott aims to show that the power lies with the people, particularly in support of the people of Gaza, Sudan, and Congo, who have been affected by conflict, poverty, and inequality.
Interestingly, February 28th marks the beginning of Ramadan, a month of fasting and spiritual reflection in the Islamic calendar. This convergence of events has sparked hopes that Blackout Day might ignite a broader movement of noncooperation, leading to meaningful conversations and changes. The synchronization of these events underscores the universal desire for justice, equality, and human rights.
While activists, even those with a Gandhian background, are not confident that Blackout Day will replicate the success of the non-cooperation movement of the 1920s in India, they acknowledge its potential to spark a profound shift in collective consciousness. It will be humble beginning of a long term struggle based on non-violence worldwide.
As the world grapples with the complexities of national hegemony, economic inequality, and social injustice, Blackout Day may be a humble beginning, but it has the potential to foster a global movement that resists empire-building, whether by the US, Russia, China, or other nations.
In conclusion, the Global Blackout Day and Economic Blackout represent a unified call to action, inviting individuals worldwide to join forces in a collective effort to challenge injustice and promote equality. As the world stands at the crossroads of history, this synchronized initiative has the potential to inspire a new wave of nonviolent resistance, echoing the timeless wisdom of Mahatma Gandhi.
This note was prepared by Dr.Siby K.Joseph following a discussion on the video clipping of Mother’s Against Genocide and social media messages posted in a peace group. The author is currently the Director, Sri Jamnalal Bajaj Memorial Library and Research Centre for Gandhian Studies,Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan, Sevagram,
Wardha-442102, Maharashtra (INDIA)
Email: directorjbmlrc@gmail.com
