May 1, International Labour Day

While I was studying when this day came each year the streets of London would be painted…well, red. It’s no secret my uni was/is left-leaning and politically active. SOASians are well known for that. I’ve seen and attended numerous protests, demonstrations and rallies in support of the underdogs and exploited of this unjust world of corruption, abuse and injustice.

The world is not changed by these manifestations of bottled-up anger, sometimes creativity, but always undoubtedly genuine concern and distrust at the ‘system’. There is no need to go to extremes and trash the windows and signs of multinational companies (though their practices are often distasteful and socially irresponsible). But at least we should show and share solidarity with so many across the world, who are voiceless and invisible. So many who toil and labour everyday and every night to keep this world and its production and reproduction processes going, so that we may enjoy our luxurious lives. These people share our dreams of a better world, a better future, and better lives for their children, and children’s children.

Think of them for a day, a minute, or at least a moment.

So comrades, come rally
And the last fight
let us face
The Internationale unites the human race.
So comrades, come
rally
And the last fight let us face
The Internationale unites the human
race.
--The Internationale--

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