Op-Ed

Witnessing is Powerful
by UnaSpenser
At some point in the Egyptian revolution, representatives of the demonstrators made it very clear that self-determination is what they sought. They didn't want outsiders influencing their process. They wanted to own it for themselves. All they wanted from us was to keep the cameras rolling and tell their story. One person clearly and bluntly expressed fear that the cameras would go away and we would stop watching and that then the government would feel free to kill them.

Witnessing is powerful.

Today, I've heard two different voice from Libya echoing those sentiments. In one voice recording, a Libyan begs us to bring cameras. Another in an interview with Anderson Cooper this evening says, please tell our story. The government there has locked out the media. Still they go to the streets. Over 40 people died today. When Anderson says what can we do, he says, "tell our story. let people know." Anderson assures him that his voice will be heard tonight and he expresses heartfelt thanks.

Witnessing is powerful.

There is a reason that witness testimony is such a key factor to the dispensing of justice and that perpetrators of crimes try to silence witnesses. There is a reason that oppressive regimes block the media from covering what they do. Think about how different it is to stand up to an offender when you are alone than it is when you have even one other person who witnessed the offensive event. Remember those moments of saying, "Thank goodness it's not just me. Someone else sees it, too."

Witnessing is powerful.

Witnessing is not a passive act. It is hard. One must work to maintain a larger view and hold onto to higher principles whilst witnessing what happens to individuals. One must process all the pain and terror and find a way to maintain a center and continue to bear witness without falling apart and abandoning those you are offering the service to. One must be open to seeing things one doesn't want to see even when it doesn't support a preconceived notion or those you are witnessing for act contrary to the ideals you had hoped you shared. One must transform all of this into truth-telling regardless of how painful it is or any external pressures to be silent or misrepresent that truth. One must become comfortable with being uncomfortable and agitated. One must hold onto the value of the service throughout all of this. If it were easy, it wouldn't be meaningful.

Witnessing is powerful.

Do what you are called to do. Who knows what will lead where. Whatever that is, please honor the wishes of those putting their lives on the line and remember to continue to bear witness.

Witnessing is powerful.