Written by: Isaiah Smart

Silent protests, marches and peaceful gatherings have re-emerged as the precursor to thousand of injuries and months of political unrest.

 All over the world, citizens have taken it upon themselves to change the environment they live in and make a difference. In the last year alone, citizens from numerous nations have ignited protests and social revolutions.

 Recently, Ukraine, Russia and Venezuela have been in the news with their own social uprisings. Despite the injuries sustained by these peaceful protesters, I support their efforts.

 Most of these protests had peaceful beginnings, but the outcome has been dog attacks, hosing and shootings.

 Nations that lack the democratic process of the United States have been searching for more freedom in their government and a new crop of leaders.

 Ukraine’s protesters have generally been well-organized and peaceful in their approach, and their cause has increased dramatically over a short time. After one encounter with the police, the group doubled over night.

 In Venezuela, the largest protests since Hugo Chávez’s death a year ago are centered on gaining the right to freely criticize Venezuela’s government.

 There have already been demonstrations concerning high inflation, shortage of basic goods and rampant crime, according to an article in The New York Times.

 It’s great that people are taking matters into their own hands. Often we speak of change that we want to see but sit around and wait for it to happen.

 We, no matter who or where we are, can’t expect others to bring about change. We have to be willing to get our hands dirty and sacrifice for the betterment of the world.

 Always remember that it is better to be proactive than reactive, and this truth applies to large and small issues. Whether it is your grades or the policies of a nation, you have to be the one to initiate change.