Power power noun 1 the ability or capacity to do something or act in a particular way 2 the capacity or ability to direct or influence the behaviour of others or the course of events 3 physical strength and force exerted by something or someone 4 energy that is produced by mechanical, electrical, or other means and used to operate a device verb 1 [with object] supply (a device) with mechanical or electrical energy 2 [no object, with adverbial of direction] move or travel with great speed or force.

— Oxford Dictionary of English Kings and queens may cling to power,

a CRIN magazine and the jester’s got his call. But, as you may discover, the common one outranks them all.

THIS RIDDLE may describe the imagination, something so boundless hierarchy within a pack of cards, and personal that no one can touch What Lies Beneath is a conversation on placing the ace as the most powerful, it. It exists within all of us and can big issues that lie in the shadows and keep us but it can also apply to how power be exercised at any moment and in from evolving as a species. Through questions, exists in human societies. Each any setting. And doing it best are artwork and our vision for the future, the country may have a head of State in children, whose youth, creativity, magazine encourages people to think critically one capacity or another, but do they curiosity and dreams witness the and self reflect to be able to start changing actually wield ultimate power or is world, with all of its virtues and things for the better. it an illusion? Can one single person horrors, from scratch, and with really command above millions of confusion about why things are the CRIN is a creative think tank that produces others? Or is the power actually among way they are. new and dynamic perspectives on human rights the millions themselves, yet they’re issues, with a focus on under-18s. We challenge unaware of it or too afraid to exercise But children are younger and smaller, the status quo because the norms that dictate it? Admittedly, it’s not so black and they have no vote or income, they’re children and young people’s place in society white, as power comes in many shapes told what to do and made to mimic need radical change. We believe everyone can and forms. the rituals of their elders; surely help to set right the world’s power imbalance if they have no power. Wrong. They we collectively harness our courage, insight and There’s the obvious power that possess a power that’s lost among compassion to break it. exists in physical strength, large the majority of us; that being young size, machinery and weapons. This means they’re less bound by a status is the type of power that can be used quo that isn’t theirs. In practice, over others, to subjugate them and this means that old power, the self- to command their obedience. It’s the serving kind that’s hoarded by a few type that, if absolute, it will corrupt and defined by winners and losers, absolutely. Then there’s the invisible will naturally expire and make way power of beliefs, principles, norms or for a new power which demands prejudices, which shape how we act not respect or subservience, but or refrain from acting. Emotions, too, rebellion, equality, justice and all take a hold of our behaviour. Anger, those other naughty words. hatred, love and fear above all make us do things that we rarely like to admit. And then there’s the power of the The CRIN team #2 2019 “We have it in our power to begin the world over again.”

—Audre Lorde

6 Contents The Power of Imagination Last Dictator Little Inventors Speech 58 70 New Voices Dixit 12 62 The Power of Language 15 Musings Classifieds Fuck Borders 60 72 Poetry Imagine a 22 world where... 56 Like Water Memory Break to 28 42 Create Play The Power 66 Pirates = of Activism Permission 30 24 The Power of Healing Linda Young Shaping 44 The Practising our Future Drawing Room Humility Correspondence Reflection 38 73 36 10 11 “I would like to have the power of being listened to. And I guess, New Voices kind of, respected and valued Thank you to colleagues and partners in Brazil, France, Spain, Mexico, because I’m the youngest [in my the UK, the US and Zimbabwe for collecting these quotes from under-18s. family] and I would like to be a more impactful individual. I want to have more of an impact.” “Power means being able to do something, like walking or talking. —Taniya, 17 With power I feel free to do things.” —Isabela, 9 “To me, power is when we can do things we always wanted to do, “Power is powerful, like a dinosaur! With power he gets angry.” like shooting rays. I am a super- —Bernardo, 3 hero when I have this power; I think I can do anything with my “Power means having control of something, like… a country, for power. I don’t like it if I hit so- example. With power, people do bad things, but I like it when people meone. Then, I say, ‘Wow, I don’t “Power makes me think of when who have power do good things with the power they have.” like this power because I don’t someone has authority over —Eduardo, 10 know how to keep it.’” another person that doesn’t have —Clara, 5 power, and they can use that “Power to me is when someone is facing something, they make deci- power to ‘control’ or even com- sions and choices. But having power doesn’t always mean having pri- “Power to me is doing everything mand something.” vilege. For example, having power in your hands and not knowing I can and want to do, indepen- —Felipe, 17 how to use it, that’s bad.” dent of what others think, they —Milena, 17 can be good or bad things, as “Power is having something you long as I have control.” love. My dog, to me, is power “Power is something you can do and that nobody can prevent you —Ligia, 14 because he is very cute and fury. from doing.” He is my power.” —Margot, 9 “Power has two meanings: it can —Helena, 7 be for superheroes, as well as “Power makes me think about having the strength to defeat your power for congressmen. Power “Power is the strength to help enemies. Power makes you strong. This is very important.” makes you stronger.” others gain their rights.” —Leonardo, 7 —Victor, 13 —Ruvarashe, 13

12 13 The Power of Language

Language isn’t just about words, even if dictionaries state otherwise. Most of us communicate through words, yes, be they written, spoken or signed, but most communication comprises facial expressions, physical cues and ‘speaking’ with our eyes, aka body language. Irrespective of its form, however, language serves the social practice of understanding one another, which, as a species, is important to us, but it’s not the only reason why we do it. Essentially, language is used to communicate ideas, and because of this, it harbours a power we’re rarely conscious of.

Let’s take an obvious example: dictatorships. Power-hungry tyrants and their cronies use language - from words in televised speeches to images in propaganda - to spread an idea to garner uncritical support and gain adoration and fear from the masses. Meanwhile dissenters use language - from words in speeches at secret gatherings to images in anti-government posters and pamphlets - to destabilise that power by encouraging criticism and inspiring rebellion.

This ability to convey an idea and instil it in an audience’s mind shows the power that language can have as a means of communication. A given idea can then either spread or die, change opinions or reinforce them, keep people in their place or rouse them, or it can evolve into more ideas each with their own or it can stagnate and paralyse thought. But at its core, the power of language is something bigger. While it may appear simplistic to say that if we can use language to convey an idea, we can do the same with a counter idea, it’s precisely here where its true, elemental power lies, as no single idea, however dominant it may be, exists without opposition, criticism or questioning, and this is always done through language, whether it’s voiced, drawn, gesticulated or otherwise communicated. In other words, language has the power to subvert power, both its own creations.

Random reflections on the power of language Democracy No single person or institution can monopolise language, however ‘powerful’ they may be, as language is, by its nature, democratic.

14 15 Simply having a command of a works both ways, and while such an Dominance Assumptions language - written, spoken, signed, exclamation can be obeyed, it can Asserting power and dominance When we communicate through drawn etc - means that we can also be challenged, as ‘no, you can’t’ requires obedience from others, words, it’s the result of using use it however we like and to leads to ‘no, I can’. but obedience isn’t just achieved grammar and vocabulary to communicate whatever we want. through coercive means such as translate our thoughts and feelings, Fear force and violence; the mere threat but words also affect the way we Humility Institutions and individuals use of these is enough to induce it, think. The media, for instance, On resisting tyranny, one author language both to build their power and this is done indirectly through uses particular words, images or advises: “Avoid pronouncing the and to maintain it. In human language. When something is other techniques to affect the way phrases everyone else does. Think trafficking, victims are often ‘banned’ and ‘will not be tolerated’ audiences perceive something. up your own way of speaking”. This groomed not through physical is sometimes enough. A clenched Calling young people ‘snowflakes’ relates not only to chanting the same submission, but through language fist or a stern look can also suffice. or refugees ‘marauding migrants’ words (and ideas) as others do or that disempowers, dehumanises, Language, however we express it, can sway public opinion on these expect from us, but also resisting degrades, isolates and shames can be loaded with assumptions groups, as labels are always charged a narrowing of our vocabulary them into compliance. Meanwhile of power and authority which, with assumptions and expectations. and thoughts. The world is full of in the case of politics we have whether real or perceived, makes us information from myriad sources, demagogic rhetoric, whereby the react and act a certain way. Compliance and this diversity calls for us to be objective of a simple sentence The language of telling a child to humble and recognise that there’s (and the idea it carries) is nothing Identity sit like a girl or that they’re such so much more we don’t know, and more than to convince voters by Commanding a language and a brave little boy doesn’t stop at to allow ourselves to challenge our stirring their fears and desires. being understood forges a the last word; it continues in the own thinking and be open to being powerful feeling of belonging - to actions that follow. Legs together, proven wrong. Protest a family, a community, a culture feeling of shame for crying… these That actions speak louder than or a country. This is especially are the unspoken expressions Challenge words is difficult to refute. When true when discussing national of compliance, when we do as ‘No’ is a powerful word because it Rosa Parks refused to stand up, identity, but not all citizens can we’re told and grow into a broad stops people and their assumptions that action spoke to many people talk of having a national language. brushstroke of an idea that we had and expectations in their tracks. A without a single word. After the Outside of Europe, for instance, no say in designing. firm ‘no’ from an adult to a child can Tank Man stood in front of a Dutch, English, French, Portuguese prompt obedience, but this effect is convoy in Tiananmen Square, and Spanish are inescapably the Stereotype as much about the meaning of the it eventually became one of the languages of the colonisers, as Labels and stereotypes mislead word as it is about solidifying one’s most iconic symbols of protest. language is never ahistorical or us into thinking something or authority in a power dynamic that And such actions are sometimes apolitical, especially when you someone is only a particular places the older and bigger person captured on camera, reminding know one stripped you of way. Such assumptions abound in charge and the younger and us, too, that ‘a picture is worth a your own. especially for groups who’ve smaller one in compliance. But ‘no’ thousand words’. historically been downtrodden:

16 17 women, children, people of colour, the status quo. But it’s not because immigrants, religious groups, the words in and of themselves are sexual minorities, and so on. For dangerous; it’s the ideas they carry. girls and women, labels can range from ‘Angry Black Woman’ and ‘Dutiful Wife’ to ‘Feminist Killjoy’ and ‘Pretty Princess’. And when we replicate these labels uncritically, we feed the stereotype. BUT… Diversity Generic terms are convenient Language on its own has little terms, but they limit our purpose if no one is paying perception of things. ‘Man’ or attention to what we express. ‘mankind’, for instance, are We may hear, see, feel or supposed to be all-encompassing, otherwise perceive someone but they’re far from inclusive communicating with us, but it’s not of the diversity of humanity. the same as taking in the content, Similarly, ‘child’ is taken to include understanding the meaning and girls, boys, infants, adolescents, acting on it. Part of the issue is that teenagers, and youth, yet rarely is ‘listening’ is a disappearing art, intended to mean all of them at the as nowadays we place too much same time. emphasis on ‘talking’ ourselves, and some groups, such as under-18s, Freedom are more prone to this treatment All the words we’re not supposed than others. Needless to say that to say, let alone come to know the ‘future leaders of tomorrow’ are them. Some words are ‘dirty’ and apparently not worth hearing out can get us into trouble, but not in until the future arrives. And when the way we’re probably thinking. we speak for them, whether it’s Depending on the country, talk of well-intentioned or self-righteous, freedoms and rights gets people it doesn’t necessarily make in detention and forced labour their message louder; it merely camps or shot and buried, because reinforces our role as self-appointed such words need to be silenced, it’s mouthpieces. believed, because they are a risk to

18 19 “We live in and changed by capitalism. Its human beings. power seems Resistance and inescapable. So change often begin did the divine in art, and very right of kings. Any often in our art, human power the art of words.” can be resisted — Ursula Le Guin

20 21 Fuck borders, or things I wish I’d said to But if this is guilt it is not for you, not for you I gift this guilt each summer to my aunties poetry immigration before they deported me If this is innocence it is not mine, but theirs (ours?) It is the belly-gushing love that itches the throat By Basma Osman Profound nodding Uncertain embraces Laughter I’m not shaking because I’m scared. Silence I have crawled up mountains on these bumping hands and knees Sweat So that the tremors of the earth have become my own And tea on the Nile seven sugars sweet – And these lips of mine that quiver so Ease They have been burned too many times by impatient desire These fingers are buzzing on grandmother’s biscuits and pre-diabetes It is not out of fear that my eyes dart to and fro And if you can’t hear the music in these vibrations then maybe we are a Evading your stare different species Settling nowhere But I’m no wolf. They are thrilled by the chase Dance with them and see I’m not shaking because I’m weak. I am powered by these tiny movements, kinetic, potential There is a kind of tension in my feet from tiptoeing the lines that you draw, So go ahead and black me out and redraw I glow in the dark. But watch me tap tap dance on the point where our circles touch My legs are thick and graceful I’m not shaking because I’m sick. They jiggle but never slip I have been bleeding this week, though nobody sees Know that everytime I bend, twist, split myself for you There is a deep tectonic burning beneath these dragging feet and unsteady My back gets stronger hands I can carry myself and others on it The earth’s core and the moon’s pull draw these tremors from me My arms, too Making mountains and new beginnings They have been busy cooking I keep it a secret but I know that you know. Those burnt black bits At the bottom of the melting pot I’m not shaking because I’m guilty. They are the tastiest Yes I grind my teeth sometimes If cancerous They are uneven, sucked and kissed by a mothertongue muted But scraping, scraping is hard and I am getting tired She clicks and clacks in protest at my every word Maybe this is why I sound off-key and wobbly So I shake Speaking in a second language In power, in life, in love, and in growth I shake (But I don’t have a first) Maybe I am guilty That’s everything.

22 23 Pirates = permission

by Alex Barker, Right Hand Pirate to Sam Conniff Allende, author of Be More Pirate: Or How To Take On The World And Win

If there’s one phrase we’ve heard subtle, or more informal means in response to Be More Pirate, it’s of wielding power. You can give that it gives people permission. someone a more senior role with Permission to speak up, to tell the more money and more influence, truth or to do something they were but if they’re still afraid to give previously afraid of doing. themselves permission to change what really matters, then you have It provides a language and an only shared responsibility, opportunity to reclaim the power not power. they didn’t even know was absent. So, if what we’re seeking is impact, It’s common, particularly in the we have to look at power more public and voluntary sectors, to talk broadly. Power is our ability to get about power sharing as part of a things done. It’s not fixed. It’s not ‘strategy’ to improve XYZ. The risk solely internal or external either. It here is that we assume everyone can be everywhere or nowhere. So understands what constitutes you must first find it. power, and where it lies. Start by asking yourself this: There’s often a narrow focus on when did you first feel your sharing traditional power: wealth, power to make a dent in status, or authority, while ignoring the world? 24 25 By answering this question you This all might sound trivial in the recall what triggered a feeling face of bigger systemic struggles, of strength as a child. Was it but if you don’t know where about standing up to a particular power exists at the micro level, person? Protecting someone else? you cannot seize it, use it or share Winning a battle with a teacher? it with others. Rescuing your pet? As there is an increasing need By understanding where and for social movements in the face when your own power first made of the climate crisis and the itself known, you have a better breakdown of traditional political chance at connecting to your leadership, the ability to build natural strengths. strong connections, momentum Now think to the present day: and meaning among strangers is a Write down five people you’d force to be reckoned with. trust with your life This is what pirates did. Their Name a space or place that you policies of equal say and equal go to frequently, out of choice pay would not have worked had Write down the last thing that each individual not also given caused you to shout in defiance themselves permission to call themselves pirate and take part The first group are the people in the rebellion. Their real power who have your back - power can came not from treasure stolen or come from a sense of security. battles won, but from the new The space you go to, is a place names they granted themselves, that uplifts you. Power exists the skull and crossbones symbol in the physical environment, so that defined a new space. pay attention to the places you From the code that gave them work, live and play. something to believe in and shout about, and the crew who were The thing you shouted about is bound by it to have each something you care about other’s back. -power comes from certainty- knowing what you believe in Pirates = permission = power. and knowing what hurts.

26 27 #FridaysForFuture: The FridaysForFuture global youth movement began after a 15-year-old in Sweden sat in front of the parliament every school day for three weeks to protest against the lack of action on the climate crisis. As her story spread, more students Like Water organised protests outside of their own parliaments and local councils all over the world, to the extent that now every month hundreds of thousands skip class in an unpreceded act of civil disobedience. As of November 2019, there are a registered 2129 strikes in every continent, with national campaigns forming in Iraq, the Philippines, Turkey, Pakistan, India, Brazil, Uganda and more. Nothing is weaker than water, But when it attacks something hard Or resistant, then nothing withstands it, And nothing will alter its way. — Lao Tzu

An action or event can cause ripples in a society which, in turn, expand further, reaching more and more people. But while ripples eventually fade, what’s left is like a body of water nudging the banks and filtering through the depths to Idle No More: What began as new soils. a thread of emails in Canada in 2012 between four women to brainstorm actions against a law that would remove Umbrella Movement: Students The power of water also lies in its formlessness, with martial legal protections from the land reserved in Hong Kong’s 2014 pro-democracy artist Bruce Lee telling us we should “Be water, my friend”; for Indigenous people in Saskatchewan protests used umbrellas to shield moving, expanding, adapting; never assuming a single mould, province, has now become a “peaceful themselves from pepper spray used by police to disperse crowds, which had but many - whichever ones a given circumstance calls for. revolution to honour indigenous sovereignty and to protect the land gathered in sit-ins as part of a non-violent and water”. Called Idle No More “as a civil disobedience campaign. The protests In the following you’ll find examples of ideas which, after reminder to get off the couch and start signalled a new wave of civil rights their first ripples, stirred more and more people to the point working,” the movement spilled into protection, which galvanised an entire of sparking an entire movement. These are the stories of the the United States and even as far as generation whose activism continues five years on. Hong Kong’s 2019 protests things that grew out of the ideas and actions of individuals. Ukraine and New Zealand. Its impetus is empowering Indigenous communities are rooted in the spirit of the Umbrella to stand up for their rights, cultures Movement and have adopted the mantra and sovereignty, actions they say are “Be water”. Practicing varied forms of civil rooted in a centuries-old resistance by disobedience, protesters urge one another Indigenous nations. to be “Strong like ice. Flow like water. Gather like dew. Disperse like fog.” 28 29 The Power of Activism

“They will tell you the rules are that those we see in the news and the parliaments and boardrooms hold all the power and you must be nice to them and perhaps they will give you crumbs, or the time of day, or just a door slammed in your face. They will tell you that things can only change in tiny increments by predictable means. They’re wrong. Sometimes you don’t have to ask for permission or for anything because you hold the power and you yourselves decide which way the door swings. Nothing is possible without action; almost anything is when we rise up together, as you are doing today.” —Rebecca Solnit, to climate strikers

People under the age of 18 are that most of us are comfortable largely seen as not having any doing. And for what? To save the power, let alone being mature planet? What a naive, exaggerated enough to use it. “We are, after and far-fetched idea, many still all, just children,” said Greta say. But there’s a simple lesson to Thunberg, ironically alluding to this be learnt: if adults have shown common preconception. But if 2019 us the power of humans to cause has shown us anything, it’s that extinction, then under-18s have under-18s - just like anyone else shown us the power of humans who’s passionate about something, to try to prevent it. In the words regardless of their age - can go of 13-year-old Autumn Peltier, a against what’s expected of them, First Nations clean water activist, and not do as they’re told. “Now is the time to warrior up and empower each other to take a stand Refusing to go to school, brushing for our planet.” off orders to stay quiet and to stop wasting time, and telling In the following, we chatted world leaders that it’s them who’ve with two youth climate warriors behaved childishly - these are to understand how they’re some of the ways that under-18s activism is challenging the power have misbehaved this past year, structures that allowed this mess shunning the type of sofa activism to happen in the first place.

30 31 values to protect life and to hear and act around the science. We demand Jeronimo Zarco, 15, governments to declare a state of Climate Emergency (and act on it) and to hold polluters accountable. Acting now is the only way may save Fridays for Future and Extinction humanity. [But] the actions taken by big enterprises and/or governments Rebellion Youth so far are not even close to what is needed. How do you stay safe?

How did you get involved in climate activism? We keep us safe! My activist friends protect me and I protect my activist friends. It’s a beautiful alliance based on friendship and love. My climate-related activist days began with both Fridays For Future (FFF) Mexico and FFF Mexico City in March 2019 along the first Have you seen any direct results yet, even small actions that worked? (per- global climate strike (which I helped organise in Mexico). I became a haps also add examples of things that didn’t work? on the premise that we coordinator of the movement and the International/National Speaker can learn from the good and bad.) for the Mexican movement. I also organised the May 24th march. For personal reasons, I moved to New York City where I met with Greta Yes. In the lower scale, individual actions work such as boycotting fast Thunberg and participated in the September 20th strike. I received the fashion or going vegan. However, on a big scale, these actions have an UN Environment’s Champions of the Earth Award on behalf of Greta and extremely small impact on reducing climate change. The world needs big the FFF movement alongside other environmental activists from all around actions. Some countries have already declared a Climate Emergency such the world. Later in the year, I joined Extinction Rebellion Youth USA and as the UK, Canada, Portugal, Spain among others. Recently, the Mexican Extinction Rebellion Youth NYC. I am now organising alongside FFF NYC Senate has exhorted the presidency to declare it. Unfortunately, many of the December 6th strike. these “Climate Emergency Declarations” are just that: declarations. The declaration should not be just a saying but also actions must happen after How do you feel about criticism of what you’re doing? it. Besides this, some other actions work such as mass tree plantation and banning single use plastics. I believe that there are two types of criticism: non-valid and constructive criticism. Non-valid criticism of the climate movement(s) is usually a defence mechanism of “boomers” (or in general older people) who want to keep this suicidal economic and political system, or it’s climate crisis deniers that are simply ignorant people. However, constructive criticism is a whole different thing. Constructive criticism allows us to grow and actually make Oscar Glancy, 16, our movement(s) stronger and more accessible. It allows us to be better. Ultimately, I believe that criticism is good because it makes our fight Extinction Rebellion (XR) Youth noticeable and a conversational and debatable topic in everyday lives.

What are the values underpinning the movement? What does power mean to you? The movement started when the youth around the world realised that the Power means strength: the power of you, yourself as a person; the power climate crisis had to be the major focus on the political and economical of people and the environment around you. Power to me also means landscape to protect and ensure a livable and sustainable future for community. ‘People-power’ is a term used a lot by social action groups the young and upcoming generations. Our movement is based on the and movements like XR, and past XR actions like the April Rebellion in

32 33 London really made the power of people who come together as a resilient of positive and negative, of hope and fear, but it really is something community extremely clear. incredible to be a part of.

What does power make you think of? What don’t you like about power? Power makes me think of change. Of current movements like XR and past How easily it can be controlled and manipulated. From when the social action movements like the Civil Rights movement. These groups Holocaust was ‘legal’ and hiding Jews was criminalised by Hitler, to have been on the frontline of bringing about people-led change to create when slavery was legal in America and freeing them was often illegal. a fairer and healthier society, and it was only possible when thousands or These huge injustices through time by an imbalance of power have millions of people banded together under a name and took to the streets to been responsible for a huge amount of human suffering. It is this same demand action. imbalance of power that I am now fighting against by being part of XR - fighting against a toxic system that priorities the business interests and How does power make you feel? profits of multi-billion pound corporations, rather than the lives and futures of children who will come to inherit the world. Governments Power makes me feel empowered. The empowerment and adrenaline- and corporations now have so much power that it is extremely hard to rush that I have felt through taking part in XR actions and also the youth bring about change, even more so with the vast transformative changes climate strikes is amazing and you really can’t describe it - the feeling of that we need to see in our society to avoid a climate breakdown. This doing something (often) illegal yet so righteous and critically important, misplacement of power is what I am fighting to change. surrounded by hundreds or thousands of people from all walks of life yet with the same mindset of urgent climate action. You really can’t put it into words the emotions that this creates in you as it’s such a mixture

ear imag as background?

34 35 Adult: I have friends, family, neighbours and work colleagues with whom I can discuss it and see if we can all do something together. If that fails, I’ll PRACTISING Humility join a protest. Aided and abetted by Nick Martlew, author of ‘Creative Coalitions’, a Teenager: I’ll talk about it with my friends, and they can talk about it with Reflection handbook for people seeking to work with others to change the world. their friends. Who knows, with all the world’s youth-led protests going on, maybe we could spark one too.

You discover an injustice. You think something should be done about it. You Approach 4: The reality want to do something about it. You’re a teenager or an adult, a diplomat or an NGO or someone or something else. You ask: what can I do? NGO: Who are we kidding - we can’t fix this issue alone. But we also shouldn’t wait for another organisation to act; we should start doing Approach 1: Me something now. A joint letter is OK, but it should lead to something bigger, like a collective. NGO: We can fix it! We’ll do this, this and that... Diplomat: Diplomat: Thank you for raising this important issue. I’ll mention it to Sweden and Uruguay are two countries among 191 others - let’s my country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. get more ambitious. However, I don’t want to risk straining diplomatic ties with some countries because of this issue, as we’re working on an economic Adult: I’m busy working for a living. There’s nothing I’d be able to deal. Plus, the USA might threaten us or write a mean tweet. change anyway. But I’ll make a donation. Adult: Doing something on my own doesn’t mean doing it alone. There’ll Teenager: I think it’s wrong, but how can I challenge it? I’m just a student. I be others on their own too. We just need to learn about one another and can’t even vote. I don’t even get enough pocket money to make a donation. potentially join our efforts. Teenager: Approach 2: You While I am a student, and even though I can’t vote, I have a voice, free will and more energy, optimism and drive than most adults. NGO: Another organisation can address it. We don’t have the time or If a protest is what I can do, then I’m going to protest hard! resources. Plus, it’s too controversial and isn’t part of our strategy. Diplomat: Maybe I don’t need to raise it, as Sweden or Uruguay will probably address it anyway. Or, maybe there’s another way. An approach that’s not about you, them or us, but about the change that needs to happen. An approach that doesn’t Adult: There’ll always be someone else who takes on the issue, and kudos to them. start with ‘what can I do?’ or ‘what you should do’, but with ‘what needs to Teenager: I have exams coming up, so I can’t. Plus, again, what can I be done?’, and brings all actors - whether a teenager or an NGO - together do as a student. to draw on their respective strengths and experiences and their social and professional circles. Approach 3: Everyone It’s a liberating question. Freed from any preconceptions, you can think NGO: Let’s do a joint letter. We should denounce the problem and ask a creatively, politically and collaboratively. You can connect with others to find high-level United Nations figure to express concern too. the best answer to ‘what needs to be done’, identify who’s best placed to do it, and only then – only then – can you see: what’s my role in making this vision Diplomat: I could talk with several countries’ delegates to see if we all of change a reality. agree and could support the same statement. And who knows, maybe that does mean a joint NGO letter or a protest. 36 37 successfully set up and will survive and sure even more young people would have a meaningful impact because it have prioritised the subject. This is a links charities with schools, councils controversial topic, but most young Shaping our Future and other organisations. A platform, people I have spoken to believe they My name is James Douglas, I’m 16 and from Northern to make real change must be cross- should have the vote at 16 or earlier. correspondence Ireland. I have albinism and the group I am linked with is organisational. In my country, at 16 you can smoke, Angel Eyes NI which helps young people and families affected get married or start a family, and by visual impairments. They have a Facebook page and a Secondly,L disabled young activists at 17 learn to drive. These are huge website (www.angeleyesni.org). also need support. As someone responsibilities where potentially fatal with a visual impairment there is mistakes can be made, yet at these In my home city I’m also involved with several youth nothing more down-heartening than ages young people are not deemed democracy groups which I mention in my speech which can be going to a local democracy event responsible to vote. found on the Instagram page @youth19derrystrabane which speaks about how important inclusion is when you’re not able If young people were given political to see the materials provided due classes at school or elsewhere, in an to small print. We have seen the unbiased setting, and allowed to vote power of disabled activists through at a younger age, we would have a Greta Thunberg who has overcome generation of passionate young people many challenges, including her armed with the information they On 9 October 2012, a young girl, The first of these is that young people autism, and has become perhaps the needed to vote, and we might see Malala Yousafzai, was shot in the need a platform from which to leading climate activist in the world. the power of children in politics and head on her way home from school speak, for example a youth council, Inclusion and accessibility should be shaping their own future. The power of as she campaigned for her right to an parliament or forum. The power of at the forefront of child activism. children is that they know their rights education. She was 17 at the time and children is their passion about the and lives better than anyone else, and has been a leading education activist issues affecting them, but a platform And finally, perhaps the greatest way yet they cannot have their opinions since. She is a perfect demonstration should do more than just allow young for children to change their future is listened to. of the power of children to change the people to be heard. It should allow through participation in politics. Yet in world around them- but her story is young people to actually be listened many countries the voting age is 18 so When it comes to keeping child also a warning of the dangers activists to by those in power and have our children cannot have a say on matters activists safe, I would briefly like to can face. thoughts actually influence decisions. affecting them - and they’ve noticed. comment on the importance of social In a survey of 700 people conducted by media. The power of children like Children cannot stand as activists I would say the key to this happening a youth group I am involved with, the Greta Thunberg is to be able to spread alone. From my experience in local is through cooperation. For decades voting age being too high was selected their activism across the world with a democracy groups, it seems to me people have tried setting up a by children as one of the top 20 issues click of a button. However, this opens that there are three main ways child youth council in my city of Derry/ they faced. And if there were not so up many dangers, and I’m not sure all activists need help. Londonderry with no success. many more immediate problems, I’m adults appreciate the significance of However, recently a council has been 38 39 image last in importance in a question about reconciliation. All of the top results as voted by children were along the theme “The rules are the rules of the of cross-community cooperation. This shows how most young people obvious, the easy assumptions have left behind anger of the past in favour of peace and inclusion (with unfortunately a few exceptions), to that we know who holds the extent that I am even able to go to school in an area I would never have power, we know how change dared to enter 20 years ago. his. Greta Thunberg has been mocked The power of children in Northern and attacked by many journalists and Ireland has been to accept those happens, we know what is celebrities, and faced 100s of messages from all religions and backgrounds, of hate mail on sites like instagram, and leave conflicts and hatred in the possible. But the real lesson and we need to keep child activists past when many members of other as safe as possible from this danger generations were unwilling to. The moving onward. power of children is to move on and of history is that change often look to the future instead of history. But what can adults learn from young comes in unpredictable ways, people? In answer to this I would Malala Yousafazi, who I mentioned briefly like to talk about my home at the beginning of my talk, went of Northern Ireland. For around 30 on to become world famous as power can suddenly be in the years we went through a troubled she campaigns for her right to an period of violence between extremists education, and, as I’m sure you all hands of those who appear out from the two main communities know, became the youngest person to there, and although there are still win a Nobel Peace Prize. From Malala many tensions, young people have risking her life for her right to an of what seems to the rest of us become leaders in breaking down education to Greta Thumberg denying boundaries. In the aforementioned herself the right to education in protest like nowhere.” youth survey, issues like flags, policing of climate change, we have seen the and parades - which were once major incredible power of children to change flash points between certain older the world around them. And there is members of the communities - came much, much more to come. — Rebecca Solnit

40 41 “Stories matter. Many stories matter. Stories have been used to dispossess and to malign. But stories can also be used to empower and humanise. Stories can break the dignity of a people but stories can also repair that broken dignity.”

Chimananda Ngozi Adichie

Memory Prime Minister Harper formerly apologises to former students of residential schools and offers compensation. Students who attended schools in areas left out of the offer of compensation Throughout the world, identity-based violence continues to serve as a contest the exclusion and go on to pursue a class-action lawsuit. political tool for perpetrator regimes, who marginalise and brutalise victim 2008 groups to stoke fear and secure power. ​

Though residential schools had opened earlier, it was 2010 Canada endorses the United Time and again, however, people emerge to respond to the politics of in 1883 that Prime Minister Macdonald authorised the Nations Declaration on the Rights destruction with a politics of hope; using their voices, bodies, and creativity creation of these state-sponsored religious schools aimed of Indigenous Peoples, after having to counter the divisiveness of genocidal regimes, often turning to the arts at assimilating Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian initially voted against its adoption in 2007 - one of only four States as a key tool in their struggle for social transformation. culture. These schools caused great harm to more than 150,000 indigenous children by isolating them from their to do so (the others were the US, 1883 culture and inflicting physical and sexual abuse. Australia and New Zealand). For the first time, the work of six such artists was brought together at the 1996 Atrocity Prevention Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, organised by the Auschwitz Institute for Peace and Reconciliation. CRIN was honoured to 1950s Thousands of Indigenous children are taken The Truth and Reconciliation be invited to participate in the Pavilion. 1980s from their homes and placed in foster homes and Commission of Canada concludes subsequently adopted out to white families in 2015 that the residential school system Canada and the US. Known as the ‘Sixties Scoop’, amounted to “nothing short of There we met and heard the story of Linda Young, a survivor of Canada’s children lost their names, families, language and cultural genocide”. residential school system for First Nations children, who uses her art to cultural connection. break the cycle of intergenerational trauma. The federal government announced a payout of C$800m to around 20,000 2017 victims of the Sixties Scoop. Some A brief timeline of cultural The 11 Numbered Treaties are signed by the Canadian survivors challenged it, saying the government and Indigenous groups. These treaties give the compensation was not enough for the assimilation and reparations: CANADA 1871 Crown land for industrial development, in exchange for damage done, but a federal judge later 1921 various promises – many of which are contested to this day. approved the scheme.

Pope Alexander VI called on Christian explorers to claim ownership over those 1876 The Indian Act is passed. In essence, it The National Inquiry into Missing living in non-Christian lands. Armed with the Doctrine of Discovery, what controls every aspect of their life, from and Murdered Indigenous Women followed was the mass assimilation of indigenous peoples around the world. The their rights to practice their culture and and Girls reports that Canada’s “laws Vatican has thus far not revoked the Doctrine. traditions, to imposing governance structures and institutions perpetuate violations and extinguishing any remaining self- 2019 of fundamental rights, amounting to 1867 government for Indigenous groups. The Act a genocide…” and that the violence 1493 1763 also introduced residential schools. suffered is “a national tragedy of epic proportion.” Ending this required A Royal Proclamation from King George III of Britain declares “dismantling the structures of any claims to land from indigenous communities and any treaty Canada is founded and the British North America Act colonialism within Canadian society” negotiation will be handled by the Crown. This is despite the fact gives the new federal government responsibility for and reinstating the rights and power of that Indigenous peoples have been present in what is now Canada Indigenous peoples and their lands. Indigenous women and girls. sometime between 12,000 and 23,000 years prior. 42 43 not necessarily about me, Years ago when I heard what happened to you my heart it’s always about the people, broke for you and your mom and your brother and sisters. The Power the children, grandchildren, I went to ceremony to pray and give our grief over to the you know, so my work Water, mother Earth and Grandfathers to heal. After is primarily focused on that ceremony I was asked to help with doctoring (a repairing incidences to create healing ceremony) but couldn’t because my own energy a healing in the present. was taken out by my own emotions and seemed to have of Healing no control in terms of stopping it. I was told to place my What is the story about the hands in a pail of freezing cold water. After a few minu- piece in Venice? tes I withdrew my hands and noticed my emotions were stopped and also noticed my fingertips were numb, as if When we first met you told us about I was involved in a hearing there was a thin layer of wax on them. called the Alternative Dis- how you want to break intergenera- That same year I made an art piece about my Residential pute Resolution Process. The tional trauma and that this was one School story so I could place my written story in a safe of your messages in your piece. Can Hearings are very traumatic place and in a respectful manner. I used this method of you tell me a bit more about that? for Survivors because you’re cauterising, closing off the wound with wax. The art piece sharing your lived trauma is akin to a baby hammock, wewipison, and it is being The work that I started doing as an in an environment that feels shown in Venice, Italy, along with other artists whose art student was always related to the very much like a courtroom, work talk about their own experiences of genocide and Land, to residential schools, and to even though the Hearings atrocities done to people. being an Indigenous woman. And were in settings such as a Land or Earth, not land ownership, house, an office, or hotel My intention is to reclaim our child-raising teachings but Land as a place of grounding, a board room. related to the “wewipison” that was taken from us and place where you go home in spirit and giving it back to all the generations who suffered from emotions and heart, and physically, What they do is they re- this deep seated trauma that has lasted seven genera- tions. I dedicated this piece to you, to family members we that was important to me. search you, your medical history, the school that you have lost and to the aunties and kohkom for showing us Veronica Yates, attended, and you get these to be resilient under all conditions, and to seek strength There was a term that used to identify from our ancestors. Director of CRIN, in my work which is a ‘reparative act’ binders of information about conversation with and I liked that because the Indian Act you. Part of my involvement You are a beautiful human being and I have so much was what destroyed us. The Indian in preparing for that was to love and respect for who you are. You have taught me Linda Young, Act put us in residential schools, it gather information. A lot so much and I thank you for that. Art helps us heal. took away our languages, our culture, of residential school survi- Kinanaskomitin. artist and Traditional all of that, and so I really like the term vors were labelled as having Knowledge Keeper for reparative act because what I do in post-traumatic stress disor- der and so I had to find all the process is I repair an incident that Letter from Linda to her nephew, whose sister was one of the Saskatchewan Public that information, all the pla- happened in history. the estimated 4,000 Indigenous women and girls missing or ces I had gone to to seek help School Division in murdered in Canada Upon doing that I am also healing the for healing. So that’s part of Canada. generations that had this trauma. It’s the process; ‘what have you Note: in respect of family members, names have been removed

44 45 done to help yourself’ in a sense. And to go through with the process and try for a project called The say the power that needs to that took about a year. you have to be willing to go through it, Witness Blanket. He said: be broken is the belief that “And that’s one thing you have to have the belief that your “Mom, you have to contri- we are what the residential that I think if the The thing about these Hearings is story is going to make a difference. bute,” and I didn’t want to. schools taught us about us, world understood, you get re-traumatised over and over It’s not that I’m shy, I’m just all of the stereotypes about which is that you again. When I received my binder on And so that’s where the story of the careful and I didn’t want Indigenous people. When the history of the Residential School piece started. After it was all over I to put myself out there in you grow up in an institu- don’t take from the I attended, a very high percentage, had these pages of material and I didn’t a public space. But he kept tion, which I did, and you earth, from people, maybe 60% or more of that informa- know what to do with them so I just encouraging me and I really believe that you don’t have unless you give tion was in French and I don’t speak left them alone. Later, I was asked to felt at that point that maybe capacity, that’s a power that something before you French, I don’t read French. So if you be part of an exhibition called Poli- I needed to have the same has a hold over you and take it” want to find yourself in the history tics of Mother, I decided to maybe do courage as he did and go needs to be broken. it’s very difficult. something with that story. with it. That’s how it ended language, addressing issues up in the collection at the In my language, if we talk of land and their personal I had my hearing in 2006. We started I heard testimonies from people National Centre for Truth about power it is often talked stories or their personal trou- with a pipe ceremony that my daugh- who said that telling their story and Reconciliation (NCTR). about as in physical strength. bles. I think most Indigenous ter and granddaughter attended, as could itself be traumatising, but it All items contributed to the We don’t have a word for artists share their stories in well, as my husband and my therapist. could also be healing. How did you bentwood box are now held power, but we have a word their art, centred on causes After we had the pipe ceremony my find your path through this process? at the NCTR. for courage. We say the act that are meaningful for them. daughter left and just the adjudicator, of having courage. If you the lawyer for Canada and my husband When I do create something it’s always “It takes a lot of have that, that’s an inner As artists, we look at things and my therapist and I were left for the for a purpose and so making a baby power within yourself that holistically, we have a ten- duration of the Hearing. It’s important swing/wêwêpison using my residen- courage to go through allows you to reclaim what it with the process and dency to address all of those for people to know that as Survivors tial school story was a way for me to is that has been taken from things. I think that we can we want to protect our children as respond to my relationship with my you have to be willing you in terms of ceremony, have one story but we tell much as possible from the trauma that mother, great grandmothers and my to go through it, you language, kinship system lots of stories, or one piece we went through. So the Hearing itself daughters and the ‘raising of children have to have the belief and land. has lots of stories within that lasted for 12 hours, mainly because I bundles’ that we carry. We were one piece. had written an 83 page story about my taken out of the safety of the wêwêpi- that your story is going Talking about land, Indi- to make a difference” experience and I wanted to read it. son where we learned about who we genous people have always I read somewhere that we were through our language. Each tie been at the forefront of should learn about how to When you’re going through this pro- is a small bundle that wraps painful What power do you think defending the natural live with nature from In- cess - and every survivor goes through memories in love, prayer and song, in most needs to be broken? world. You also mention digenous people, that this this - you’re always wondering if what the same way a mother, grandmother, the importance of land in may be the only way that you’re sharing is the truth. When you auntie and sister would have sung a I don’t really want to answer your own artwork. Is this we can tackle problems as grow up in an institution that operates lullaby to the baby in the swing. that question. The reason the case for many other big as the climate crisis. under three things: care, custody and is because power in my Indigenous artists? control, you become a person who has So prior to June 2012, my son was language means something One of the things that I value difficulty in having faith in yourself involved with collecting artefacts from different. From the English Every artist that I am aware as an indigenous person, as and your truth. It takes a lot of courage residential schools across the coun- language, I would probably of is addressing issues of a Plains Cree woman, is the

46 47 practice of protocol. When we work Somebody said ‘it’s not the earth that is with the English language and our First suffering; it’s us’. We need the birds, the Nation language or our original lan- wind, the insects, everything else on guage, sometimes it’s hard to bring the this land, on this earth is before us. We truth together so that everybody can need all of that to survive. But we don’t understand. In the Cree language, that understand that as human beings. And idea of protocol is nacinewin. that’s part of indigenous knowledge.

Nacinewin is when you seek something, People always say scientists discovered whether it’s knowledge from an Elder, this or know this to be true... we’ve Knowledge Keeper or a ceremonial known this for centuries, we’ve known person, you offer tobacco as a way of this is true and we are all keepers in acknowledging your request for infor- indigenous teachings: some people mation. That’s following or practicing are responsible for the air, the fire, the Indigenous (in my case Cree) protocol. water and the land. That’s how we see ourselves, [as] keepers of the land, and And that’s one thing that I think if the land is being destroyed and that the world understood, which is that means we’re not doing our job. If you’re you don’t take from the earth, from the keeper of air and there’s pollution, people, unless you give something you’re not doing your job. before you take it, and you give thanks for that information, for that I think the important thing is to realise land, for that medicine, for those in this discussion that we are holistic trees, for all of the things that we people and so every time we do some- take. If we practised that I believe thing as indigenous people, we are con- we would not be in the situation we sidering everything, everything around are in right now. us, and I think we should do the same throughout the world. that lens, because if you What I would say is to stay from a place of love and that look through your own away from wanting to be a to me is how you help. More people are aware of the ills of lens it’s always harder to saviour to the people. As What I would say is to stay the world but might not know how really understand what indigenous people, we belie- What is your favourite quo- away from wanting to be to contribute in a meaningful way. is happening, or how ve in ‘giving away’, which te on power? a saviour to the people. As Do you have any suggestions or ideas you can respond. means you give something indigenous people, we believe on what people could do in relation and you never follow where It was when Murray Sin- to Indigenous communities? For me, if somebody it goes, how it’s being used, clair who was a commis- in ‘giving away’, which means needs food, I give them and you give it with love, sioner on the Truth and you give something and you Research. Read. Look. I think the im- food, you know, I just whether it’s energy, whether Reconciliation Commission never follow where it goes, portant thing for anyone is to go to the respond immediately, it’s money, whether it’s clo- said: “the Survivors in this how it’s being used” Indigenous people, read their material, that’s how I was raised. thes, food, whatever it is you room, the most important read through their eyes, through Have courage to do it. are giving away has to come gesture of reconciliation that

48 49 50 51 they will ever see in their lives, is for so in order for me to have a name you to tell them that you love them.” I would go to ceremony and bring In my language, if we talk Intergenerational trauma That to me is power. It’s giving back, my protocol, my tobacco and my gifts about power it is often talked If trauma is not healed, we may giving love to the survivors, and to the Elder. about as in physical strength. to anybody. unknowingly pass it on to others We don't have a word for If you asked children you’d get through our behaviour. Our children [Another one is] what my mom said power, but we have a word may experience difficulties with wonderful answers. My granddau- to me. I contributed a piece to The for courage. We say the act attachment, disconnection from Witness Blanket and it was a piece ghter, was four years old and she their extended families and culture was asked what she wanted to be of having courage. If you that I created on the spiritual ge- have that, that's an inner and high levels of stress from family nocide of Indigenous people in the when she grows up, and she said and community members who are Americas, which was one of the first ‘I want to be a dragon.’ power within yourself that dealing with the impacts of trauma. installation pieces that I made as an allows you to reclaim what it This can create developmental issues art student. I followed protocol, and Who is or who are the activists is that has been taken from for children, who are particularly called my mom. I said: “I need your you most admire? you in terms of ceremony, susceptible to distress at a young help because I want to make sure that language, kinship system age. This creates a cycle of trauma, I’m doing this right,” because in our where the impact is passed from one My favourite activists are actually and land.” belief system we never do anything my grandchildren, my children, my generation to the next. without considering how it’s going nephews, my nieces, my mom, the to impact the past: our ancestors; In a study by the University of Zurich, Indigenous students and teachers and the present: our family now; and our researchers discovered not only can future: our grandchildren for the next Survivors. The reason why they are you’re in residential school, you’re not extreme and traumatic events change seven generations. my favourite activists is because they a child anymore, you don’t grow up a person, but they can also impact are living the trauma every single day being a child, you don’t have a family, their children, a generation or two She sent me a letter and she said me- and continue to be strong, to be who you just don’t have that childhood, later, through RNA strands. morise the strength of tâpôkêyimoh they are. you become like this robot, you be- (have belief/faith in yourself), sôhki- come a product of an institution. So Generational trauma patterns can têhêh (be strong, have no fear), ekwa They are activists because they raise be depicted as a heavy chain of links, mina (and) nâkatohkêh (be respect- that’s difficult for me to answer. their children to try and help break dragged (unconsciously) from one ful). To have belief, to be strong, to family line down to the next. And have no fear and to be respectful to the cycle, that to me is the daily act of But I have a grandson who is 6, (I healing and working towards feeling one of the greatest benefits that can self and others are important words have 13 grandchildren), he loves be achieved by doing the inner work grounded on all levels of your being. about power. Mega Man. So he considers himself needed to recognise and heal is – you That to me is activism, it’s a daily effort. to have all these powers when he release your children from lugging these If you were an animal, what comes to visit, so that’s how I learn links into the future, thereby liberating would you be? What superpower would you about superpowers, through my them from the generational chain. like to have? children and grandchildren who We don’t do that actually, but we Source: Science Daily. have wonderful imaginations. have spirit names. The names are I can’t answer something like that. given in a place of ceremony and It’s very hard for me. Again, when

52 53 Linda’s Drawing Room

Literature The Knowledge Seeker: Embracing Indigenous spirituality, Blair A. Stonechild Nationhood Interrupted: Revitalizing nȇhiyaw Legal Systems, Sylvia McAdam (Saysewahum) Honouring the truth, reconciling for the future. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada The survivors speak. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of To love. To be loved. To never forget your Canada own insignificance. To never get used to the unspeakable violence and the vulgar disparity What we have learned. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of “ of life around you. To seek joy in the saddest Canada places. To pursue beauty to its lair. To never Calls to action, The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada simplify what is complicated or complicate Keetsahnak: Our missing and murdered Indigenous sisters, Kim what is simple. To respect strength, never Anderson et al. power. Above all, to watch. To try and understand. To never look away. And never, never to forget. Film — Arundhati Roy In My Blood It Runs (2019), Maya Newell nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up (2019), Tasha Hubbard Finding Dawn (2006), Christine Welsh Mohawk Girls (2005), Tracey Deer Two Worlds Colliding (2004), Tasha Hubbard Richard Cardinal: Cry from a Diary of a Métis Child (1986), Alanis Obomsawin

Join us online for more resources and conversations from Linda’s Drawing Room and beyond: medium.com/and-beyond

54 55 In this unexpected burst of life many would not make it back to their habitat, Imagine a world where... confined as they would be to pipes, whirring motors and metal tanks. But the effect on people would be the same in most places. So much of what we rely on oil could de-fossilise these days would change completely. The people who once pushed fossil fuels, and the people who made use of their Creatures that had been dead for hundreds of millions of years would suddenly exploits, would lose everything. We’d recall in horror how we all created a world come alive again. Tiny plants and animals that floated in the ocean, more where we foolishly relied on a few resources and fell for the allure of convenience multitudinous than anyone could comprehend, which over time had died, sank where... a workd imagine and greed. Our actions had no consequence, we thought. We didn’t think. We to the ocean bed, were buried, crushed, melted, compressed and simplified as the were seduced by a charming few who held all the power, influence and money. It aeons passed. had been a pyramid scheme, we’d realise. “Do as we say,” they told us, “ and we’ll give you energy forever”. Right now they are the drivers of civilisation. They have the power to power humanity, and we have the power to exploit that. Their bodies form substances But one lie is enough to question all truths. so revered that we’re willing to suck the planet dry than leave them to slumber in the deep. They power almost everything, are sprayed on fields, they polish In a world where fossil fuels returned to life overnight we’d be the shit hitting the fan. our shoes and are wrapped around our foods, electronics and vehicles. Their What would we burn for energy now? How would we carry our shopping home? collected remains are dragged to the surface, mixed, stretched and reshaped What would we paint our homes with or play ball games with? How would we again to suit every one of our needs. mend the potholes in our roads? Would the creatures someday turn back into oil for us to use up again? Would we look elsewhere to power our activities or would we But imagine if they exploded back into life in an instant. A pair of spindly seek to change how we are as a species? antennae peeking out from an ocean oil spill. Other miniscule eyes and claws would soon escape the darkness to find a world that was warmer, but quite like the one they had left.

Tankers that had contained thick, flammable liquids and volatile gases would suddenly begin to slosh and churn with millions upon millions of miniature sea creatures. Colourful algae and energetic plankton would erupt from pumps and launch out of engines everywhere. Plastics would wriggle back into life, roads would squirm and die, cars would sputter and stop in the road as they collapsed inside and out.

And what if other fuels changed back too? Coal power plants would suddenly be filled with ancient trees with their mighty branches breaking through the pulverising mills. Governments chasing dwindling reserves of natural gas would find only swathes of primeval ferns, mosses and fungi.

56 57 Now it’s your turn to think like a child and have a go at inventing! The Power of Imagination Ingenious Ideas It could be silly, serious, helpful or funny, something for someone you know, something small or something huge, it’s up to you and your very own imagination. Anything that’s new always starts life the same way, as a spark in our mind. We ask ourselves: what if? It’s our imagination in action, it takes us forward, feeds our creativity and gives us immense creative power. Coming up with ideas is what we humans do, as sure as we breathe.

We all have the power to imagine The power to a better world imagine the future that we want to live in

And the power to imagine without any limits!

Take a picture and share it with us on littleinventors.org to get feedback and see the amazing ideas from children from all over the world. At Little Inventors we believe children have the best imaginations, unrestricted by too much life getting in the way. We ask children to Name: Age: Email Address: draw inventions and the most ingenious ideas are brought to life by Magnicent Makers. They show how precious a truly free imagination My invention is called: can be, something worth nurturing and celebrating. Explain your invention:

58 59 littleinventors.org @littleinventors Musings Most of us go about our days blissfully unaware of our privileges. We’re busy enjoying them, so perhaps it’s no surprise. But little do we know that we all have some, sometimes at the expense of other people. The first step to cha- llenging inequality is to acknowledge our own privileges and reflect on how we can utilise them for the greater good. Here is some food for thought which we reflected on ourselves.

What privileges do you have?* What is the most powerful language? a. I’m white. a. English. b. I’m heterosexual. b. My mother tongue. c. I’m male. c. A computer programming language. d. That’s enough! d. Body language.

What social inequalities do you When you do something ‘charitable’, what benefit from? response would you like? a. I’ve never been racially profiled. a. Vocal confirmation of having done good. b. My children don’t tell me what to do. b. An award recognising my actions. c. My salary is higher than my female peers’. c. The happy tears of a small child. d. I’m an expat, not an immigrant. d. No response required or expected.

You announce you’re going to save the What kind of feminist are you? world. You… a. Equal pay for equal work. a. Create a new hashtag. b. No group should hold power over another. b. Give up and go back to the day job. c. Women have the right to veto any war. c. Donate to a big charity. d. I don’t preach feminism; I practise it. d. Get some friends together.

Which of the following is the least What does staying quiet or inactive in the face disadvantaged group? of injustice represent? a. Women. a. Uncertainty about what can be done. b. Black women. b. Fear of provoking an adverse reaction. c. Black, disabled women. c. Trust that someone else will help. d. Black, disabled, immigrant women. d. What injustice?

* If you have more than two, you’re morally obliged to acknowledge your unearned luck in life and utilise it to end the oppression of disadvantaged groups. 60 61 “Who “It seems reasonable to believe — and I do speaks is not “[If] believe — that the more clearly we can focus “Our who writes, and we think of our attention on the wonders and realities of anger who writes is not anger as compost, the universe about us the less taste we shall controlled can be who is.” we think of it as energy have for the destruction of our race. Wonder transmuted into a that can be recycled in the and humility are wholesome emotions, and power which can move — Roland Barthes direction of our good. It is an they do not exist side by side with a lust the world.” “We empowering force. If we don’t for destruction.” have to be think about it that way, it — Mahatma Gandhi — Rachel Carson more reflective becomes a debilitating and “He about what power is, destructive force” “Laughter isn’t just medicine; it’s power. If I who has great what it is for, and how it — bell hooks can laugh at the monster from my nightma- power should use it is measured.” res, if I can laugh at the most powerful pre- lightly.” dator in the entertainment world maybe my — Mary Beard pain doesn’t control me as much as I thought “Show — Seneca “Power doesn’t commit suicide.” it did.” a people as the Younger — Noam Chomsky — Kelly Bachman one thing,Pesticides as only one thing andare thatapplied is what they “Do “Position in the power hierarchy not obey in “Power is not a means; it is an end. One does become.directly … Itto is foods impossible determines the degree of responsibility you eat and remain advance. Most of the not establish a dictatorship in order to safe- to talk about the single story and guilt, but it gives no one unlimited there even after food power of authoritarianism is guard a revolution; one makes the revolution in without talking about power.” responsibility and guilt, nor does it is washed, cooked freely given. In times like these, order to establish the dictatorship. The object of and, in some cases, completely absolve anyone.” — Chimananda individuals think ahead about what persecution is persecution. The object of torture peeled. Ngozi Adichie a more repressive government will — Vaclav Havel is torture. The object of power is power.” want , and then offer themselves — George Orwell “You can cut all the flowers, but you without being asked. A citizen who can’t stop the spring.” adapts in this way is teaching “The exercise of imagination is dangerous power what it can do.” — Pablo Neruda to those who profit from the way things are “Power because it has the power to show that the way is not brute force — Timothy Snyder “There is no job that is too small. things are is not permanent, not universal, and money; power is in There is no person who is too small.” not necessary. […]We will not know our own your spirit. Power is in your — Indira Gandhi injustice if we cannot imagine justice. We will soul. It is what your ancestors, “In our every deliberation, we must not be free if we do not imagine freedom. We your old people gave you. Power consider the impact of our decisions on “Courage inspires communities: the cannot demand that anyone try to attain jus- is in the earth; it is in your the next seven generations.” courage of an example — for courage tice and freedom who has not had a chance relationship to the earth.” is as contagious as fear.” to imagine them as attainable.” — Winona LaDuke — The Great Law of Peace, The

Dixit — Susan Sontag — Ursula Le Guin Constitution of the Iroquois Nations 62 63 “There is no hope for the world unless “Let us use whatever power and “Our deepest fear is not that we are “Colorful demonstrations and power can be tamed, and brought into influence we have, working with inadequate. Our deepest fear is that weekend marches are vital but Dixit the service, not of this or that group whatever resources are already we are powerful beyond measure. It is alone are not powerful enough to of fanatical tyrants, but of the whole available, mobilizing the people our light, not our darkness, that most stop wars. Wars will be stopped human race... for science has made who are with us to work for what frightens us.” only when soldiers refuse to fight, when workers refuse to load it inevitable that all must live or all they care about.” — Nelson Mandela weapons onto ships and aircraft, must die.” — Margaret Wheatley when people boycott the economic — Betrand Russell “The world is a outposts of Empire that are strung dangerous place to across the globe.” “Creativity is the power to reject the live, not because of the “Part of the danger of imagining — Arundhati Roy past, to change the status quo, and to people who are evil, but change as a process forced by violence seek new potential.” and brute power is that it overlooks because of the people the great power of nonviolent — Ai Wei Wei who don’t do anything “Power tends to corrupt, uprisings and those other moments about it.” and absolute power when individuals become a civil — Albert Einstein corrupts absolutely. society on its feet.” “There is something vulgar about Great men are almost public dissemination of opinions on always bad men, even — Rebecca Solnit matters about which one does not when they exercise have extensive first-hand knowledge. influence and not If I speak of what I do not know, or “I ask no favour for my sex. All I ask authority: still more know hastily, this is mere opinion- of our brethren is that they take their when you superadd the mongering.” “Others felt tendency of corruption feet off our necks.” — Susan Sontag cornered and felt by authority.” — Sarah Moore Grimké uncomfortable — Lord Acton about the limitations of “We must change almost everything “It’s clear that equality doesn’t power, which is in our current societies. quite cut it. Asking for a sliver of the essence of The bigger your carbon footprint - the disproportionate power is too polite human rights: the bigger your moral duty. a request. I don’t want to be included. limitation of power.” The bigger your platform - the bigger Instead, I want to question who “It is a great wisdom to accept reality as it is, even if your responsibility.” created the standard in the first place.” it contradicts the stories most people believe.” — Thomas — Greta Thunberg — Reni Eddo-Lodge Hammarberg — Yuval Noah Harari

64 65 The result? That societies continue unable - or unwilling - to fully

recognise children and young people as having their own independent Play human rights. But this thinking is keeping progress at bay, and in A glimpse of breaktocreate.org today’s ever-changing world, there’s no place or justification for it.

This was the premise that led to breaktocreate.org, an interactive project which shows that we all have the imagination, talents Like any group in society, under-18s are branded with labels, and critical thinking to challenge what we think we know and preconceptions and generalisations which determine how be activists in our own way. Breaktocreate was produced as part others view and treat them. Such ideas - which materialise from of ARTIVISM, the first-ever human rights pavilion at the Venice assumptions, attitudes, behaviours, norms, traditions, prejudices Biennale, and the project invites visitors to commit time - 60 and even wilful ignorance - have a strong hold on all societies, and seconds, 60 minutes or 60 days - to either breaking, playing with or our individual thinking is not immune to their powers. building something.

Whether consciously or not, we’re conditioned by what we see As a preview, the project explains that the first step to breaking the practised around us. On the other hand, we may be doing it to spell which prejudices and assumptions have over our thinking is ourselves. In some cases, our ego might get in the way of admitting to acknowledge them and recognise them for what they are. Along we might be wrong about a long-held view. Or maybe, at the root these lines, we invite you to identify some about under-18s below. of it all, we’re just afraid of losing power. Simply match the corresponding words. After that, it’s up to you.

ADULT BEHAVIOUR ISN’T DEPRAVED CORPORAL DONATIONS PROTECT MATURITY YOUNG RESTRICTIONS AREN’T BEST CHILDREN’S OFFENDERS REQUIRE LIVES GENDERED TERRORISTS KNOWS CHILDREN FINANCIAL BELIEFS SAVE IMPRISONMENT INTERNET PUNISHMENT IS TAUGHT VOTING THINKING ARE HARMLESS CHILD RIGHTS REQUIRE INCULCATED

66 67 Name WHEN PROBLEMS PROVE TOO LARGE, SHA-WING Play WE MIGHT CALL ON POWERS GREATER (FKA The Winged Seatiger Crusader)

THAN US TO FIX THEM. Superpowers Picking off evil-doers from the face of the We’re not referring to divine entities, though; superheroes fit the bill planet, as it cruises through the oceans, just fine. But the superheroes we have in mind are those closer to home. treetops and cityscapes at sonic speed. We believe that everyone can be a superhero in their own way, with powers that come from our everyday lives, actions and ideas. Protects The good in humanity. In another exercise of breaktocreate, we asked visitors to design their own superhero, choose their powers and write their story. Drawing from Fights Against a selection of objects, like a typewriter, torch, trumpet or megaphone, The bad in humanity. visitors should think about what they can achieve - in other words, what makes them super? Secret Accident or Trauma The merciless killing of a seahorse, rare bird For more, visit breaktocreate.org and tiger, which prompted Mother Nature to morph their bodies and abilities into one.

Name The Tall Seasoner Name The Owling Wisdom Blaster Superpowers Observes world injustices from a great height, Superpowers shedding colourful leaves, musical notes and Knocks sense into people through atomic words of wisdom to inspire justice and equality sound waves dispersed in all directions within in those below. 270 degrees.

Protects Protects All freedoms and equality. Knowledge, scientific facts, awareness.

Fights Against Fights Against Waves of ill-thoughts, violence and prejudice Ignorance, false allegations, fake news. from spreading across societies. Secret Accident or Trauma Secret Accident or Trauma Desperately searching for his family and Almost lost all its leaves from shock and friends in his disappearing habitat gave him a depression after years of watching the news. stiff neck.

68 69 I’m sorry, but I don’t want to be an emperor. who regiment your lives - tell you By the promise of these things, brutes That’s not my business. what to do - what to think and what have risen to power. I don’t want to rule or conquer anyone. to feel! But they lie! I should like to help everyone if possible. Who drill you - diet you - treat you They do not fulfil that promise. Jew - Gentile - Black Man, White. like cattle, use you as cannon fodder. They never will! We all want to help one another, human beings are like that. Don’t give yourselves to these unnatu- Dictators free themselves but they

Charles Chaplin We want to live by each other’s happiness. ral men - machine men with machine enslave the people! Not by each other’s misery. minds and machine hearts! Now let us fight to fulfil that promise! We don’t want to hate and despise one another. You are not machines! Let us fight to free the world - to do And this world has room for everyone, and the good Earth is rich can You are not cattle! away with national barriers - to do provide for everyone. You are men! away with greed, with hate and into- The way of life can be free and beautiful, but we have lost the way. You have the love of humanity in your lerance. Greed has posioned men’s souls, has barricaded the world with hate, hearts! Let us fight for a world of reason, a has goose-stepped us into misery and bloodshed. You don’t hate! world where science and progress will We have developed speed, but we have shut ourselves in. Only the unloved hate - the unloved lead to all men’s happiness. Machinery that gives us abundance has left us in want. and the unnatural! Soldiers! Our knowledge has made us cynincal. Soldiers! in the name of democracy, Our cleverness, hard and unkind. Don’t fight for slavery! let us all unite We think too much, and feel too little. Fight for liberty! More than machinery, we need humanity. In the 17th Chapter of St Luke it is More than cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness. written: “the Kingdom of God is wi- Without these qualities life will be violent, and all will be lost. thin man” - not one man nor a group The aeroplane and the radio have brought us closer together. of men, but in all men! The very nature of these inventions cries out for the goodness in men - In you! cries out for universal brotherhood - for the unity of us all. You, the people have the power - the Even now my voice is reaching millions throughout the world - millions power to create machines. of despairing men, women, and little children - victims of a system that The power to create happiness! makes men torture and imprison innocent people. You, the people, have the power to To those who can hear me, I say - do not despair. make this life free and beautiful, to The misery that is now upon us is but the passing of greed - the bitter- make this life a wonderful adventure. ness of men who fear the way of human progress. Then - in the name of democracy - let The hate of men will pass, and dictators die, and the power they took us use that power - let us all unite. from the people will return to the people. Let us fight for a new world - a decent And so long as men die, liberty will never perish. ... world that will give men a chance to Soldiers! work - that will give youth a future

Last Dictator Speech don’t give yourselves to brutes - men who despise you - enslave you and old age a security.

70 71 CLASSIFIEDS THE DRAWING ROOM

To produce this edition of the magazine, we read, listened to, discovered, and were inspired by ADVERTISEMENTS the following materials. A TV megastar is offering one lucky charity the opportunity to harness the prodigious power of his celebrity for one high-profile campaign. About the celebrity This actor’s resume spans 12 years of prime-time daytime TV soap operas. His face has graced the covers of over six TV guides and he has featured on countless celebrity quiz shows. But the years of lavish living, strict fitness regimes and yearly makeovers have taken their toll on his conscience and he now wishes to use his fame for good. Potentially worthy causes - Poverty and hunger (Africa, other countries will be considered)- Peace (but in a relatively safe country) - Peace (but in a relatively safe country) - Orphans (they must look sad initially) Requirements - Must be high profile campaign; - Guarantee of speaking opportunities at the UN; - Guarantee of photo opportunity with the UN Secretary-General; - Campaign ads to include the words Save, Free and Robin Hood; - Any vehicle transportation to be accompanied by a police escort; - Personal stylist to accompany the actor on campaign trips abroad; - If visiting rural areas, maximum 15-minute meet-and-greet with poor communities; How to apply Write a catchy description of your campaign and details of the all-expenses-paid trips on which you will send our megastar to help raise awareness. Organisations working outside of the Global South need not apply. Email: [email protected] What We’re Reading

Women and Power, Mary Beard The Wave in the Mind, Ursula Le Guin PERSONAL ADS Optimism over Despair, Noam Chomsky Bruce Lee: Artist of Life, WANTED: A time-traveller from the past to remind MISCELLANEOUS: Bruce Lee contemporary governments adamant on comparing Power Systems, Noam Chomsky the size of their arsenal that wars are not fun. Must own Lawsuit-stricken religious institution selling prime real estate in three capital cities and a history textbooks. Must possess the benefit of hindsight. Be More Pirate, Sam Conniff Allende The Creative Coalitions Handbook, [email protected] selection of precious items from its art trove. Quick sale needed. Secrecy appreciated. Nick Martlew Disillusioned individual seeks experienced dream catcher Why I’m no longer talking to white to restore faith in humanity. Must be an insensitive listener White privilege holders requested to share their people about race, Reni Eddo-Lodge Power Corrupts, New Philosopher and a hard talker. Own fishing net preferred. unearned luck in life by noticing other people. Ability not to dominate conversations about Expands Our Scope of the Possible, Amazons seek willing candidates for gender warfare racial and economic discrimination appreciated. Winners Take All, BrainPickings, Maria Popova target practice. Must be white, male and scared of losing Lesson 1: reverse discrimination is not a thing. Anand Giridharadas privilege...and balls. Pharmaceutical company seeks cure for greed. Ursula K. Le Guin on Power, To the inventor of patriarchy: thanks a bunch. We have produced a string of groundbreaking The Power of the Powerless, Oppression, Freedom, and treatments and vaccines in the past decade, but Vaclav Havel How Imaginative Storytelling, we can’t stop applying outrageous markups to even the simplest syringe. Email us your free All About Love, bell hooks BrainPickings, Maria Popova DONATE your ideas to short-sightedness! We’re a home remedies via [email protected] recycling firm specialising in the reapplication of great ideas for sectors wailing in stagnancy. Creative thinking Media baron seeks fiction writers to replace journalists preferred. Best practice will be binned. to help reinvent news empire as a fiction factory.

72 73 On Tyranny, twenty lessons from the ‘Change and Assumptions’, The Guilty twentieth century, Timothy Snyder Feminist podcast, Episode 128 Where We Get Activism Wanderlust, A History of Walking, ‘Letter to the 1%’, (song) Lowkey Inspiration From Around the World Rebecca Solnit ‘Soundtrack to the struggle 2’, At the Same Time, Essays and Speeches, (album) Lowkey The Correspondent My generation is confident and unafraid Susan Sontag https://thecorrespondent.com/ to speak out’, Positive News ‘Prophecy’ (album), Nitin Sawhney No one is too small to make a difference, New Philosopher ‘Why adults no longer have the right to Greta Thunberg ‘Fight the Power’, (song) Public Enemy https://www.newphilosopher.com/ object to their children taking radical action’, The Conversation ‘Utopia and Reality’, Polarised podcast, #newpower, Henry Timms and Jeremy Royal Society of the Arts Heimans The MobilisationLab ‘The ‘3.5% rule’: How a small minority https://mobilisationlab.org/ can change the world’, BBC The Body Keeps the Score; Mind, brain, and Body in the Transformation of Trauma, The Tactical Technology Collective ‘Dear Life — A Letter’, Julia Steinberger Bessel Van der Kolk https://tacticaltech.org ‘The Courage of Saying No: Children, Who do we choose to be, FridaysForFuture Rebellion and Greta Thunberg’, Pressenza Margaret Wheatley https://www.fridaysforfuture.org/ What We’re ‘Politics is failing, but human networks Idle No More could show us how to fix it’, The Watching http://www.idlenomore.ca/ Correspondent

‘Fight the system: Lebanese at protests Demain / Tomorrow (2015) The Drawdown Agenda http://www.thedrawdownagenda.com/ teach children things can change’, What We’re Joshua Wong: Teenager vs. Superpower Middle East Eye (2017) OpenGlobalRights, ‘Positive Narratives’, Listening To https://www.openglobalrights.org/ ‘The old made our climate mess. And the ‘The Danger of a Single Story’, young will get us out of it’, The Guardian Chimamanda Adichie, TED Talk positive-narratives/ The About Race podcast, ‘How childhood trauma affects health Reni Eddo-Lodge across a lifetime’, Nadine Burke Harris, ‘Songhoy Blues’, (song) Bamako TEDMED ‘Exactly Like You’ (song), Dizzy Gillespie ‘Wounds that won’t heal’, The ACE & Stan Getz Adverse Childhood Experiences Study, ‘Behaviour change’, The Drawdown ‘When time doesn’t heal all wounds’, Dr. Agenda podcast Robert K. Ross, TEDx Talks ‘Finding your power’, The Guilty Feminist podcast, Episode 119

74 75 power

noun 1 using one’s physical strength, authority, wealth or weaponry to dominate others • a delusion of authority or superiority 2 an often untapped ability or capacity every person possesses • the essence allowing a person or group to act against an injustice or drive change • free will 3 physical strength, force or energy exerted by superheroes 4 vigour and inspiration produced (by a person or group) that galvanises others

verb 1 [with object] boost (an idea or movement) with inspiration, support, drive or momentum

— CRIN Dictionary of Interpretations

76 77 Guest Contributions The CRIN Code - Basma Osman, Poet - Elliot Cass, Journalist I - We have a mission - Alex Barker, Right Hand Pirate to Sam Rights, not charity Conniff Allende, author of Be More Pirate Children’s rights, human rights - Jerónimo Zarco, Fridays for Future and Justice, not compromise Extinction Rebellion Youth Accountability, not apology - Oscar Glancy, Extinction Rebellion Youth Diversity, not homogeny - Nick Martlew, author of ‘Creative We are Earth’s custodians, not its owners Coalitions’ II - We have an attitude - James Douglas, Youth Activist Principles, not pragmatism - Linda Young, Artist and Traditional Critical thinking, not compliance Knowledge Keeper Feminism, not patriarchy - The Little Inventors If you can’t imagine it, you can’t achieve it Further input and support on research, Promote children’s rights, not ourselves editing, and proofreading from CRIN staff. Invest in failure, not quick wins

III - We have a means CRIN is registered in the UK at Advocate in language, not words Companies House (6653398) and the Don’t grow; network Charity Commission (1125925) Stronger together, not apart Be open, not proprietary CRIN - Child Rights International Network Think ethically, be ethical The Cottage - Old Paradise Yard 20 Carlisle Safeguarding children, not the organisation Lane London SE1 7LG, UK.

Read the full version at: crin.org/the-crin-code CRIN encourages personal and educational use of this publication in line with the Creative Commons Attribution - NonCommercial Editorial team license, and grants permission for its Veronica Yates, Director reproduction in this capacity where proper Miriam Sugranyes, Art Director credit is given in good faith. Victor Sande-Aneiros, Writer and Editor What Lies Beneath is printed using Design FSC paper from responsible sources Miriam Sugranyes by Park Communications, a company Maria Than (online version) committed to environmentally conscious Illustrations print processes, including through Miriam Sugranyes the principles of ‘reduce, reuse and Gervasio Troche recycle’. For enquiries or to get a hard Kianoush copy, email us at [email protected] 78