Revolution is not just a word

So I wrote a blog about the movie, "Amazing Grace," and I included some quotes that I really liked. There was one quote, however, that I felt needed it's own blog. Towards the end of the movie, when William and his accomplices have run out of ideas of how to get people's attention about the issue of slavery, and especially how to get the bill voted in, William's friend, Pitt, suggests a revolution. During the time of William's life, a revolution meant what the French Revolution turned out to be-- a bloodbath, full of murder and hatred. William tells him that he refuses to lead a revolution and tells Pitt to never say "revolution" in his presence again. Pitt responds, "revolution is just a word." Well his response is what got me thinking...

Is revolution really just a word? I would consider myself part of a revolution, and it has taken some action to be a revolution. Action is what makes it a revolution. Going against the norm, questioning tradition, doing things never done before, and especially having ideas that people are not comfortable with. It's doing those things, saying those words, that makes someone's actions a revolution. It does no good to sit around and talk about being revolutionary or having a revolution... I guess that would be the only way that "revolution" could be considered just a word, but how fun is that?

A revolution always involves action, even if the action is just talking. Slave trade was abolished in England because of words in the house, as well as action taken on their part to research and plan; the civil rights movement was led by people marching, taking a stand, and talking (aka "I have a dream!"); and India gained independence through someone not eating and peacefully defying the government. All of those men used action. The action does not have to be bloody or involve a war with guns and violence. The most meaningful and powerful revolutions took place with people taking small steps and small actions to create the result they wanted. William Wilberforce did not have to fire a single gun to have his cause heard. It took a lot of time (around 40ish years) but it was through that perseverance and his dedication to his calling that got the monumental results he desired. Firing a gun, or telling other people to do so, does not require as much passion or perseverance as fighting for what you believe with words and nonviolent actions. William changed the world, and not a single shot was fired or head was chopped off.

So is revolution just a word? I don't see how it possibly could be! Take the examples of the great men who changed the world with their words and their nonviolent actions. They used what they knew and encouraged people to join with them to change the world! Just try to imagine the possibilities... the list is endless! VIVA LA!