The Silence of the Bystander

There are two standout news stories that have given me pause for thought in recent weeks. The first is the War in Ukraine, and the second is the U.K. Public Sector strikes. Both are becoming long running events that have attracted widespread public attention and strong opinions from the outset, for obvious reasons.?

Whilst the origins of the war in Ukraine will long be debated, there is almost unanimous sympathy for Ukraine across the Western World. Ukraine’s is a battle for survival to defend lives, homes and national identity against an ailing superpower. The willingness of Ukraine’s allies to house refugees and provide armaments is testament to how President Zelensky has owned the narrative and garnered support. As a result, even one year into this bitter campaign, the British people continue to stand by Ukraine.

The U.K. Public Sector Strikes also have a complex origin. The trade unions have highlighted years of underfunding and employers have highlighted the need to deliver service modernisation. From the outset, there has been widespread sympathy for those who are having to withdraw their labour in order to get what they see as a fair deal. We are now a number of months in since the first strikes which have so impacted our railways, schools and health service.

Yet, whilst both important stories have been heavily reported on, the daily news beat can lose its impact over time. The war initially saw a donation drive, displays of solidarity with Ukraine and a powerful initiative for our nation to house those fleeing the war. With the public sector strikes, we had the opportunity to join one of the marches or picket lines.

Sadly, neither war nor industrial unrest is going to be easily resolved and it’s natural that we feel both powerless and slowly desensitised to the suffering we read about. War has no winner and making peace will require both sides to find common ground. Labour disputes also require one side to step down or make a first move.

As time passes it is vital that we remember the raw feeling we experienced when we first saw, heard or scrolled these news stories on our devices. We should recall the sympathy and anguish we felt for our fellow humans at the outset. We can then use this to drive change in our mindset or actions. Whether it is the giving of charity or gifts, the lobbying of politicians, the marches, or the letter writing. Or whether it is discussing or debating the war and the public sector strikes to galvanise our co-workers, friends or family else these important events will fade into obscurity.

Whilst it’s not in our power to stop a war or prevent a strike, we must resist becoming a silent bystander.

By Tristan Nagler