A Look At One Billion Rising

 
By Gemma Cleanslate

 
The weekend was busy with many activities and events that had to do with Valentine Day and love across the grid. I spent most of my time over at One Billion Rising greeting visitors to this event that tries to bring into focus issues that affect women in so many ways in everyday life . I showed you the family in crisis in Sunday article. This is the family in the future when Covid is done.

This year the theme was Gardens.  “The global climate crisis continues to affect communities around the world, but women and girls suffer the most as a result of long term loss of livelihood, forced migration, trafficking and other climate related conflicts. Indigenous populations everywhere have also suffered gravely – displaced and forced to flee and relocate – making them the world’s first climate refugees.”  Amazing to see that even Climate puts women again at the most risk along with all the other issues.  It reminds us all we don’t always realize how many issues there are affecting women everywhere all the time.

The entire four regions were  full of beautiful and diverse gardens to roam and enjoy and reflect on the peace and relaxation that gardens bring in times of stress and perhaps despair.

Many of the artist installations demonstrated their view of gardens and women. Daark Gothly made her garden a place “ Untangle The Stories.” She explains this, “The beginning of understanding is Love. Planting Seeds with plenty of Water brings on a Growth that will be shared. As each person untangles the stories of the past: Listen, Say, Hear, Value, Watch, Tell. Growth will begin.” It is beautiful and enchanting to walk through.

Krystali Rabeni  reminds of the reality that still persists in many places around the globe.

At Lampithaler"s installation I stopped to talk with her and do some tai chi.

Over at the Poetry Plaza there were poetry readings . I stopped to hear the Sean... women doing readings. Aoife( Aiofe Lorefield  was reading  at the time. 

The plaza was another lovely garden setting that was a place for meditating and relaxing .

One place I love to visit there every year is the Hall of Heroes.  Here  are life stories of some of those who have fought for women’s rights for many years all around the world. The placards highlight their successes. and honor their work.

Morgan  is an example of one who worked not only in real life but brought her work into sl at the  Care and Hope Center. 

A reminder for all of us by Angela Thespian-Ireland.

Congratulations to the leads of this project every year since 2013. Their behind the scenes work is long and difficult . And thanks to the artists who did the building of the forests and gardens and stage for performers who participated for 24 hours. If you missed this event remember to come next year.

Gemma Cleanslate

One Billion Rising

By Gemma Cleanslate

Valentine Day, the day of love I suggest you save a lot of time to visit a much needed event being held all over the world in real-life and here in Second Life again for the 8th year, One Billion Rising

“ONE BILLION RISING began as a call to action based on the staggering statistic that 1 in 3 women on the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. With the world population at 7 billion, this adds up to more than ONE BILLION WOMEN AND GIRLS.

Every February, we rise – in hundreds of countries across the world – to show our local communities and the world what one billion looks like and shine a light on the rampant impunity and injustice that survivors most often face.  We rise through dance to express joy and community and and celebrate the fact that we have not been defeated by this violence. We rise to show we are determined to create a new kind of consciousness – one where violence will be resisted until it is unthinkable.

And we here in Second Life can be part of this global movement.SOLIDARITY! RISE FOR REVOLUTION!

This year, One Billion Rising Revolution is giving sharper focus and visibility to the exploitation of women, and to harnessing even stronger global solidarity to demand an end to violence in all forms.”

The four regions are filled with elegant and thought provoking builds by artists of SL  with that focus on exploitation visible in their visions . The dirt path around the perimeter will take you to all of them. Step inside and  experience the messages in the creations. There will be poetry and prose events during the day , and it will be open and active for  24 hours, beginning at 12am slt this morning . It will continue until 11:59 tonight. I believe the builds will be there for a second look for a day or so more. 2LEI has an extensive build filled with the art of many pieces to view and is always busy .

I took a tour of all the wonderful sites and stopped in at one of the entrances where I found two of the leads, Saffia Widdershins and Kess Crystal still preparing . I passed some of the artists also feverishly at work on their projects. The picture above is the installation of Daark Gothly called Raise the Vibration where you can become part of it by hopping on a dance pad and joining in.

The open areas surrounding the Mainstage are adorned with builds for roaming and exploring the peaceful quiet or listening to poetry and prose events. Take a walk to see all that the leads have put in place for your enjoyment. Check out the new dance that was prepared for this year, 2020. This is the first one that I am not participating in to my chagrin. 



(click here if the video does not play)

Thanks to the sponsors of the regions : PrimPerfect, etham, Seraphimsl.com, Lusch Audio, Eclipse Magazine, Sway, Glam Affair, Instituto Espanol, Tableau Vivant, Music Speaks Management, COCO, Ghee, Xi Delta Psi Sorority, Sisters of Mayhem MC.

And many thanks to all the leads and staff that put it all together again..! you can learn much more here on the website https://onebillionrisingsl.wordpress.com/about-obr-2/  and begin your tour here at an entrance  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/OBR%20Unite/71/68/23

Gemma Cleanslate

Scenes from One Billion Rising

Pictures by Gemma Cleanslate and Bixyl Shuftan
Article by Bixyl Shuftan

February 14 may been Valentines Day, but it was also the day of the "One Billion Rising" event in Second Life. "OBR" as it's sometimes called for short, is a worldwide demonstration in support of women's rights across the globe and a call to stop violence against women. The event has gone on since 2013, and Second Life has been part of it from the start. This year marked the fifth time it's taken place.

Gemma Cleanslate was one of the volunteers at the event. She went about in a tiny dinky avatar. There were pink hats available, for both normal sized avies and tinies.

The event took place over a 24 hour period in a four sim area, OBR Dance, OBR Unite, OBR Resist, and OBR Rise.A road went along the area next to the outer fourth of the sims, where there were various displays by artists.

Where the four sims met, there was a center stage for music and dance. Most of the songs were regular pop music when I dropped by, though there was at least one playing of the signature OBR song "Break the Chain," as well as one song about revolution.

There was also a dance theater in OBR Dance, and a poetry plaza in OBR Resist. In OBR Rise was the 2Lei Group area in the artists' section, where they did a particle show while I was around.

Among the artists' displays was this by Pixie Snowpaw.

 Alisiaundra Andrel had this display.

 Eliza Wierwight had two exhibits in two places.

 Giovanni Cerise had this exhibit that looked like something out of a computer.

 Skye Silverweb's display.

Storm septimus' exhibit resembled that of an unexploded bomb long after the battle.

The Steam exhibit emphasized the accomplishments of women scientists and engineers.

The center part of the four-sim area wasn't neglected, and had some well-designed areas of greenery.

And it wasn't just normal humans stopping by. Besides the tinies, a certain dark unicorn also showed up.

For more information on One Billion Rising in Second Life, check out their webside at (https://onebillionrisingsl.wordpress.com/previous-obr-events/one-billion-rising-2013/). No doubt plans will soon be made for OBR 2019.

Bixyl Shuftan

Demonstration in Second Life Supporting Iranian Protesters (2009)

By Bixyl Shuftan

Most Americans are well aware that Iran's government is undemocratic, Islamist and punishing of dissent. But what not everyone knows is that not every Iranian blindly follows it, but a number question it, sometimes openly. Following the results of the June 2009 elections in which it was announced only two hours after the polls closed that the hardliners had won, the results were protests by both the supporters of the opposition candidates and spontaneous demonstrations by others in the public. The response from the regime was brutal, arresting thousands, whom often were tortured while in captivity, and killed many, including Neda Agha Soltan whose death was widely broadcast on social media, making her a symbol of the protests. In Second Life, it was announced there was a demonstration of support for the protestors.

*  *  *  *  *

On Thursday June 25th, a number of people in Second Life in support of the protesters in Iran, whom have been speaking out against rigged elections despite the violent crackdown resulting in arrests and deaths. At 2 PM and 7 PM SL time, people gathered at the Palais Orleans Art Studio in the Roissy sim, many from the “Support Iran” group. A few held signs with raised fists on one side, and a picture of Neda, whom has become a symbol of the protests, on the other. The signs could be picked up in the Studio, along with memorial candles. The studio displayed pictured of Neda and the protests, and the people also passed around a green armband with a broken heart symbol. There were also “I am Neda” shirts.

One person at the first demonstration thought thirty to forty people showed up, some arriving a little late and some needing to go early, “We had a good turnout.” The second was smaller in number, but no less determined to make a point. There was also a security guard from the Justice League to keep any possible griefers away.

People were invited to make comments and give news they might have heard. Rene Grigorovich used voice instead of typing to make his point, “All these people are asking is for a free and honest election as is guaranteed by the constitution. .. the regime is absolutely bestial in how they treat the opposition. ... I would ask you all to keep these people in your prayers. ... thank you.”

There was one Iranian among the people in the second gathering, “I’m Iranian,” Melody Rosca told everyone. She was living outside the country. When asked how well Iranians could use the net, she answered, “I know that Internet connections have been next to nothing for the past day. I know that cell phones are shut off after 5 PM.” When asked if any SL resident in Iran could still get on, she answered, “All I know is that those I know are having lots of difficulty getting online and transferring information.” At another point, she spoke, “... it is extremely important for us, all of us, to remain aware. Knowledge is always power, and it’s no different in this turmoil.”

Thursday 25th was also the day singer Michael Jackson passed away, leaving some to wonder if the media coverage might distract the attention of the American public. Melody commented, “I’m afraid that just because there wasn’t as much news today, or perhaps tomorrow, or even a week from now, everyone will forget and just assume it’s over.“

The group talked about the role of Internet blogs and Twitter in helping the protesters get images and information outside the country. However, some described the theocracy as making it harder for the people to communicate with the outside world. Melody told, “... information is being filtered much more drastically than a week ago.” Someone else mentioned satellite dishes were being confiscated.

One man had a story to tell, “I have a personal stake in the protests. I’m in love with an Iranian woman. I don’t know if she’s alive or dead. ... I have not spoken to her since last October, when she told me she asked her father for permission to marry me. ... She and I had many low-level arguments concerning her government. At first, she thought I believed all Iranians were fanatics. Then when she realized I made the distinction between her government and the people, she still insisted that I was wrong, that is was not like that in Iran. She honestly believed Iran was a free country, and that her government would not actively harm her. It took her several years to begin seeing the truth.”

“When she told her father that we wanted to marry, he confirmed all that I had said to her and more. She broke off contact after one final conversation. We talked on the phone for hours that last night. ... If a pro-government militia ever found out she was in love with me, the girl whom got ******ed to death with a baseball bat would have been luckier. ... They’re chopping down protesters with axes and shooting them in the streets. What do you think they’ll do to a woman who’s in love with Iran’s proclaimed ‘Great Satan.’ ... My desert rose is much stronger than she thought she was. My greatest fear is she took to the streets. I decided within a few days of the election that if she called me, I’d be forced to say things I did not mean in order to convince any officials tapping her phone line that she no longer had any ties to America.”

Some were concerned, wondering at one point the possibility Iranian government agents were conducting searches in SL. Still, there was optimism, “It might take a generation ... but the Iranian people are seeing what their government is capable of now. The Iranian people overthrew the Shah and they will eventually overthrow the current butchers.”

Eventually, the vigil came to an end. People wished each other well, some vowing to continue. We were told the Art studio would keep the pictures of demonstrations and candles and signs, “for the foreseeable future.” Palais Orleans Art Studio and Designs is at the Roissy sim at (31, 58. 24).

“Freedom is worth dying for but dying is easy ask your selves is it worth losing everything for and possibly being tortured to death for? this is the question the brave freedom fighters of Iran have asked themselves. They said yes, and for that courage I stand with them.”

*  *  *  *  *

Sadly but not unexpectedly, the protests failed to change the result of the election. The response by the hardliners to the "Twitter Revolution" as it was called was to effectively shut down the Internet, bringing it back only after heavy censorship software was installed, and the shutting down of pro-opposition traditional media, in addition to brutally cracking down on dissent. In American politics, the Iranian protests became an issue when Republicans complained the Democrat President was refusing to act sufficiently in support of the dissidents. Within months, protests against the election results had been effectively quelled.

Bixy Shuftan

Egypt Sim: Protests Turn to Celebration at News of Egyptian Leader’s Stepping Down

As the protests went on in Egypt, so did the demonstrations at the Egypt sim in Second Life. On Thursday February 10th, it was announced Egypt’s strongman Mubarak would be giving a speech. People speculated that he was finally giving in and resigning. But instead, Mubarak announced he was transferring some powers to his Vice-President, saying he would stay until the planned elections in September.

At the Egypt sim, the mostly anti-Mubarak crowd expressed their disappointment, “(This is) the same s**t as the last time he was on TV.” “He is staying until September.” “It looks like the news agencies jumped the gun in reporting that he was stepping down.” “I think riots now.” “I am afraid of that.” “Oh God save us all!” “He gives a good impression of a mad rambling megalomaniac.” “(Many) are demonstrating at Tahrir Square now and (many) all over streets, they wont let him stay.” “He is trying to brainwash them, but they are not stupid.” “MUBARAK GO NOW!”

Various people displayed links to the Al Jazeera website where live footage was broadcasts. Others watched CNN. Voice was active in the sim, and people began using their microphones to sound out the news station’s broadcasts of the sounds of the angry crowd, “All People in Tahrir Square saying Mubarak Go, Down Down Mubarak.” “He can kiss my a**!” “He is deaf and blind, ignoring people.” “Just resign Mubarak!!! get out!!!!!” “What a stubborn old man.” “Leave, leave, leave, Mubarak.” “Get out Mubarak!!!” Someone called out, “Listen to the square.” And people began chanting in type what they heard, “Leave, leave, leave, Mubarak.” “LEAVE LEAVE MUBARAK!” “Leave leave leave leave Mubarak!”

Not everyone at the sim was so quick to demand Mubarak leave. Some commented there would have to be procedures for a peaceful transition. But they were outnumbered as the chants continued, “Leave leave leave leave Mubarak!”

The following day, there were reports of Mubarak leaving the capital, taking a vacation at a resort town. Then came reports that the military had finally stepped in and ordered him out. In effect, there was a military coup. But it was a coup the protesters welcomed. When the news hit Tahrir Square, the people erupted in cheers. After thirty years, longer than many of the demonstrators had been alive, Mubarak’s reign was finally over.

Logging into Second Life, the atmosphere reflected real life. Gone were the protest signs. Instead, people were waving flags around, cheering, as firecrackers went off on the ground, “Egypt! Egypt! Egypt!” people chanted in chat again and again. The sim had been changed a little to resemble Tahir Square, complete with the tanks. A few women were dressed in Arabic women’s wear in the colors of the Egyptian flag. Someone was chanting anti-Isreali slogans, “Free Palestine!” in addition to rezzing a couple anti-Israeli cartoons, but most ignored them. The event was all about Egypt. At one point, comedian Lauren Weyland dropped in. She thought this was an exciting day, and wished the Egyptians well.

Besides the Egypt sim, I heard of a display in the Terra Egyptian sim. Porting over, there were Al Jazeera broadcasts plus a number of anti-Mubarak cartoons. One panel had his picture “X”ed out, “Bye-Bye Mubarak!”

In real life, newsmen have been endlessly discussing the situation. As of now, there isn’t much of a political process as the Mubarak regime stamped out any dissent. The Islamic Brotherhood has gotten some talk, people worried about the possibility of “another Iran.” Israel in particular is watching nervously, worried that an anti-Israeli regime would mean a return to the days when they lived under the everyday threat of war and bombardment. Others look at the situation more optimistically, calling the outbreak of demonstrations all over the Middle East their “1989,” comparing it to the fall of the Iron Curtain.

For now, the Egyptians are taking the moment to celebrate this unique moment in history, in Second Life as well as real-life.

Bixyl Shuftan

(Note: when preparing this article, I found most of my pictures were nowhere to be found, so I used what I had)

Demonstrating at the Egypt Sim

In recent days, Egypt has been the location of some major political demonstrations every day. Sparked by similar demonstrations in Tunisia that eventually forced the dictator there to step down, the Egyptian mass protests have the goal of forcing their leader of thirty years to step down as well. Mubarak has taken moves to try and hinder the protests, such as calling out the police and cutting off Internet and cell phone service, but these have had no real effect on the demonstrations.

In Second Life, there is an Egypt sim. The group owning it appears to be an Arabic one. I heard there was a number of Egyptians from outside the country meeting up there trading stories while waiting to hear from friends and loved ones back home. So I decided to give the place a look.

Dropping by Monday evening, there was a small group of people there. There were a few Egyptians, some from other Arabic countries, and some Westerners dropping by. When I arrived, one Arab was singing over voice, getting complements from a Western lady. Symbols of the protest were all over, avatars with Egyptian flags in their hands and shirts with the flag of Egypt printed on them.

One man identified himself as Tunisian and one lady Palestinian, wearing a shirt with both the Egyptian and Palestinian flags. They did tell me of a little trouble from a griefer named “Jewboy,” but didn’t consider him Jewish, “He's just there for attention ... playing on Muslim - Jew tensions.” Someone held a sign with Arabic script, I was told it read, “Peace be upon Egypt and the world. Freedom for all people. We are all siblings and I support freedom and love for everyone. I pray that heaven and earth smiles on Egypt.”

Some of the clothes a few avies wear was not what one would expect in an Arabic sim, one man bare chested with tattoos and one girl in a skimpy top. The people told me a little about the place, saying in normal times people dropped by to chat and play the games there, “The Arabs laugh out loud when they hear the parchesi game is called ‘cheesy.’ “

Stopping by the next day, the crowd was much larger with a different makeup. There were about 40 people in the sim, and someone told me it had been larger just minutes before I had logged in. Egyptian leader Mubarak had just concluded a speech in which he stated he would not be running in the next elections, several months away. And as the avatars began to take shape in front of me, that’s what the crowd was discussing, “This is my hope: Either continue protests until Mubarak steps down personally, or accept his remaining months of his idea of order and reform.”

Skyrilla Starsider, a woman from Russia, was the demonstrator who talked to me the most on Wednesday. She and others carried signs, “Yesterday we were all Tunisians. Today we are all Egyptians. Tomorrow we will all be free.” Discussing the issue with others, she was overall hopeful, but concerned about people getting hurt, “We Russians are fiery in spirit, but I can't help but fear a little.” She told me she had been showing up at the Egypt sim for a couple days, “I am here in the name of the people, for the people, because a raging fire and shout-out for democracy in one nation is a call for equality and liberty for the rest of the world. ... It's been almost 24 hours ago that there has been a steady flow of people here, it's only been increasing, the vast amount of national differences is inspiring indeed.”

Asking her how other Russians felt, “So far, Russians abroad and even those wishing to stay within Egypt have expressed sympathy and support, they understand that change is necessary and that enough is simply enough. These are uncertain times, as Egypt is the industrial heart of the Arabic world and a heart has many arteries, the Egyptian people must act wisely or risk severe bleeding.”

I didn’t see names I recognized from the night before, but there were a small number of Arabs around, one proudly saying he was from Tunisia.

When people were asked what message they would give the demonstrators, there were a number of replies, "We are all here in support of your people and we pray for your freedom. We know that you will be free because of the strength of your people and from all over the world, our peoples wish you well." “Yay, bless the Egyptian people and your courageous struggle!” “All the best to you in your fight for freedom.” “Freedom is earned, not given. I wish the people of Egypt success in their struggle. Know that there are many around the World that have you in our thoughts at this time, people of all religions and from all walks of life.”

Not everyone was here for well wishes. One wag held up not a protest sign, but “Will work for beer.” There was also a heckler whom upon hearing there was an American present blurted, “Down with the USA!” There were other obvious trolls, and one man came by with a sign asking for a workers revolution in Egypt in the name of Socialism.

People here were listening to the English Al-Jazeera web broadcast, and at one point there were gasps of, “Oh no!” Reports were coming in of fights in Cairo between the demonstrators and pro-Mubarak mobs, with the sounds of gunfire. It sounded like the Egyptian army had fired into the crowd, but when CNN talked about the incident an hour later, they stated the army had fired in the air, and there were no casualties.

When I dropped by a few hours later though, there were signs of friction between the people at the sim. “This is not just something in the news!” one Palestinian told others, “My best friend has not been heard from in days! When did you cry (name)? Do you watch TV, looking for friends’ faces? Each report, I look for my friends!” Those she was talking to didn't understand what her point was. The argument might have been going on a while before I appeared. With a big crowd and most of the people here now non-Arabic, those here from the Middle East may have felt they were losing their voice.

The following day on Thursday, there were more reports of violence between pro and anti-Mubarak groups. Logging in, the sim had a few more controls up this time. Voice was disabled, as were scripts. I saw more signs up, and curiously a picture of Mubarak. There were a few more Arab residents than the same time the previous day. And there were more signs of discord between people here, “(Name), you were never hungry, were you? ”Sure, I was without child support and on my own for years, I raised a son.” “You live in the USA, you don’t know want.” One stressed over and over again the conflict was an Egyptian one, “Egypt belongs to the Egyptians!!! ... Muslim or not they are Egyptians!!! ... Let Egypt choose!” There were accusations of paranoia of a Islamist conspiracy, one woman accusing Americans of desiring “USA control of the universe.”

Then a group of Socialists came in, and began chanting slogans, “LEAVE THE BOURGEOISIE!!!!!” “BOURGEOISIE MUST WORKING!!!!!!!!!” “bourgeois Earn your bread!!!!!!” “bourgeois dogs go to work!!!!!!” and others. This was frustrating for the Arabs, “Do any of you care about the Egyptian people, or just your own personal agendas?” But the chants continued.

As of the writing of this article, more reports are coming in from Egypt of fighting between pro and anti-Mubarak groups, with serious injuries and deaths. The US State Department has asked all Americans there to leave the country.

Bixyl Shuftan