Grim Truth: 92/24/04
Apr. 24th, 2009 02:31 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
alt_sirius posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
alternityGreetings, British Wizarding World.
A while back when I wrote to you all, an astute person asked whether I think it’s doing any good. I gave him a rather complicated answer. Of course, he really answered his own question just by asking it, but nevertheless it seemed like a sensible question. Are these little letters of mine doing any good?
The evidence so far is, admittedly, mixed. I understand that there’s been a general increase in the morale of the poor souls incarcerated in the labour camps – and by increase, I mean a growing unwillingness to accept the oppression to which they’ve become subject – but on the other hand, the Ministry and the so-called Council have similarly stepped up their efforts to demonise Muggles and Muggleborns. My sources tell me that a group of freedom-fighters was recently uncovered and routed. I’m sorry to report that I had nothing to do with them; they were working entirely on their own. I’d like to think that if they had been part of a larger movement, they might have been more successful, less vulnerable. But I suppose on the bright side, it must make the Department of Magical Law Enforcement very pleased to know that there are still insurrectionist cells lurking about for them to discover. Gives them more to have to investigate, in between terrorising helpless, innocent people. And I've seen how diligently my esteemed cousin is looking for activities to occupy her staff.
Despite the wild broom ride that seems to characterise any struggle for basic human rights, I have to believe that the real success is germinating below the surface. It’s in your hearts and your minds, even if it’s not on your lips just yet. In the end, we will prevail. No society as corrupt and malformed as the horror currently gripping England can endure forever. But there’s one thing that can allow the regime to continue in perpetuity, and that’s if you never stand. If you say nothing. If you do nothing to change the world around you, then they can maintain their imposed superiority. Believe me, plenty of the German friends who have sheltered me can attest to what happens when everyone assumes someone else will be the heroes.
Groups like the one recently discovered give me hope. That they were caught is tragic - and a sober reminder of how dangerous it can be to do the right thing. But that they existed at all is a sign that anyone who wishes for change is not alone. Your neighbours, friends, co-workers and relatives may share your opinions. If you look hard enough for the indications, you can find similar-minded allies.
Thus far I have not written about the ills that Muggles have unleashed upon us during their centuries of control. Our irrational and deluded enemies like to hold up Muggle failures and problems as justifications for turning the tables on them and assuming wizard dominance. People like to mention pollution, over-crowding and disease as some of the offences inflicted upon wizards by Muggles. They talk about wars, as if wizards have never waged war. It’s true that Muggles have been responsible for some terrible acts over the years. I can’t and shan’t deny that, or I could hardly call my articles truthful. Yes, Muggles have brought some atrocities into the world. But are they any worse than the brutality now exacted upon Muggleborns and Muggles on a daily basis? Are their flaws any different from a wizard’s flaws? Whether or not you truly think that the world would be a better place with wizards in control, the fact remains that Muggles are still humans, and Muggleborn wizards are still wizards. They still are entitled to learn and practise magic.
One has only to look at the measures required to keep them 'in their place' to realise that the struggle to control them is futile. It is a mortal mistake even to attempt to oppress them. One has only to reflect on the methods employed to keep their bodies physically strong, while their spirits and minds are weakened, to recognise the Grim Truth.
A while back when I wrote to you all, an astute person asked whether I think it’s doing any good. I gave him a rather complicated answer. Of course, he really answered his own question just by asking it, but nevertheless it seemed like a sensible question. Are these little letters of mine doing any good?
The evidence so far is, admittedly, mixed. I understand that there’s been a general increase in the morale of the poor souls incarcerated in the labour camps – and by increase, I mean a growing unwillingness to accept the oppression to which they’ve become subject – but on the other hand, the Ministry and the so-called Council have similarly stepped up their efforts to demonise Muggles and Muggleborns. My sources tell me that a group of freedom-fighters was recently uncovered and routed. I’m sorry to report that I had nothing to do with them; they were working entirely on their own. I’d like to think that if they had been part of a larger movement, they might have been more successful, less vulnerable. But I suppose on the bright side, it must make the Department of Magical Law Enforcement very pleased to know that there are still insurrectionist cells lurking about for them to discover. Gives them more to have to investigate, in between terrorising helpless, innocent people. And I've seen how diligently my esteemed cousin is looking for activities to occupy her staff.
Despite the wild broom ride that seems to characterise any struggle for basic human rights, I have to believe that the real success is germinating below the surface. It’s in your hearts and your minds, even if it’s not on your lips just yet. In the end, we will prevail. No society as corrupt and malformed as the horror currently gripping England can endure forever. But there’s one thing that can allow the regime to continue in perpetuity, and that’s if you never stand. If you say nothing. If you do nothing to change the world around you, then they can maintain their imposed superiority. Believe me, plenty of the German friends who have sheltered me can attest to what happens when everyone assumes someone else will be the heroes.
Groups like the one recently discovered give me hope. That they were caught is tragic - and a sober reminder of how dangerous it can be to do the right thing. But that they existed at all is a sign that anyone who wishes for change is not alone. Your neighbours, friends, co-workers and relatives may share your opinions. If you look hard enough for the indications, you can find similar-minded allies.
Thus far I have not written about the ills that Muggles have unleashed upon us during their centuries of control. Our irrational and deluded enemies like to hold up Muggle failures and problems as justifications for turning the tables on them and assuming wizard dominance. People like to mention pollution, over-crowding and disease as some of the offences inflicted upon wizards by Muggles. They talk about wars, as if wizards have never waged war. It’s true that Muggles have been responsible for some terrible acts over the years. I can’t and shan’t deny that, or I could hardly call my articles truthful. Yes, Muggles have brought some atrocities into the world. But are they any worse than the brutality now exacted upon Muggleborns and Muggles on a daily basis? Are their flaws any different from a wizard’s flaws? Whether or not you truly think that the world would be a better place with wizards in control, the fact remains that Muggles are still humans, and Muggleborn wizards are still wizards. They still are entitled to learn and practise magic.
One has only to look at the measures required to keep them 'in their place' to realise that the struggle to control them is futile. It is a mortal mistake even to attempt to oppress them. One has only to reflect on the methods employed to keep their bodies physically strong, while their spirits and minds are weakened, to recognise the Grim Truth.
no subject
Date: 2009-04-24 10:45 pm (UTC)Black may voice dissent until his quill snaps, but one wonders how he knows anything about life in the Lord's England, having been away from it for so very long. Progress does not happen overnight, but if my cousin could see the gallery district in New London, or the clear view atop Primrose Hill, I'm certain he'd be terribly impressed with the rise of British Wizardkind.
Or perhaps not. He doesn't even capitalise the word Wizard, as you see. And yet you'll notice how he capitalises the words muggle and mudblood. He was friends with too many of their kind as a child, you see, and now he's one of those piteous, mewling self-loathers. No doubt he loathes himself for other reasons, too. Tragic.
no subject
Date: 2009-04-24 10:48 pm (UTC)- In seriousness, though, Bellatrix, he may know nothing about England but he nevertheless wields a poisonous pen. He seems to be in Germany: surely you can encourage your friends there to flush him out?
As for capitalisation, I believe your reading to be quite correct. And there are many reasons why he ought to hate himself; as you may imagine, I am privy to them!
no subject
Date: 2009-04-24 10:53 pm (UTC)And if he is there, he would certainly leave after seeing this exchange.
Order Only
Date: 2009-04-25 03:12 am (UTC)Well, it was worth a try, anyway.
At least tell me she hasn't had a thought to look around the wards.
no subject
Date: 2009-04-25 05:03 am (UTC)Though you're absolutely right about one thing: I have to thank Professor McGonagall for alerting me to my error.
no subject
Date: 2009-04-25 04:59 am (UTC)Order only
Date: 2009-04-25 01:31 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-04-25 01:10 am (UTC)Good luck hunting to your agents, if I may say, ma'am. The sooner this fellow is run to earth, the sooner our journals will be free of these screeds. Very irritating they are, and I don't appreciate his mischief in trying to stir up unrest in the camps. Makes my job much more difficult.
Order Only
Date: 2009-04-25 01:18 am (UTC)Re: Order Only
Date: 2009-04-25 01:22 am (UTC)Although I'm sure you know it goes against the grain, Sirius.
Re: Order Only
Date: 2009-04-25 03:13 am (UTC)Re: Order Only
Date: 2009-04-25 04:03 am (UTC)Re: Order Only
Date: 2009-04-25 04:30 am (UTC)But on the other hand, he's Frank's lad, all right, and as long as it's just points, well, no harm. I do hope he learns where to draw the line, though.
Perhaps the twins could help him there?
Speaking of, Frank should be here by now. I'm getting concerned. Though I can't tell if it's real or if it's the effect of these bloody wards.
no subject
Date: 2009-04-25 01:26 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-04-25 04:33 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-04-25 03:18 am (UTC)Call it Affirmative Action.
Self-loathing? Huh. That's a new one. Reading up on Muggle psychology, are we? Try looking up 'sociopath' and see whether that holds up a mirror for you.
no subject
Date: 2009-04-25 03:25 am (UTC)If there is a pattern to your writings, if there is a code hidden within them, you have to know that I will find it. It is only a matter of time.
Order Only
Date: 2009-04-25 04:32 am (UTC)Re: Order Only
Date: 2009-04-25 04:52 am (UTC)I'm still all for distracting them, even sending them thrice round the moon if we can, but ... I'm not sure anymore how much falsehood we ought to use here. If, as you and Frank say, these Grim Truth posts of mine are so meaningful to people, then perhaps we should leave them pure. So to speak.
I don't know. I can't decide about that now, at any rate. Bloody Baron's Bones, these wards are exceedingly uncomfortable. It's like being on a train with a Dementor while someone makes one drink a Peregrination Potion. It's got me feeling horribly antsy.