The Catholic Peace Weekly's column Diagnosis of the Times considers the change that comes with age in the lives of those working in human rights.
Before working as a so-called 'human rights lawyer', the writer worked as a 'human rights activist'. He wanted to do his best because it was an opportunity for him to be active in a different space than usual, a big decision in his life.
There was an evaluation that 'the organization was not supporting the passion of the individual'. Disagreements arose about the contents of the activities and the debate continued. He came across a document of the 'organization' written by his superiors that mentioned that he was 'rotten stagnant water' to be replaced.
Organizations ask how they should consider the individuals, how they should listen to their voices, and what a mature organization should look like. They want to know the difference between a community of free and equal individuals that human rights pursue and a formal gathering of fragmented individuals.
One of the things the writer felt working as a lawyer was that if he didn't live up to his potential as a human rights lawyer, he would be "seniorized" and easily mistaken for achievement.
In the early days of activity, various human rights-related networks emphasized the importance of equal division of work by saying: "No talk without practice." However, you find yourself gradually getting used to considering what those around you are thinking. It asks whether the existence or significance of the elder is there, and what the conditions of the respected elder are.
He also felt as time went on that it would not be easy for him to 'age gracefully' while doing these activities. He visited a group of decades-old activists, well known in society for their devoted activities but was disappointed to hear about self-organization-oriented activities and the need for religious edification of the socially disadvantaged— Looking down on other human rights groups, thinking they have something to offer them.
The older you get, the stronger your egocentric tendencies, greed, and wanting to be rewarded mentality, and the more you are encouraged by those around you. Regardless of religion or ideology, a belief system may be exclusively hardened, or conversely, the belief system itself may be completely denied due to a certain orientation, greed, or disappointment in life. And he asks again what it means to age with grace.
No matter how much he wanted to remain as one of the working-level officials, one simple vote, there is a difference in experience and knowledge that one has accumulated. He is embarrassed to see someone criticizing another lawyer for the way he approached a situation. In adapting to the changes of the times, generational differences inevitably exist, and human rights sensitivity and understanding of new human rights issues may need new responses.
Recognizing the lack of importance given to matters and changes that come with time, he asks whether it is mature to reflect on structures that aim for equality but cannot be completely equal.
He wants to be a person who grows old gracefully knowing what is important and what is less important while looking at people and their rights along with everyone around them. Not with words, but with body and mind.
