Aon's thoughts: 22nd of July 2012, Memorial Ceremony

My brother Aon is a rather good writer. He works as a journalist and thats actually how I saw his talent for the usage of words for the first time. Of course I see and hear it more often now through his songs, but I appreciate it a lot when he takes time to share his thoughts on "paper". I went to the Memorial Ceremony with him and a couple of the other guys in the gang, and I asked him if he could do a little write up on his feelings during this event. He usually doesn't write in English he said, but he wanted to try. Check it out, and thanks Aon for sharing.

"(I usually don’t write in English, but the message is for us as human beings, and not just Norwegian citizens. )

Every time people bring up their stories from the terrorist attacks 22. July, I get really moved. The unjust that we so often hear about on the news came in towards our world. I often feel that I have little to bring to the table, by that I mean I also want to contribute. I too want to help. I hear the speeches, and I also feel like talking. I hear the music, and I too want to sing. I see the tears, and I too want to cry. Today I went to the memorial concert in front of the Town Hall in Oslo.

So I started thinking standing in the crowd of 50 000 people…

People have done so much good for the cause, but what can I do?

Well… I can write. But what if it’s not helpful? There are thousand of articles on the Utøya-incident, what can I say that hasn’t been said yet?

… I’m standing in the pouring rain, holding an umbrella, comforting a friend, with thousands of people mourning and honoring the dead. Still thinking about what I’m actually doing. Literally, what exactly am I doing? Are we just people standing in a crowd and listening? When mister Martin Luther King said “I have a dream”, or when Ghandi spoke about peace, they created more than just “some listeners.” The speakers, and the musicians did an extraordinary job today. And I keep thinking that I too want to contribute to this moment of history that my grandchildren’s children’s children will read about.

How does change in people really start?

One man cannot do everything, but everyone can do something. So I am writing for you with a request. If you feel like I felt today; the remorse for just being a listener, do something for your community. This is the message for us that demonstrate against unjust and fight for justice. Do not forget what you have learnt. This is not just an issue in the world; this is an issue in our community. Something is not right.

We have to bring change into our lives, and be the change we want to see. It may be as simple as being nicer to your neighbor, or just reflecting on your own prejudice. Donate a krone, dollar or a pound. Give a hug, promote peace, or buy a t-shirt that says Oslove. Think like leaders – not followers. Think like kings – not soldiers. To all politicians: Let’s use this incident as an inspiration to other societal issues like racism, violence, gangs, and public enemies. I am not going to tell you what to do, because that’s your job. Thank you for reading my poor words - enrich your mind. Thanks to my brother Akam1k3 for posting this on his blog.

Read the news one more time. Value your loved ones, think about every other human being as one of them. – Aon Raza Naqvi

Silence will create respect and dignity; justice and fair play will bring more friends; benevolence and charity will enhance prestige and position; courtesy will draw benevolence; service of mankind will secure leadership and good words will overcome powerful enemies. – Hazrat Ali (A.S)"


Photos and text by Aon Naqvi follow on Twitter @aon__ and instagram @aon__