2/11/2018 0 Comments #62: Imagine living for six weeks on a hunger strike, with no sustenance but broth. To get a meeting with the prime minister. Hello, Chief Theresa Spence.With all the politically driven dialogue this weekend, I want to talk about hunger strikes and bring to attention the extreme effects that result from such a politically motivated choice. To be clear: I strongly discourage this form of protest.
One of the first recorded hunger strike is detailed in ancient Indian scriptures, which talk of the brother of the exiled King Rama using the threat of a fast to coax him into returning. He placed himself on a bundle of sacred grass at his feet and refused to budge. I'm not sure of his fate, but can't imagine that it ended well (If you know the account and more importantly the ending - please comment!). More contemporary and well known hunger strikes include:
Most adults need at least 1200 calories per day to keep your organs working at a functional level. At first when I looked at this particular act I asked myself if I were to diet for 6 weeks, would I have an idea of what Chief Spence went through? The answer is no. Chief Spence was ingesting around 200-300 calories per day by way of lemon water and fish broth. Even at 1200 calories per day, I wouldn't be facing the same symptomatic effects that she did. After two weeks on a hunger strike, I would have difficulty standing, suffer from severe dizziness, sluggishness, weakness, loss of coordination, low heart rate and have a constant chilled feeling. For longer strikes the risks become extreme, and would likely result in:
Dieting and especially extreme fasting needs to be seen for what it is, a form of self-harm. Unlike other protests, a hunger strike has no direct effect on the intended target. The protester suffers, not the person or institution protested against. The protester relies on the moral force of their actions, or the media coverage, to achieve their particular goal. However, if what they are protesting doesn't come to fruition, what then? I'm no dietician, and in probably the worst physical condition of my life to be honest, but even I know that risking organ failure and ultimately death is not worth media coverage or political gains. I realize that there are circumstances where hunger strikes may be the only available method of protest, especially within correctional institutions, however still hold the stance that a hunger strike should be the last resort for extremely dire situations, if not avoided completed.
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I grew up in Athabasca, AB and have spent the majority of my life in Northern Alberta or Montreal, PQ. My husband has been in Fort McMurray since the 70s and continues to love this town and all that it has to offer. We are avid outdoor enthusiasts, spending our summer weekends quadding and camping. As Opimian members we thoroughly enjoy wine pairings and tastings and are working on our wine collection. Ralph is a carpenter by trade and has framed more houses in Fort McMurray than I could count and knows the city inside and out. I work all throughout the region from the NWT to Janvier for the tribal council. My passion is doodling and photography which is featured throughout the website (various mediums), writing, Indigenous studies, and learning in general. Categories |