Yesterday we attended the Solidarity Museum that tells the story how dock workers in the Gdansk Shipyard lead the charge to the fall of communism. The strike eventually led to concessions from the Soviet Government, only to have martial law employed on the Poles in an attempt to destroy the movement. The people of the Solidarity Movement were organized and strong and were eventually able to have elections. In 1990 the Walesa who led the solidarity movement was named president of Poland as they began an economic transition to liberal capitalism.
While the Solidarity Movement is an inspiring example of determination and perseverance. WHt stood out to me most was the final reflection room. In the reflection room the audio guide reads the following passage.
World wars genocide totalitarianism crimes against humanity throughout the world millions of human beings have lost their lives owing to a different skin color, religion, nationality, or by belonging to a certain social group.
Rejecting of bloody revolution in favor of peaceful transformations was the goal of spiritual and community leaders throughout the entire previous century
Many peaceful leaders in the world urged people to give up hatred and to ground conflict resolution on solidarity. The basis is which on dialogue openness and empathy with our fellow human beings. These values weren't always respected. The monument was put up in memory of the shipyard workers who were killed in December 1970. It pays homage to those who incurred the highest price for respect and human dignity. Freedom dignity and equality these are still lessons people haven't yet learned. Even in the 21st century the culture of peaceful coexistence demands constant consolidation and rebuilding.
I had to have listened to this recording at least 10 times and then a few times after to write the quote down. I find it extremely powerful and resonated to me and why we teach social studies. As a society we have to have consistent open dialogue of our past and our present. These discussions open our students up to higher depth of knowledge not only on topics throughout history but how they see themselves in the current world.
This museum was inspiring to include in my curriculum because it beautifully ties in multiple standards we study throughout the year and the quote above is essentially a summary of the content we cover in quarter 3 and quarter 4 of the school year.
Most importantly the Solidarity Movement teaches us the power of togetherness towards a common goal. The movement couldn't of survived if there wasn't strength in numbers. Most importantly the movement was nonviolent.
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