Every generation looks at the institutions that have existed and consolidated power from before they were born and asks a question: Are these working? Are they doing what they say they’re supposed to be doing?
If the answer is yes, the institution stands, without issue. If the answer is no, there are at least three paths we can take.
One is resignation, in which the institution engages in dialogue, but does not see any issue, and resigns to continue operating in the way it has been. We stand along also resigned to accept the status quo.
One is reformation, in which the institution engages in dialogue, acknowledges the problems posed, and begins to change internally to reform itself. We stand by or work with it during the process of reformation.
One is revolution, in which the institution either engages in dialogue or not, but regardless, takes a stance of animosity towards those posing the issues. This creates tension, leading towards a standoff in which upon the release of the pressure (this is what we normally see as the actual revolt), the institution either lives, often with greater power, dies leaving a power vacuum, or is somehow fundamentally transformed.
If institutions are resigned to remain unchanged, some kind of revolution is often just a matter of time.
If a stand off occurs the kind of pressure build and release that accompanies revolution sits at our door step.
But if honest dialogue opened, if the institution remembers its own humanity, then reformation can happen.
I would rather the latter, wouldn’t you?