Activism is by its’ very nature is an activity that transcends
social norms and calls attention to issues and situations that have not gotten
enough attention from established institutions, organizations and communities.
Recently Activism has become a popular subject with
individuals who are long-term members of established organizations touting
their credentials as activists. While these individuals may be incredibly effective
members of service organizations they are not necessarily qualified to claim
the title activist.
Over the past few months these individuals, in an attempt to
harness the popularity of activist culture,
have offered their experiences as a framework for activist engagement. What is lost is that being engaged in
organized social justice work does not an activist manifest. These social
justice volunteers seek to focus the yearnings of an activist generation on
their narrow organizational goals and interests.
Encouraging activists to surrender their personal agency in
choosing social justice actions has the potential to sap the very life force
from a generation that is committed to real change, change that these long-term
organizations have failed to deliver.
Surly these organizations have accomplished much in setting the stage
for change, yet their intense interest in narrow agendas confine their
willingness to engage in revolutionary social actions that are needed in this
century.
As an activist
culture continues to emerge we should question those who seek to influence
our actions. Those presenting themselves, as “experts” should be questioned; have
they risked their own freedom to manifest social change? Have they lead
protests? Have they demonstrated their willingness to exchange a measure of
personal safety for social change?
These are important questions.
Volunteers for social change are an incredibly important component of
social justice work, they have my respect, yet, to be an activist means so much
more than simply volunteering for causes that resonate.
So the next time you take a class or workshop on activism
ask your self; is this really about activism or is it an attempt to lasso the
energy of activists into supporting well meaning but narrowly focused
established organizations.
As a member of many great Social Justice organizations I
respect and support their work. I
am however, not ready to surrender my agency as an activist to their
organizational framework that looks more like a corporation than an organic outpouring
of revolutionary energy.
1 comment:
I was working on a paper with my niece on Ben Franking that has a perspective I like for looking at this.
Ben was many thing, although a good father was not on that list. But In his every action he always seemed to keep in mind one thing 'What is the practical gain of this effort'
It was a stance he took on his writings, A few of which could be applied to though on modern pagan values. In those he knowingly honed not only his own skills, reasoning, and of course the pragmatic personal short term gains. But By and Large he wrote stuff that was a benefit to those who read it.
He read what was available on moral reasoning and took it on himself to practice some very potent self improvement programs. His aim and gain in that was not not only hone his mind, Which would work in synergy with his writing. But to lead what he hoped would be a better life. And gained for him and to extension to the colonies much of the intellectual credibility that was so sorely lacking from our European brethren at the time.
His endeavors in science and technology All has very very applicable real world gains . And in all of this there is a guiding thought of will there be a pragmatic real world gain for his efforts.
Now I mention this for 2 reasons. One as an example of an activist Old Ben is near the top of the list. Say what you will but that crazy old fuck got shit done.
Two, I think people have forgotten what 'Get Shit Done' and 'Don't waste your effort on empty gains' Looks like in our modern world. And I think many activists groups need to take in a few of old Ben's lessons. Actually I think most activists groups need to sit down and gain a historical frame work before they can be entitled to have the privilege to influence the future. But that is just a personal opinion.
But one personal observation on the topic of 'get shit done' When you step up to that plate your every action will be judged in every light. Slander will be on the rise as you are on the front of change. And maybe if I had applied a few of Old Bens lessons to my personal life I might not of had a social circle in the pagan community break down due breaking in recording equipment. BTW Amber I had that noise problem solved the next week
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