Originally posted by NordlysI'm asking for a list of either or both the good and/or bad things about activism in general, or one can simply state at the top of their post the type of activism their list is referring to.
Are you saying there are no good or bad things about activism? (Anyway, what kind of activism?)
Wikipedia defines activism as -
Activism, in a general sense, can be described as intentional action to bring about social or political change. This action is in support of, or opposition to, one side of an often controversial argument.
The word "activism" is often used synonymously with protest or dissent, but activism can stem from any number of political orientations and take a wide range of forms, from writing letters to newspapers or politicians, political campaigning, economic activism (such as boycotts or preferentially patronizing preferred businesses), rallies and street marches, strikes, or even guerrilla tactics. In the more confrontational cases, an activist may be called a freedom fighter by some, and a terrorist by others, depending on whether the commentator supports the activist's ends.
In some cases, activism has nothing to do with protest or confrontation: for instance, some religious and feminist activists try to persuade people to change their behavior directly, rather than persuade governments to change laws; the cooperative movement seeks to build new institutions which conform to its principles, and generally does not lobby or protest politically.
Since the Roe v. Wade decision, and perhaps earlier, in the United States "activist" has often been used as a pejorative for those judges who seek to redress social ills through judicial rather than legislative action. Thus many conservative politicians have sought to curb the power of those deemed "activist judges" whom they claim are acting outside traditional boundaries of judicial review [1]. Some liberals contend that judicial activism is a long-standing US legal tradition, while others have responded that judicial activism is equally or more prevalent among judges deemed conservative
Activism makes the world go around, starting from the very first ape who thought "I'm cold - there must be a way to make fire".
In a world where averages, advertising dollars and corrupted majorities rule, activism helps educate the public and holds people accountable.
Originally posted by Sambo69Some points for activism. Thanks for responding.
Activism makes the world go around, starting from the very first ape who thought "I'm cold - there must be a way to make fire".
In a world where averages, advertising dollars and corrupted majorities rule, activism helps educate the public and holds people accountable.
Being an activist yourself, what bad things about it have you experienced. I mean, have sat in demonstration in front of a fur store, then been arrested, or do activists ever break the law while demonstrating and face some consequences?
In America we allow for the 'right to assembly' but as long as the assemblers don't at the same time infringe upon someone else's rights. For example, a group may gather and protest on a public street or sidewalk, as long as they do not interfere with the ability of any business along that street to continue to conduct business. In the case of very large gatherings where permits have been obtained to close down the streets, most shopkeepers will simply close shop for that period and lock up as sometimes violence can occur and the element of destruction seems to often find its way into large gatherings. This destructive element is not there to support any 'cause' the protect may be about but they are there to simply incite to riot and destruction of property. Then the liberal media will cry foul on law enforcement for not preventing it. There is a particular mentality to big crowds and I think if anyone know what I'm refering to may agree that it is, no matter how initially well organized and is peaceful and not unruly in the beginning, as more and more pour into the croud things can and almost always do get quite out of hand. Except for the 'gay' parades and gatherings, they are the most peaceful - The Harvey Milk and Mayor Moscone vigil down Market Street in San Francisco for example is a prime example of folks united in a cause, both straight and gay demonstrating well within the law the violent acts of murder against two city officials. Should other protests declare their point as elegantly and peacefull. The silence of that particular march spoke far more than any words could have. In fact, words would have failed the message. I was in SF at that time and it had a profound impact on me.
I've had my life threatened, I've incurred solicitors costs of the leading political party, I've been told to get a job when I was in fact losing income protesting, I've been to the doctors with a sore back after lugging T-shirts and a placard around, I've had my feet covered in blisters, I've had my personal life put on hold, etc.
I also lost the political party a seat in government !
Originally posted by Sambo69Some perils of activism I see. But at 6'3' and 209 lbs (as you've claimed) the tee-shirts really hurt you eh. I suppose if you had many to carry.
I've had my life threatened, I've incurred solicitors costs of the leading political party, I've been told to get a job when I was in fact losing income protesting, I've been to the doctors with a sore back after lugging T-shirts and a placard around, I've had my feet covered in blisters, I've had my personal life put on hold, etc.
I also lost the political party a seat in government !
These are minor (with one exception) when compared to what Law Enforcement has to achieve in protests, rallys, demonstrations, etc.
Originally posted by sword4damoclesAbout 100 shirts at a time. I keep out of trouble with law enforcement by researching my rights in advance and giving them a speil when they approach me.
Some perils of activism I see. But at 6'3' and 209 lbs (as you've claimed) the tee-shirts really hurt you eh. I suppose if you had many to carry.
These are minor (with one exception) when compared to what Law Enforcement has to achieve in protests, rallys, demonstrations, etc.
Originally posted by Sambo69You appear to be a classic example of the compulsive protester; a person with a uncontrollable urge to protest just for the sake of it regardless of cause or content.
About 100 shirts at a time. I keep out of trouble with law enforcement by researching my rights in advance and giving them a speil when they approach me.
Activism can come in different forms.
Some people are perenial protesters - whenever there is a protest, they will be there. Anti-war, anti-fur, anti-whaling, anti-road, anti-capitalist, anti-pasti. The key thing here is they are just anti-something, sometimes without having to have an alternative view.
Others are single issue campaigners - they devote all their attentions to saving the Siberian Spotted Worm from extinction, and aren't interested in anything else, even if it is the Campaign to Save the Siberian Stripey Worm.
Others are in political parties - they devote their time to the progress of their particular party, and generally won't get fully involved in single-issue campaigns, unless it is in the interests of their party (maybe they can recruit people, or the party wants to be seen to support a cause).
Each type of campaigner will behave differently. In my experience, the first 2 groups tend to be mistrustful of the motives of the 3rd group.
Some of those in political parties will, up to a point, support policies they don't really believe in because they support the principles of the party.
Originally posted by NargagunaNo. I protest against corruption in goverment, deaths of innocent people and for the environment (for which I've held senior management positions)
You appear to be a classic example of the compulsive protester; a person with a uncontrollable urge to protest just for the sake of it regardless of cause or content.