What would you do for the freedom you enjoy every . . . single . . . day!!!?

Think about the pages you’ve read for this week and then think about the following questions to help you decide what lengths you would go to for the right to go to school to get an education, to have the right to vote, to apply to any college you wish, to apply to any job you want AND be considered if your qualify.

1. Who are you as an activist?
2. What role/s have you played or can you see yourself playing?
3. What type of activism do you see at work in today’s society?
4. Is it effective and why or why not??

I argue that EVERYONE is an activist in one way or another. What is your way?

[picture from https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2013/06/18/193128475/how-the-civil-rights-movement-was-covered-in-birmingham]

My Version of Activism

When thinking of myself as an activist, I believe myself to have strong beliefs and leadership skills to lead other activists. I think I would be a loud but peaceful activist as I don’t believe violence to fix things but instead words. It is important that when speaking up you treat others how you would want to be treated and show them respect even if you do not receive it from them. I believe that part of being an activist is when seeing and standing up for an issue that you also show knowledge and understanding. 

Types of Activism

In today’s society there has been a lot of human rights activism pertaining to racism, gay rights, and gender equality. We have seen this largely through social media, demonstrations, and protests. Including some more recent and well known protests such as the protests for George Floyd. Most recently, the US as well as many other countries are in protest with Ukraine against their battle with Russia. We see this activism on the news, in social media, and even in everyday discussion as it is such a current topic. Gay rights activism has lead to us celebrating gay rights in June during what is known as Pride Month. In this month there are many parades and demonstrations to help bring awareness and support towards the LGBTQ+ and allies. 

Effective Activism

I believe activism to be a very effective method. Through the use of activism in protests, demonstrations, social media, boycotts, strikes, and petitions; we have been able to work out many problems and bring awareness to others. Through activism we have gained many things such as the right to vote, same sex marriage, and diversity. This activism has lead us to achieve so many things that most of us can’t even imagine being without but through perseverance and activism we have gained the things we strive for.

Introduction to Activism