What would I do for freedom?

Engl 165-04 Fall '22, Engl 165-16 Fall '22

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If I was living in a place in which my freedoms were being infringed on, it would honestly depend on how badly they are being violated that would determine what I would do in response. For example, if I lived in someplace where my property was being confiscated or my life was in a significant risk of danger at the hands of the government I would immediately flee and finance movements to fix that from abroad. However, if neither of those were at a significant risk of confiscation and danger I would likely stay there and protest the infringement of my rights in question. Other than protesting I would definitely finance whichever movements and/or organizations I agree with.

I commonly see things such as petitions, protests, riots, and the financing of these things happening around America. I think that some of it can be effective but a notable chunk of it is ineffective. For example, I believe that petitions do almost nothing except on a very rare occasion. With protests I think that they can be effective when it includes things such as boycotts or political action such as rallying people to vote or not vote for someone or if they put pressure on a politician. However, I think it does almost nothing especially when it’s just a protest that fails to do any of that. 

Riots are typically ineffective, have the opposite effect of the intended goal, and have atrocious effects on wherever the riot takes place. These effects can include things like hollowing out a community economically by scarring off businesses from operating there as the damage done can make it untenable. Even if these businesses have insurance and collect those payments, they are still likely to flee from locations hit by riots as the insurance costs explode after riots due to them wanting to make their money back. Financing organizations can be extremely effective if the organization properly uses their funds. In conclusion I think activism is something that is sometimes effective but most of the time ineffective in modern America.

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What Would You Do?

Engl 165-04 Fall '22

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Honestly, the level of violence in this week’s reading shook me to my core. As I sat there scanning over the gruesome depictions of these events, I couldn’t help but think, “This makes me sick.” The thought of people suffering these horrendous crimes was enough to make my stomach churn. That’s how I fell deeper into my thoughts. What would I do if I were in that situation? Would I be able to take it without fighting back like they did? Would I run away? Or would I even be involved in the first place?

The thought of having to live in the past is always an interesting one. Putting yourself in the shoes of the people that came before us is something I find myself doing often. Thinking about the actions I would’ve taken really put things into perspective. These people did not fight back. Their peaceful protests spoke louder than any violence they could’ve shown in return. It showed the real extent of how far they would go for their freedom. Every time I imagined myself in that position, I couldn’t help but cringe at the thought. Being spit on, stepped on, beaten half to death, have slurs shouted in my face. All of those things made me gain a new level of respect for them.

It’s hard to picture myself in those situations. It’s hard to picture those situations now. What’s even crazier however, is knowing that there are people fighting these same battles today. These same battles that we thought had come to an end, are still being fought. There are clear parallels between the freedom riders and the Black Lives Matter protests. Their choice to protest peacefully and be met with unnecessary violence is identical. I can confidently say that people today are willing to go even further when fighting for these causes.

 

Our World Continues to be Much of the Same

Engl 165-16 Fall '22, March Blog Prompt

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As I was reading March it brought up some thoughts I had about the similarities in the world today and even in my own life. Those similarities included

  • injustices of diversity
  • gaining information on a subject which alters your viewpoint

When reading March, it illustrates people protesting for what they believe in. This reminds me of the protests that have been happening over the country in response to the overturning of Roe v Wade. I resonated with John since he did not say anything but he would notice it. Yet he did not outwardly say anything. I would do everything I could to help protest but I never went to a protest myself. Even though women have more freedom than the past. Women have been viewed as less than compared to men and have been treated unfairly.

He reminisces about his change in attitude after coming back from his Uncle’s house. This was how I felt when growing up in a Catholic school. I only knew one truth that was what they wanted and you don’t know any other life then what you are lead to believe as normal. I did not think anything of what I was told because it was what I was raised in and was considered normal. He would notice all the differences about the two places and it changed his entire way of thinking. Which is how I felt when I grew up and had access to news on my own. Therefore I researched topics on my own rather than what I was told to believe is normal.

The book reminds me of the protests that have been very big for the last couple years. That have been over the mistreatment of black people by law enforcement. It has been a constant battle even though in the book it shows that there was less of a segregation it never went away. This is proven with the way protests have continued into today’s society. Included in that is the narrative of protests has not changed since the time March was written about.

 

 
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Taking the Stance as an Activist

Engl 165-04 Fall '22

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It is hard to imagine what life would be like if we were unable to have the freedom to choose to receive an education, go to college, apply for a job, or have the right to vote. All of these rights we have now, we truly take for granted. Most of us complain about being forced to go to school; however, we really do not understand what it would be like to not even have the privilege of going to school. Being able to receive an education really is a privilege. 

I feel that I am an activist in more of a feminist way. I disagree with the past views of the “woman’s role” and feel that everyone should be treated equally and given the same respect. I come from a very conservative family that still has, somewhat, that mindset. I definitely speak my mind and stand up for myself when I do feel discriminated against. I know with my stubbornness, this will be something I am always capable of. I do my best to treat everyone with the same respect and want the same consideration put towards me.

There are still so many issues in today’s world where activism is needed. Right now, I believe the largest form of activism is the activism against war and violence. With Russia attempting to begin a new World War, many people are taking their position. Protests are taking place. Many countries and companies are taking a stand against Russia by no longer trading with it to get the point across that they do not support the actions of Putin. Violence should no longer be the way that problems are solved. Though we are not yet sure of the results of this protest yet, I do believe that it will be effective because the ruler of Russia is not receiving the power he is after. As the rest of the world joins forces to fight for what is right, I believe the point will be made and the war will come to an end.

There are so many ways to use activism to get a point across. Everyone has their own viewpoints and will fight for what they feel passionate about. Whether this is by boycotting a product or company, protesting, or just raising awareness, there are many ways each person can be an activist. I believe that being an activist is very important and necessary to make the world a better and more equal place.

 
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