Activism
is intentional action to
bring about social or political
change. An activist often presents a controversial
argument.
I grew up in the 60's, the era of
protest, singing protest songs. My first act of activism
was to protest the closing down of Kent State University
after the shooting on May 4, 1970.
I am often berated for standing up for those people,
including myself, who are mistreated. If someone's
constitutional or human rights are trampled on, I speak up.
I was given a voice and I use it to bring about social
change, even if it is one person at a time. Speaking up -
even if it's written, is the opposite of remaining silent
and passive - often results in emails and phone calls
telling me to just let things be:
Don't be an
activist.
Don't be an advocate for those who are mistreated.
Don't speak up.
Don't complain.
Don't make waves.
Don't try to fight City Hall.
Don't try to change the world.
Keep quiet.
Just let it be.
These are the comments I'm receiving from people who think
they are well-meaning. I just wonder if they would say the
same thing to MEN who are impassioned to speak up against
what they think is wrong.
Should Al Gore not have spoken up? Then why did he
win an Academy Award and a Nobel Peace Prize? Should
Michael Moore stop making controversial movies?
Should Ralph Nader stop speaking up and running for
President? Or is the message I'm receiving: "You're a
woman; you can't do what men do? Be quiet and take up
knitting instead."
Why? I'm not
willing to accept mistreatment or even mediocrity.
Are you?
