3 thoughts on “Why Activism is Failing

  1. activism is NOT failing.....we are not in a fast serve world it takes time to make actions become contagious.......the world is engulfed in a massive "spell" to break it we need to move the energy away from its flow......this book is meant knowingly or unknowingly to break the movement of energy away and back to the fear based horror show that has been created......so i say in a clear strong voice......this book is nothing ....it has no effect on what is happening we will not be deterred....funny business from silly beings of nothingness....

    1. right on. people love to put down 'clicktivism' while clicktivism wins battles everyday. The review of the book makes some good points. People get together and win on many levels all the time. Look around. Gay marriage everywhere (clicktivism is a big part). Anti fracking initiatives on November ballots (clicktivism, voting). Appreciate that people are always on a continuum for 'activist' and having low energy entry points is crucial for people to develop the skill of 'declaration' or 'commitment'. Clicking leads to locking down to a MF rig with a D-ring 'round my neck.

  2. I am not sure what to make of Saghbiny's argument (as shared by Chris) - either its accuracy, or utility, if true. It may be that what bothers the author so much is people's perception of their efficacy. Though bulleted specifics provide some ground for his thesis, It seems odd, though, to make such broad statement about the failure of activism, generally. There is a good deal of change going on, and much of it, as someone involved in at least some small branch of it, is not televised. It is hard to blog about changes in consciousness (perhaps one's own), and such changes stretch over a lifetime - across generations. We won't see the fruit (how we hope it's fruit) of our labor, and I think this pisses us off.
    Thanks to Chris, I was introduced to the activist/author Derrick Jensen who broadens the scope of what is currently needed for the biosphere's, and thus human, survival. In his view, what is needed is both above and below-ground activism, specifically addressing the ways current human culture is killing the planet. He says that all forms of consciousness raising, including the use of force, are needed. I confess that, as a vestige of my age, I privilege direct action, putting one's body in a space, over virtual efforts - and yet we need them both.
    It can be difficult to know what is the best way to witness once one feels called to speak and walk differently. I will share this about change: there is an inmate in one of the prisons I facilitate the Alternatives To Violence program in. He is finishing out the end of his sentence, and has become an engaged promoter and advocate of other residents attending the workshops. He now leads the workshops along with other residents who trained to be facilitators. I can only see, or make sense, of change at this scale. When someone complimented him about how many other inmates he was reaching, he said "I'm just trying to reach ME. Change ME.

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