ACTivism Part VII :By Puck Arks

Written By: Puck Arks

ACTivism Part VII

All activism involves a sense of giving and giving-up something. While ‘normal’ individuals in a society act in order to benefit themselves or their family, activists often act against their own interests. Often the actions of the activist improves the well-being of others (who are not just family and friends) more than that of the activist herself. And this is the real strength of an activist. Their actions are not rationally utilitarian but morally robust, as powerfully exemplified by countless activists who have worked with labor, women, the marginalized and the dispossessed.

1. Do not be afraid to talk to strangers, the fear of strangers is inhumane and extremely bourgeois.

2. Find ways to get coworkers to think about their lives and the power that their boss wields over them. Organize! 

3. Avoid fears of the unknown, it is important to accept that with activism there is always a fair degree of spontaneity.

4. There are many ways that you can be socially active, politically, economically, environmentally etc.

5. Change the way you see your free time, don’t be dependent on mass media generated entertainment to fill the void in your life.

6. Your free time is not the time to vegetate and consume mass media, it’s the time to reevaluate your life and society while educating yourself. 

7. Fight your urge to accept the truths that are fed to the masses, question everything you hear, analyze everything you see.

8. Do not be afraid of professors, do not be afraid of police officers, do not be afraid of CEOs.

9. Start a virtual group in which people can engage and discuss a particular cause.

10. Virtual interactions are fine, but talking to people in person is vital, take every opportunity to bring up the cause to other human beings.

11. Mass Media controls the flow of information, it’s up to you to find ways in which you can reverse, short-circuit and humanize this flow. Support independent journalism. 

12. Instead of going to see another mind numbing Hollywood movie, go to a homeless shelter and learn about the lives of others. Remember the elite control Hollywood. 

13. In the world of the activist, there is no rest, no peace, no reward, there is only work and a valiant faith in the cause of humanity. They don't sleep nor should we. Keep in mind still that it's better to turnout not burnout. 

14. As you become more involved with activism, you will see how your actions and decisions begin to change the way you see yourself.

15. When you go to a protest, talk to others, engage them, learn about their reasons for coming.

16. The television channels of the rich will only teach you how to be consumptive, they will not teach you about activism.

17. Civil disobedience is healthy, but do not give the police a chance to activate the vicious cycle of violence. *See Civil Disobedience I-V.

18. Write a pamphlet in support of your cause, hand it to people, publish it online.

19. Do not bring drugs, do not turn social resistance into a rave, it’s serious work. Drugs and alcohol are excuses for the powers that be to de-legitimize your cause. 

20. Avoid the temptation to party with other activists, gatherings should be strictly for political and social discussions.