Its A New Time To Act Now
There was only one time in my life, did I ever sign a petition. Last year, a classmate was going to everyone in the seminar during our break time, to collect emails and signatures. A local luncheon for old people, in the women’s area, was getting knocked down to build apartments instead. Her and a group of individuals disliked this idea and decided to position themselves for what they believed in.
Everyone has the potential to make a difference and change the world, either that may be in a large or small way. Victoria Carty defines social movements as a “continuous group of people who have a similar determination to refuse and comply with individuals opposing an important issue” (2015, pp. 6-7). Therefore, Carty implies that when a group of people who are passionate about an issue and strive to oppose against it, she believes there are “three elements that can assist with this purpose. Campaigns, repertoires/ tactics, and WUNG”. Thus, the following elements help make a social movement succeed and initiate a change in society. And with the help of a “digital revolution”, technology is the key to ‘unlock’ a community organization, thus leading down a road for a new and improved future for humanity.
A mock ad I created on the 4th May 2016
Besides, our passions and likes can definitely assist the way we communicate our feelings towards something of our interest. I have always had a passion for the outdoors and enjoy its beauty. Lately I’ve been viewing documentaries on global warming, the biggest issue of this time. And it’s an issue that should be faced worldwide. I do sometimes imagine what life would be like without the trees and the flowers and the clear blue sky. Visualize it instead with grey buildings and smog. Could you live in a world without natural colour and fresh air? In relation, I created a mock advertisement about global warming, attempting to illustrate how beautiful and detailed the fragile environment is. And above all, hopefully it will still look this way in the near future. That's why I thought the close up shots and peaceful music would appeal more, than have me sit in front of the camera to interrogate what should be done by the public.
Our experiences influence who we become, because from it we gain knowledge and feel we have to convey it to others. One of the largest social movements of this generation is the Occupy Wall Street. Cofounder and activist of the movement, Micah White, wrote a book called the ‘The end of protest’, arguing that ‘there needs to be new forms of activism’ (p. 1). Could this mean that the traditional chants and banners do not provide enough influence anymore? Through experience and learning, our values alter and direct us towards something else that we can learn and experience. White suggests that with a ‘past moment and a communicable attitude shared with a different approach’ (pp. 5), we can spark a social movement. When a situation inspires oneself, using the knowledge they gain, it makes it easier to converse to a large amount of individuals when passion of a subject is involved. Activism is now a part of a new era where the only way to reach a large amount of people and affect them at the same time, is by employing social media.
Screenshot of a tweet I spoke about in relation to Piketty's TED Talk video, posted on the 9th May 2016
If we didn’t have things like, tactics, passion, knowledge and experience integrated into activism, we wouldn’t be as self-motivated as if opposing something we care strongly about. Thomas Piketty, an economist and professor, spoke at Ted Talks about how a ‘formula explains that financial disparity is accumulating since global impacts are making capitalism greater than economic progression’ (New Thoughts on Capital in the Twenty-First Century, 2014). Meaning, there isn’t a balance with the economy, between large businesses and non-working families. Piketty employs his desire and familiarity for wealth inequality into progress, hoping that forums and social media will spread the word. He also believes that 'data' and figures will get people to believe in his theory. Its a tactic used so often, because most people don't do anything unless its proven. Which brings me back to my point about why knowledge and experience is vital, because without it, no one would find interest.
By incorporating digital media into activism, this innovative era of enhanced ways to communicate a message to audiences, is the only way to spread the word faster, as well as be more effective. Society has evolved, so now tactics for social movements needs to as well, if the truth is to be heard virtually loud and clear.
References:
Carty, V 2015, Social Movements and New Technology, Westview, New York.
New Thoughts on Capital in the Twenty-First Century, 2014, video recording, TEDSalon, Berlin.
White, M, Let’s Talk About how a Social Movement Could Actually take Power, Micah White, retrieved 11 May 2016, https://www.micahmwhite.com/.