Slacktivism?
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
- Theodore Roosevelt
… but also keep on pushing for more things you can do, with even more diverse tools for change, all over the world. Just because Teddy encouraged others to “do what you can,” I don’t think he wanted them to settle.
There is increasing criticism of social movements that use seemingly passive forms of activism, like joining a facebook group, signing an online petition, wearing a wristband, putting a sticker on your laptop, or wearing a pin on your backpack. The term widely being used for these behaviors is slacktivism, a combination of the words “slacker” and “activism.”
Maybe these efforts are just the desire to do something good without leaving one’s chair. But if you multiply one “effortless” action by a million, you still have a whole lot of political will.
Forget speculative arguments about whether these actions should be termed as “slactivism,” or whether they are indeed as productive as other forms of activism… what actually matters is what is happening. And change is happening.
For example, last year, after individuals and members of the anti-trafficking community wrote letters, commented on blogs, signed petitions, and generally complained, Craigslist.org declared an end to their “erotic services” section. This section was the area of Craigslist where human trafficking and underage prostitution was most usually advertised. That section has, unfortunately, been replaced with a “legal adult services” section, which contains many of the same lightly masked ads. But although the ultimate change may seem small, it was still a positive step. Other steps? The Rebecca Project created an inspiring video which outlines the reality of modern day human-trafficking and this “cyber sex market.” In their video, they interviewed several young women who were forced to prostitute themselves, and comment on the drastic change that needs to be made to prevent the buying and selling humans over the internet. Such publicity can have a powerful ripple effect. Change.org developed an online petition to stop this exploitation and allowance of human-trafficking on Craigslist once and for all. Add your name to the thousands who have already signed and continue to be part of the change that needs to happen: stop the online assistance of human-trafficking in its tracks!
Of course, don’t convince yourself that a few clicks with your computer mouse is all you can you do to stop human-trafficking. There is oh so much more that needs to be done, and that you can do! But also, don’t give into the idea that online activism has no impact. It already has had an impact.
The criticism that those who might have otherwise engaged in hands-on forms of activism, such as protests, in the past are now solely focusing on online activism is a valid one. But what about all of those people who wouldn’t even know about modern day slavery if it weren’t for facebook? Or twitter? Or an online petition? What about all of those people who are now informing themselves and becoming more involved in this movement? That alone is an impact.
Margaret Mead famously said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” This quote has, quite justifiably, become the champion of many social movements. It often straddles the border of cliché and inspiration… but these words are so often quoted because they will always ring true. As you read this, you are a member of that small group. Harness the power we all have, of acting, and add your voice to the movement committed to ending modern-day slavery.
Simply put: discounting any action, including that over the internet, isn’t productive. Encouraging individuals to work towards change, in any and every way they can, is.
