What is an Activist?Posted by Kristiansen Ali on May 15th, 2021 "What is an Activist?" is a question that has hounded people of various walks of life and in different circumstances. At one time it referred to members of the Peace Movement. Today, it has become something much more specific - people who are concerned about issues that affect their communities and nations. An Activist is someone who cares about something, whether it is an issue or social situation. They are a person who watches the news, and if something bad happens or someone gets hurt. They may be involved with political activism, social protest movements, or even local organization work. Sometimes, Activists can be viewed as a person who cares about the environment, or someone who is concerned about animal rights, or whatever the topic is at the time. Activists fall into several categories. One would be the physical type. These are people who get physically involved with any number of different types of activism. This might include things like street protests, sit-ins, blockades, or other types of physical altercations. A second type would be the mental type. These are individuals who are emotionally invested in the issues. They read books, watch videos, listen to music, and do anything they can to be part of the conversation. This could be a result of having come from a family that was politically active. Having come from a family that was politically active, this person would likely spend her or his time listening to talk radio shows, reading newspapers, and participating in many other ways to be able to stay tuned into the conversations going on. Today, some call themselves "gans." Then there are the third type of what is an activist. These are the ones who have some sort of unique skill or education in an area that tends to be politically charged. For example, some are vocal about their opinions, while others are educated in the fine points of copyright law. agency might be professional organizers, while others have been employed in the Peace Corp. as volunteer workers. Regardless, their skills in the issue are what set them apart from others who might be passionate about the issues but do not have any training in how to use those skills in a way that will make a difference. A fourth type of what is an activist is someone who simply has no idea what being politically active is really all about. They are politically active but do not understand that they are part of an ever-changing landscape. In fact, many of them might even argue that the landscape is constantly changing. Therefore, while they may have some knowledge of what is activism today, what is politics tomorrow? In order to remain politically active, one needs to be constantly engaged. However, what is an activist without engaging in political action? What would an activist's life be like if they did not know what was political? What would their world look like if they did not know what happened next week in Iraq? If they did not know what happens after a hurricane? If they did not know what is going on in the Middle East next week? agency is that everyone has an opinion about what is an activist. Some are individuals who wish to educate the masses about issues that are of importance to them. agency who wish to change the world for the better, using political means. And, some are people trying to get their government to do the right thing. No matter what type of activism interests you, there is likely someone out there who can fill you in on what is activism today.Like it? Share it! More by this author |