There is so much criticism and trivialisation of activism within modern politics, and so much blind adherence to it, that I feel obligated to try and write something which might redress the balance. It is my belief that activism is not only something democracy can afford to tolerate, but something which keeps democracy healthy, something we can all be grateful for, whether or not we agree with its particular causes. Too often, both its opponents and those involved in it lose sight of this. It comes to be seen as antisocial, rather than as something which can make a positive contribution to society.
Activism begins with very small things - with individual letters and phone calls to representatives; with conversations between friends about political issues; with neighbourhood petitions aimed at improving housing conditions or school funding. It is part of how democracy functions. It's not over after we cast our votes. Representative democracy requires that those chosen as representatives be well informed, and it is impossible for any individual, however well intention, to remain informed about every issue without help from individual members of the electorate themselves. An MP cannot represent constituents' concerns unless those constituents voice their concerns. Furthermore, each of those constituents has the right to be heard and to be fairly represented, whether or not sie voted for the elected representative. We can turn to our representatives when we are faced with personal crises as a result of state obstruction or inadequacy. Lone voices are often more effective than most people realise; but in the case of big issues, the most effective statements of concern tend to be made en masse.
There has been a lot of writing recently on the subject of public demonstrations, with a number of political analysts accusing those who attend such gatherings of doing so to keep up appearances or to salve their consciences as an alternative to taking action which might be more effective but would require more effort. This is quite possibly true in the case of some individuals, but as a generalisation it seems to me to be not only insulting but also indicative of ignorance of the culture from which such protests arise. Many people who routinely participate in public demonstrations also correspond with their representatives, write letters to the media, and so forth. Others are prepared to risk their own freedom and safety taking direct action in contravention of the law; whatever one's opinion of that, it is rarely something undertaken casually. Other people, attending demonstrations for the first time, do so because they feel they really need to make their voices heard; and, in doing so, they often become more aware of further options open to them. Besides this, it is foolish to suggest that mass demonstrations never affect government decisions. The Suffragettes, the Vietnam war protestors, and the UK's anti poll tax protestors have shown us otherwise. Politicians must never forget that strong displays of public feeling can equate to switched votes. A demonstration can be a means of expressing strength of feeling to a government which doesn't seem to be listening, and it can also affect the public consciousness. It was a series of small-scale demonstrations and pickets, for instance, which resulted in a massive reduction in the testing of cosmetic products on animals, right across the world. Those of us involved at the time were told we were foolish and could never epect to change anything, but change always starts with individuals who are prepared to brave that criticism and speak out about what they believe in.
Activism doesn't have to be about complaining. Politics can be a frustrating job and it is sometimes a lonely one, so politicians are generally delighted to receive letters of support when they've got things right. You don't have to agree with them on everything to provide this kind of support where it's appropriate. Many people love to make bold statements about how all politicians are bastards, how they're all corrupt, etc., but just a short time actually getting to know them will soon show you that's not true. I've worked with polticians at all levels for twenty years and I've found the majority of them to be well intentioned, and some to be really nice people, even if they do, en masse, get a lot of things wrong. It's always worth appealing to the consciences of the representatives you contact because the chances are they do have them, and they may even be flattered that somebody noticed.
The thing about being high up in politics is that one is expected to stay on top of everything, to know about everything, and that's just impossible to do. Just with the work I do, I receive dozens of messages a day about all sorts of issues which I simply don't have the time to keep up with. For this reason, politicians appreciate well referenced, clearly formatted evidence about issues they're working on. So if you think they've overlooked something, don't just shout about it, tell them what it is in a useful way. Make it easier for them to do their job effectively, in a properly informed and considerate manner.
Unless you are getting paid for it, it's unlikely that you'll be able to donate a substantial amount of your time and resorces to working on political matters, but don't lose heart - if everybody does a little bit, things can get better. I don't have a problem with people whose political opinions differ from mine attempting civilly to put them across. What I do have a problem with is people who simply complain yet do nothing. This sociey belongs to all of us, and we can all help it to survive and thrive.
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Last updated 8th June, 2008