South African human rights activist, Desmond Tutu, has taught us that: “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”

Indian civil rights activist, Mahatma Gandhi, has enlightened us on how: “Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly.”

Iranian civic hero, Mohammad Mosaddegh, has expressed to us that: “If I sit silently, I have sinned.”

Male political figures aren’t the only ones who have taken this stance. American author and poet, Ella Wheeler Wilcox, wrote to us that: “To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men.”

Each figure came to prominence in different ways—from writing to local protests. However, they show us that social justice activism appears similarly across all professions, cultures, and continents. What we know and are told, time and time again, is that silence is deadly. While this can be true, we aren’t as consistently given the next steps. It quite often feels like we have only two options in the fight for justice: take to the streets or vote for the oppressor.

We can see this theory translated in the wake of Roe v. Wade: if each of us does not march, then all of us have accepted inhumane government impositions. 

It’s almost as if our fights for justice live within the phrase “speak or die,” a doctrine that leads us to believe that each body can and should be an activist. Unfortunately, this is simply not true. Quite frankly, this is a dangerous thought pattern to have. 

What Is An Activist?

An activist is a person who supports strong displays of opposition to an issue. They typically participate in public statements such as: marches, artwork, writing letters, giving speeches, sit-ins, boycotts, and similar actions against injustices. An activist would be a person like Malala Yousafzi, her activism seen in her persistent efforts to bring widespread awareness to the dangers of the Taliban. In many cases, such as seen with Malala, an activist begins their journey unintentionally. She experienced first-hand abuse from the Taliban and shared her story, sparking a rallying cry around the world. 

Activists could be likened to the most public faces of change, whether they intended to be a central figure or not. Lesser known activists belong to the faces of those you see in the news coverage of Washington D.C., protesting and commanding abortion rights for all. Or, in the emotional speeches of mothers demanding gun sanctions. 

Although typically used interchangeably, an activist is not an advocate. Whereas activists are synonymous with the frontlines of local or international change, advocates are better associated with what happens behind the scenes of larger movements. An advocate is more likely than an activist to work with existing powers to amend legislation or promote mediation between the opposing groups. An activist is more likely to support a complete overthrow of current rules under the belief that a reset is needed for actual change to occur. As we know it now, both activists and advocates are as integral to global change as is activism itself. 

How Has Social Media Impacted Activism?

Social media is arguably the most important aspect of activism today. It allows for unedited accounts of injustice across the globe to be documented and displayed, unlike in the past when we were forced to rely solely on media conglomerates for news coverage. With social media, we are able to witness videos, see pictures, and hear first-hand accounts of what’s really going on in any part of the world at any given time.

But, the consequence of constantly sharing negative world events has a name: Doomscrolling. It is that feeling (or fact) that every tweet, Instagram upload, TikTok video, and individual Facebook post exposes a real-life event that causes you distress. It is then easy to argue that this constant sharing of discomforting news has also led to overexposure and therefore, numbness in the general public.

Minority groups may experience higher levels of pain and numbness due to this overexposure. A popular graphic and phrase that has been circulating the internet for the past several years reads: “Watching Black People Die on the Internet is Not Normal.” 

This all melds together to perpetuate the belief that everyone must speak out to promote change. We are made to feel guilty if we do not watch or share evidence of brutal police brutality or upsetting sexism. Though social media allows us to acknowledge the world’s truth like never before, it does not allow us grace. Instead, it promotes a climate where a potential activist experiences burnout before they ever hit the ground. 

Why Shouldn’t I Be An Activist?

The benefits and rewards of activism can never be understated. Witnessing justice occur after periods of turmoil may be one of the most euphoric feelings known to man. There is no limit to the number of activists the world can use.

However, each person may have limitations on why activism isn’t appropriate for them. Reasons for not being an activist are varied and valid. Some examples include:

• You are not in the mental space to take on such a role. Participating in activist events could trigger or worsen concerns like depression, paranoia, insomnia, and more. 

• You may place yourself in serious danger. Activism is often associated with high risks of arrest and/or murder.

• You may place someone you love or an innocent bystander in serious danger. Similarly, history has shown us that the family and friends of well-known activists can face the same consequences as the activist does themself.

• You cannot financially afford to participate. Maybe you live in a small town with the next rally being three cities over. It may not be feasible for you to buy gas and/or take off work to attend. 

• You have no one to care for your children, parents, etc. Guardianship can be a full-time role, and it is rarely appropriate to take dependent beings to activist events as you never know what may happen. 

• You believe you will be fired for participating. An ideal world includes safe environments where you are free to support human rights. Unfortunately, our world isn’t ideal. There are some jobs that limit your participation in activism. 

• You are scared. Sometimes fear is that tricky feeling we get right before doing something that will make our lives better than ever before. Sometimes, it is the accurate feeling right before an irreversible, negative change occurs. 

How Can I Help Make a Change? 

Change can be facilitated in many ways. I firmly contend that the single most important way to make a change for others is by caring for yourself. It is not selfish to think about you; it is a necessity. Engaging in activism, advocacy, or even just being an ally requires much of your mental, emotional and, often, physical capabilities. This means that anyone could quickly feel drained. This tired feeling could not only limit your thinking and decision-making capacity, but it could also make you gradually resent the cause you once fought so hard for. 

However, most efforts in change can be done anonymously and on your time. Petitions can often be signed without demographic information or a signature needed. Donations can be given as low as a penny and without identification. Gestures such as these can help you make a difference and create change as an ally—not just as an activist or advocate. 

How to be an ally is fairly simple—support another person or cause in a genuine manner that you are comfortable with. This could be reposting a live coup d'état or giving $5 to your local abortion clinic. Yet, being an ally can be as private as having a one-on-one conversation with a person who needs support. Your personal support could lead to a domino effect. It could help them not only feel validated with you, but may also grant them the strength to be an ally for someone else or even become an activist themselves.