Blogger Versus Activist
Submitted by PriceRip on Mon, 01/13/2020 - 3:18pm
I am wondering what the Blogger to Activist ratio estimate is here at caucus99percent.
Certainly caucus99percent is a Blog site, but I would be interested to know if there are any, some, or many Activists that contribute here.
To be clear you know what a Blogger is, so I should clarify that an Activist is someone like Emma Marris : article published in N. Y. Times of Rogue Climate in Southwest Oregon. I am not a blogger, even though I am attempting to develop some of those skills, I don't really fit into this milieu. Most of time I don't even understand what you-all are saying because my weltanschauung (and by the way, "world view" is not a good translation) is so very different.
RIP
Comments
I'm a blogger (obviously)
but Bernie is getting me off the sidelines.
I've found myself lobbying family, friends and coworkers.
Emma Marris' article touches on some key issues
Facing all of us as we try to make sense of the barrage of information out there about the consequences of global warming. By addressing the anxiety many of us feel whenever we read about the climate crisis and the terror induced paralysis to do anything about it that usually follows, Ms Marris builds a compelling case by appealing to people who do care, but are frightened and don't know where to begin.
While I am not an activist on par with the definition you've offered, as a blogger, I recognized the usefulness of including Ms. Marris' points in the body of a stand-alone essay for those not inclined to click on links, thereby making it as accessible as possible for those readers who are not already activists, but might be persuaded to take Ms. Marries' advice and make a difference. In that way, a blogger can be a conduit for the potential activist.
There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier
A very key point
was her calculation of 876 metric tons per person of co2 emissions being prevented by simply being a part of the letter writing public.
For those who can fathom the math, that is an enormous result for so little effort.
I am less a blogger( unless you count commenting) and more of an activist.
I've been a part of numerous protests beginning with Vietnam and never shirk from my duty to grab a banner and march or just stand there as another warm body.
There's something about being in a loud and peaceful crowd of like minded people that lifts the spirit where hope springs forth.
I always go home feeling re-energized.
But maybe that's just me.
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
We're mostly bloggers here.
Old school bloggers.
Activists are too busy being activists to do what we do.
You can tell an activist because they'll post under their real name or that of their organization.
I use this site to inform myself and to converse with others about the issues of the day.
I have a political life outside of blogging but I'm only a half-assed activist.
We wanted decent healthcare, a living wage and free college.
The Democrats gave us Biden and war instead.
Activism is being active
Several others around here have spoken of their involvement in community affairs. And further reaching organizing a response to national issues. Percentages mean little. Either you take up the gauntlet or shed shadow. This is a vent hole, not intended to change the world. More a description of the evils we face as a community of responders. Does that make us activists? Yes. We are actively confronting and responding to the changes needed. Even if only via keystrokes.
question everything
Perfectly said, QMS
That's what I think, and can relate to.
Also, you are someone who's been actively hands-on in both realms.
... like your sig says
It may be only keystrokes
but ideas are birthed here.
I've seen ideas spread from here to other blogs and comment threads.
Everyone here is an activist in their own way.
IMHO
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
I am a commenter.
IMHO, I don't blog because I don't post essays. I comment. I feel I am more of an activist because I comment on political stuff - mostly. I am active in certain areas of my life.
I love this site because we get lots of perspectives and get, what I call, "real news." The folks here dig deep and bring us the real deal!
My $.02!
"The “jumpers” reminded us that one day we will all face only one choice and that is how we will die, not how we will live." Chris Hedges on 9/11
Following the history of ideas,
i believe one can safely say that writers can be and were activists, scientists were activists and on and on in many disciplines. Through centuries, hundreds of thousands shed blood for each value we hold dear today so common folks in the trenches fighting deserve the most credit, their activism costing their lives; a long slog, it's been.
Having said this, yes, communicators are activists.
Being an activist
doesn't just mean marching in a crowd. That's Alpha activisism.
It also is growing and maintaining a garden.
Eating less meat.
Buying fewer consummer products.
Reusing, repurposing, repairing, and recycling.
Buying local and keeping your money local.
Using a credit union instead of a bank.
This is all being an activist. Just Beta.
You are still making a difference.
IMHO
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
That's both a humble and expansive perception, thanks earthling
I attempt to steer people to first-person or achival
evidence to help them get better informed. This particular blog is a font of such information.
I do not put up signs, sign petitions, contribute money, or knock on doors.
My political leanings are known in a general sense, but it does me no good at all to go public.
I have represented elected officials from both parties, people who walk into my office are what they are, and they are all welcome, and if they want to talk politics, I decide person by person if I want to engage.
I am only an activist in the sense that I will correct someone's mistake, and a blogger in the sense that I read and comment.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Confrontation is my forte
As an (former or reformed maybe) introvert I was rather surprised to find that as a professional I had enough visibility to be able to hold "the local powers that be" accountable, and enough credibility to be taken seriously. Now that I am retired and displaced 1500 miles it will be interesting to see if I can reproduce those results.
RIP
I'm hated by my local township board
but not my neighbors.
An activist.
Regardless of the path in life I chose, I realize it's always forward, never straight.
Interesting
that you should mention "I'm hated by my local township board" …
I just (only a few minutes ago) left an organizational meeting wherein I have gained the insight as to how I can become our county board of supervisors most hated constituent. I work best when under the gun, as it were.
RIP
none of the above - just a reader and a ranter /nt
https://www.euronews.com/live
"In my view" as Bernie likes to say
Whether your a keyboard warrior (blogger) or in the streets, or a congress person's office across town, if you're pushing back against the ills that plague our society, what does it really matter? Can you not be both, and more too?
[video:https://youtu.be/OeJ6XbsFAdg ]
C99, my refuge from an insane world. #ForceTheVote
My interest
is how people view themselves. I, for example, am "out of my depth" as a blogger for a plethora of reasons, skills, and attributes. I happen to be an effective rabble-rouser, activist, provocateur. Stated another way, my skill set works in my favor in some settings and not in some other settings.
Part of the reason I have been hanging-out here (c99p) is to see if I can gain some life skills needed for whatever time I have left in this new location on the surface of the Earth.
RIP
I think you sell yourself short.
From what I've read of your essays, you certainly qualify as a blogger, and your comments always contribute to meaningful discussion.
Seems you already have the life skills you seek.
Neither. Just somebody who dreamed the
American Dream and found out how wrong she was.
"The object of persecution is persecution. The object of torture is torture. The object of power is power. Now do you begin to understand me?" ~Orwell, "1984"