A Personal Reflection On Activism by Thalia Felbert

Around the world the gap between the rich and poor is growing. Most activists I’ve met are poor or middle class, with some exceptions. These activists all have fair enough reasons to want to change society. Those begging to see political, social, or psychological changes often face class oppression. I’m positive that some activists are from rich families too, but let’s face it, the majority are not.

Without money how much social change can be done, or, what kind of changes can be done? While rich activists have more time and resources to devote to social change, they are not as effected as the poor and middle class activists as they are the ones living in unjust situations. This being said, injustice can happen across boarders of class. Unfortunately you can be rich, and face sexual abuse by a family member, or experience racism/xenophobia at your private school.

Activist types are as broad as the variety in which clowns come. Clowns expose energy, sorrow, determination, surprise, silliness, militaristic or other human emotions. Activists have gained a negative reputation for being reckless and unreasonable, but really there are many ways of being active. Most activists are not as dangerous as the public is made to believe. Each activist or activist group maintains certain philosophies. On the whole, activism and political protests are one large expression of environmental, animal and human rights.

In North America, the structure of society is determined by government/rich class. When activists have protests, rallies, meetings and the like, the ruling class becomes threatened. Police are then assigned to limit activists from their task of protecting and fighting for their own rights and rights of (non)living others. In a moment of awe, imagine how activists are the police for the poor and middle class.

Activism is a respected occupation, just as policing is usually considered. Police and activists both display peaceful and violent temperaments, but why accept one group just because they can afford a license to kill, professional uniforms and shiny badges? Doesn’t everyone have something to protect?