The Follies of Activism

a reply to: LesMisanthrope

Here I'll spell it out simpler for you.
You have a friend, you help him by being an activist if that is the only option left for you; you are still being a friend

originally posted by: LesMisanthrope
a reply to: TheConstruKctionofLight

And what were these principles of freedom that left to their own evolution would have led to universal suffrage?

Freedom itself is the principle, and should be the guiding one of any society.

In an ideal world.

a reply to: RowanBean

a reply to: TheConstruKctionofLight

Here I'll spell it out simpler for you. You have a friend, you help him by being an activist if that is the only option left for you; you are still being a friend

You would call me an activist, sure, but you'd be bending reality to make it conform to your absurdities.

a reply to: RowanBean

In an ideal world.

In a free world.

originally posted by: LesMisanthrope
a reply to: RowanBean

In an ideal world.

In a free world.

Where? It certainly ain't here on Earth.

a reply to: RowanBean

Where? It certainly ain't here on Earth.

Then you've never lived.

originally posted by: LesMisanthrope
a reply to: RowanBean

Where? It certainly ain't here on Earth.

Then you've never lived.

Lolwut? I am enjoying my freedom as an American.

a reply to: LesMisanthrope

And yet activism can be without those ugly traits.

and for the sake of order, not because you have convinced them how wrong and unjust their actions are.

Fair enough. Going by your logic why do you write? Those in power will never change their minds for a simple book or story.

Again you resort to some benevolent meme or flash of insight waking those in power up. LOL have you become religious.

acquiesce to demands for reasons of public relations, to avoid violence, to avoid boycott, and for the sake of order,

So a good result then. Obviously PR affects the pocket of an unethical company. Wouldnt you count that as a win under the fear of bad PR - I'm not talking about violence.

a reply to: RowanBean

Lolwut? I am enjoying my freedom as an American.

Ranked #17 on the last Cato freedom index. (Source)

a reply to: LesMisanthrope

Come now surely you jest. If we're all feeding you word salad you have to stop tossing salad dressing onto the salad if its to taste edible.

originally posted by: LesMisanthrope
a reply to: RowanBean

Lolwut? I am enjoying my freedom as an American.

Ranked #17 on the last Cato freedom index. (Source)

Cool beans.

Let's ask Filipinos what they think.

In my country the Philippines, activists are seen as destructive rebels who don’t have anything to do in their lives but rally on the streets. They don’t see the good in the system. They wish for perfect governance and find fault in every move the administration makes. What can I say, they’re insatiable. They’re the laughing stock of Filipino netizens. If you’re an activist, you’re a joke.
But let’s deconstruct the goals of activism. Is it really a bad thing?
Activists aim to be the voice of the voiceless. They are the voice of the marginalized societies. They unite for a powerful voice that the authorities will hear. They take time off their personal lives to make a change that will benefit everybody. Yet despite all their efforts, they are not appreciated.
If not for the will and initiative of activists, the People Power Revolution would not have materialized. If you’re a Filipino, thank the activists because you’re not being electrocuted right now for expressing your opinion against the administration. Thank the activists because if it weren’t for them, the lineage of Dictator Ferdinand Marcos would still be ruling today.

Is Activism A Bad Thing?

a reply to: LesMisanthrope

Beautiful words and true. You said you wouldnt march with strangers. Do you think MLK or Ghandi stopped and thought the same way once impetus was in force.

Granted it seems that caution is warranted as evidenced at the G7 protests at Seattle a few years ago. Infiltration and agent provocatuers.

In other words, we each have to change ourselves, not others.

Couldnt agree more. But having changed ourselves if change isnt infectious to make the change in others you are then left with hopelessness.

a reply to: LesMisanthrope

What I didn't do was use "the worst examples in order to paint scrubbing as a whole as "Nazi-like" and reminiscent of the KKK.

Sigh...

If activism is direct, vigorous action towards a goal of social improvement, that would also include your average Islamist revolutionary,KKK Clansman, fascist and socialist dictator.

Their goals, however disastrous, religious, or racist, were to them social improvements. I’m not sure when or where the notion of vociferously campaigning and promoting oneself and one’s cause in public became anything more than what it is—annoying propaganda—but it became especially pernicious in the hands of history’s most effective activists: the Nazis.

Their public displays of Nazi ideology and symbolism, culminating in their camp little marches, public displays of violence, and impromptu but unsolicited speeches, would help lead to their seizure of power. The Nazi reign is a staunch reminder of how far down the despotic road an activist is willing tokick the can for “social improvement”.

And second, is english your second language

I speak 2 languages but have learnt a 3rd in quick time - LesMis Obfuscatitis.
Speaking more than 1 language actually improves critical thinking as there are concepts not common to both. But you would know this as you are so widely read.

Its actually quite sad seeing a great mind like yours coming unstuck and playing the player and not the topic.

a reply to: LesMisanthrope

I'll let you catch up.

Lazy response - more "passive aggressive" salad dressing.

a reply to: LesMisanthrope

So now we're moving subjects. Sigh. You play well

a reply to: LesMisanthrope

The point is, I think, that if all men bettered themselves, so too would society.

Lofty ideal and a "safe bet" argument. Show me a 50 year period in the last 1000 years when that the planet was devoid of war

a reply to: LesMisanthrope

The point is, I think, that if all men bettered themselves, so too would society.

Lofty ideal and a "safe bet" argument. Show me a 50 year period in the last 1000 years when that the planet was devoid of war

a reply to: LesMisanthrope

Again you ignore the elephant in the room.

corporations wouldn't fight tooth and nail to have labelling hide their inclusion