Areas of activism – what is their deal? | ACT- ŠI -ON! | Europske snage solidarnosti
We have chosen some interesting examples to bring you closer to an idea of how many different issues activists could be focused on and how widespread is the activity of some social movements around the world. Enjoy the ride through their areas of action.
Green activism | Eco activism | Environmental activism | Climate (justice) activism
Under „green activism”, we can assign all actions taken toward issues related to nature, climate, ecosystems and the environment as a whole. In this category, activists demand changes in favour of e.g. nature protection, stopping deforestation, limiting the extraction of fossil fuels or reduction of plastic production. Depending on the movement’s main subject, we can differentiate subcategories under the „green” theme. Recently, one of the most important and the most recognisable is climate activism. The spectre of climate change and its consequences encourage people to demand, especially from policy and decision-makers, serious steps that will help reduce the severity of global warming or expect real solutions that will prepare society for the future.
Animal rights activism
Another example of activism is a result of the formation of worldwide movements taking care of animal welfare. Of course, we could say that the protection of animals (especially wild ones) is a part of green activism, but without a doubt numbers of specific issues and actions justify listing it as a separate (sub)category. Such activism revolves around human morality and ethics and how it affects animals’ treatment. Activists raise their voices to reduce animal suffering, to stop cruelty and devastating human activity. For example, they: ensure that animals are treated with dignity regardless of their life circumstances (e.g. farm animals), monitor the use of animals for entertainment (e.g. forbidding wild animals in circuses), save animals from exploitation (e.g. pets overbreeding), demand law changes in terms of penalties for crimes and cruel acts towards animals, banning breeding fur animals, wild animal markets or sport hunting. Activists also promote lifestyle changes, be it in fashion or diet habits, like becoming vegetarian or vegan to minimalise meat or animal products consumption.
Human rights activism | Feminist activism | LGBTQ+ activism | Social justice activism
This area of activism promotes fundamental rights and freedoms to which every individual is entitled, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender, or other characteristics. It also touches on topics of equality, dignity, and justice for all individuals, regardless of their identity or background. Activists address issues such as e.g. poverty, humanitarian crisis, racial discrimination, freedom of expression, and the right to live free from violence and oppression. When the category of „human rights activism” is like an umbrella, we can list some outstanding subcategories focusing on exact social groups. Feminist activism developed through the years, depending on the current wave of feminism and its pressing problems. It has started from advocating for women’s right to vote and candidate in elections. Now the movement seeks to end gender-based inequality, gender oppression and gender-based violence. Activists advocate e.g. for reproductive rights, equal pay, access to education and greater representation in leadership, decision-making and stereotypically men’s professions. When it comes to LGBTQ+ activism, the movement seeks to eliminate discriminatory laws and practices, such as bans on same-sex marriage and fights for gender identity and sexual orientation to be recognized and respected in all areas of life. Activists also work for mental health support, greater social acceptance and the protection of rights, particularly in areas like healthcare and employment. Similarly, but in a broader range, is working the social justice activism. It focuses on combating inequality and systemic oppression, whether based on race, class, gender, disability, or other forms of marginalization. Activists in this area fight e.g. for better living conditions, equal access to education, healthcare, and housing, as well as a fair legal system. In conclusion, each of these movements advocates for the recognition and protection of rights and freedoms for marginalized groups, addressing systemic inequalities and challenging social norms that discriminate and oppress people.
Peace activism
In the case of peace activism, we actually talk about a movement that was present in society for ages. It seeks to achieve an ideal version of the world – free of wars, conflicts and violence. Probably the most recognisable example of such a mindset is „pacifism”, widespread by the resistance & hippies movement during anti-military and anti-war protests in the USA against the war in Vietnam in the 60s. It also mainstreamly popularised „peace sign”, used around the whole world. Peace activists work to raise awareness, influence public opinion and push for policies that prioritize diplomacy, human rights, social justice and conflict resolution. Together with human rights activists, they provide aid and support to conflict-affected areas, promoting refugee rights, and addressing the humanitarian consequences of violence. It also goes beyond protesting only against war or violence in a particular place or situation. Such a movement is in charge of advocating for nuclear disarmament or law changes.
Youth activism
No matter where they are, young people have always been at the forefront of social changes. Their engagement is driven by the desire to raise awareness about issues they care deeply about, often related to their future, justice, equality and sustainability. Youth activism is often motivated by frustrations and a sense of urgency, as young people feel the direct impact of policies, top-down decisions and their consequences. New generations, like Gen Z, are starting to be involved as activists very early, they are younger and younger, often below 15 years old. The feeling of permanent crisis and struggles is powering them up, as a fact of „having no other choice” than to stand up for changes and solutions. As precursors of activism introduced us to traditional, in-person demonstrations, youngsters have brought this activity to another level, using technological and digital development in their favour. Like no one else they understand certain mediums and use the power of social media to successfully speak out and be heard in digital spaces. Activism becomes also a way of expressing themselves and their values. That’s why young people will more likely boycott products, companies, politicians, even whole countries or employers. They know how to make something viral and talk about bothering issues, unethical practices or norms threatening their values, freedom or identity.
Internet activism | Webactivism | Digital activism | E-activism | Hacktivism
The nature of modern times is pushing activists to organise actions and raise their voices both offline and online. They mastered operating in a „glocal” way, starting actions that complement each other on local and global levels, gathering people, sharing information and reacting to problems in record time. Even without leaving the comfort of a bed, it possible to become engaged through the Internet. Various options of activity make it easier to be aware and involved. It could be about spreading messages on social media, starting events on Facebook, writing articles, creating viral videos on TikTok and YouTube, starting hashtag actions on X (Twitter), livestreaming on Instagram, recording podcasts, organise groups on WhatsApp or Discord, helping with design of publications and many, many more. Online activism have expanded the distribution channels without any doubts. When most of the presented names are rather variants of the same thing, one of them represents a unique activity on the Internet. Hacktivism is a combination of computer hacking and activism when individuals or specialized groups use their technical skills to disrupt, manipulate, leak and steal materials or close down online resources/mediums of some organizations or institutions, usually targeting governments or big companies. They aim to provoke, challenge or just embarrass their targets as a form of protest, revenge or ideology. It’s important to emphasize that the boundary between digital resistance and illegal, criminal or unethical actions is very thin. So, it shouldn’t be a surprise that hacktivists are rather part of a gray market and strongly independent.
Sources:
https://www.bmartin.cc/pubs/07Anderson.html
https://sentientmedia.org/animal-rights-activists
https://www.liberties.eu/en/stories/activism/44871
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace_movement
https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220803-gen-z-how-young-people-are-changing-activism
https://www.checkpoint.com/cyber-hub/threat-prevention/what-is-hacktivism
