Ramzy Baroud: Principles to Guide the Young Activist
Ramzy Baroud's experience comes largely from dealing with difficult Palestinian issues, but this article isn't focused on that specific. So this OP ought not offend those who banned me from DU I/P for speaking out of turn. Ramzy Baroud's short essay is important generally and touches on general ideas, not particular to any one issue that a progressive activist might focus on.
http://www.palestinechronicle.com/principles-to-guide-the-young-activist/
or
http://www.ramzybaroud.net/articles.php?id=53aceaed1fc6fb06697d91111b45e8dc&mode=details&offset=0&browse_category=4772303
"In a recent radio interview with a National Public Radio affiliate in Juneau, Alaska, I was asked if I had advice for a 16-year-old Palestinian student, Haitham. He had just arrived in the US as part of a school exchange program, and, admirably began reaching out to his peers in his and other schools to teach them about Palestine, its people and its ongoing struggle for freedom and rights.
There was not enough time to convey much to Haitham, whose voice expressed the personality of a gentle, smart and driven young man. And since I have been asked that question on more than one occasion, mostly coming from young people in Palestine, here are a few thoughts that are an outcome of my own experiences, and nothing else.
Beat your ego to a pulp
“Ego” is Latin for “I”, but its implications are common to every language. If an activist doesn’t learn to control his ego, he is likely to suffer numerous consequences, and perhaps ultimately fail in his mission. An activist, especially one who represents causes deemed “controversial”, will find himself under repeated attacks and unwarranted accusations targeting his “self” not his ideas. And while there are those who will try to erode your confidence, there are also those who will hail your perceived success and heroism even. Both are dangerous to the ego, for they could upset the balance necessary to keep us focused and involved as members of a larger community, and moral in our behavior and conduct.
Define and internalize your message
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Be guided by universal values and human rights
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Find a frame of reference – relate to your audience
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Humanize – But don’t sanctify your subject
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Be educated, strive for intellect and be wary of ideology
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Keep an open mind
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Have an action plan
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Don’t get swayed by success
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Live a balanced life
Only by living life you contribute to it. Don’t estrange yourself from your surroundings. Learn from the mistakes others make, and from your own. Don’t be afraid or feel guilty if you try to find balance in your life. Enjoy a sustainable life, but without excess. The fight is long, at times arduous, but you are here, along with millions of others, for the long haul.
They say people who live for a higher cause are happier than those who don’t. May you always find your happiness in alleviating the pain of others by standing up for what is right and honorable.
- Ramzy Baroud is an internationally-syndicated columnist, a media consultant and the editor of PalestineChronicle.com. His latest book is My Father Was a Freedom Fighter: Gaza’s Untold Story (Pluto Press, London)."
eta: please read the entire short article. It's a good one.