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‘Clever, classless and free’: The problem with compulsive activism
by Prakash Kona
....To be educated in a way that will enable you to serve humanity is itself a form of activism and a noble one to say the least. Thats how the 19th century, one of the worst periods of oppression in human history, could produce men and women of character who came from humble backgrounds and despite that, their lives were filled with humility rather than bitterness. If they were patriotic it is only because they took pride in who they were and not in any exclusionary sense of the term.
Real activism begins at home, I mean literally. Oppose the prejudices and authoritarian behavior of your parents, relatives and neighbors. You cannot be supporting reactionary family rituals and then come to public spaces of the university and pretend to be a liberator of the masses. You are not a liberator because you are not one of the masses either. The masses know that as well. Defy the religion you have been taught as the one and only true one. You cannot be a sub-nationalist at home and an anti-nationalist outside. All nationalisms are evil, beginning with the one in which you have been raised.
Share whatever resources you have to the best possible extent to accommodate the have-nots of the world. Reject media attention completely if that is possible or at least to the maximum possible extent avoid the limelight that drains the imagination and turns you into a puppet sooner or later. If you are convinced you have a cause generate a discussion on street corners and walk with the masses to enlighten them on what you think is the right way. Thats what the founders of two great religions Buddhism and Christianity did: they argued for a case and a lifestyle that they believed to be the true one. They did not badger their followers through repeating empty slogans. They spoke in a way that the poor and the weak understood and took strength from the message....
Real activism begins at home, I mean literally. Oppose the prejudices and authoritarian behavior of your parents, relatives and neighbors. You cannot be supporting reactionary family rituals and then come to public spaces of the university and pretend to be a liberator of the masses. You are not a liberator because you are not one of the masses either. The masses know that as well. Defy the religion you have been taught as the one and only true one. You cannot be a sub-nationalist at home and an anti-nationalist outside. All nationalisms are evil, beginning with the one in which you have been raised.
Share whatever resources you have to the best possible extent to accommodate the have-nots of the world. Reject media attention completely if that is possible or at least to the maximum possible extent avoid the limelight that drains the imagination and turns you into a puppet sooner or later. If you are convinced you have a cause generate a discussion on street corners and walk with the masses to enlighten them on what you think is the right way. Thats what the founders of two great religions Buddhism and Christianity did: they argued for a case and a lifestyle that they believed to be the true one. They did not badger their followers through repeating empty slogans. They spoke in a way that the poor and the weak understood and took strength from the message....
http://www.intrepidreport.com/archives/14534
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‘Clever, classless and free’: The problem with compulsive activism (Original Post)
Mr_Jefferson_24
Nov 2014
OP
freshwest
(53,661 posts)1. Thought provoking and wise piece. Thanks.
Mr_Jefferson_24
(8,559 posts)2. I agree...
... and you're quite welcome.