By Abi Smith
Reflecting on a Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday can feel a little like conducting a postmortem. Substantive political and economic equality have been slow in coming. For far too m justice is often both “delayed” and “denied.” And contrary to what King dreamed, some of the more socially regressive of us are just barely able “to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, [and] to stand up for freedom together.”
But just as lamentable is how contemporary activism seems to be succumbing to the aesthetics of large-scale rallies, carefully constructed marches, ideologically tight-knit forums and press releases. We have fooled ourselves, perhaps, into thinking that the kind of social progress King wanted can be achieved via 9-to-5 organizing and speeches delivered through megaphones. The reverse is too often true.
Now, don’t get me wrong. “Big” problems – of which the country has many – call for “big” activist responses both on very public scales and by the masses; anyone dedicated to social change understands this. But I’ve often found that some of the best and most effective activists out there have never stepped foot on a podium or walked day-long at a rally. Whether they’re merely listening to another person’s problems, assisting friends/strangers, or giving their resources to those who need help most, these folks are each doing their part – and quite often, going it alone. Small steps taken on an individual basis count, too. And there’s nothing worthless about that.
There may be another reason to embrace solitary activism on occasion. Some group-driven causes – not all, thankfully – can veer dangerously toward group-think. It’s not uncommon that when members, affiliates or supporters of certain organizations don’t toe the line and digress from scripted messages or mission statements, they’re often open to fiercely unfair criticism and even ostracism. (How dare a person not be the “right” kind of liberal, conservative or minority!) In reality, though, we are a nation with diverse interests, wants and needs. And dissent must be made welcome in debates on how best to steer the country toward what it should be. (Now there’s your rainbow coalition.)
So when it all comes down, substantive social progress can indeed come to the foreground via what Gloria Steinem termed “outrageous acts and everyday rebellions” – acts and rebellions that require nothing more than dedication, compassion and hard work to come into fruition. Quite simply, even the most benign actions seeking to alter current conditions in positive ways, whether done alone or in concert, are indispensable. Be in the trenches daily doing the dirty work while garnering no attention. Bestow some act of kindness upon your fellow man when you’re pressed for time and money. Stand up for what you believe in once in a while without screaming for crowds to surround you. And make an effort to hear someone else’s point of view. You may just learn something.
Most importantly, though, have a dream like King’s. Just don’t think you need P.R., membership cards or a bullhorn to help you fulfill it.
