Lighting the world in one voice.
Miriam Boateng, a final year psychology student at the University of Ghana, Legon, advocates personal responsibilty and commitment in bringing about societal change.
"N
In a world where there’s so much issues about inequality, social biases, injustices, exploitations, just to mention a few, a tool which challenges the ideologies of the elite is very much necessary. I believe it is that collective voice which protects and promotes the interest of the minority. It is not about ‘what’s in it for just me’ or individual wants but a humane cause effecting nothing but change for a group in a much more civilized manner. Thus, activism is standing up for the right and well-being of others as well as oneself. The driving elements of activism I believe are cause, action, change and commitment. The cause should be worthwhile, action, humane and able to effect change. However, change becomes a mere illusion when there’s little or no commitment. Activism generates that sense of independence and responsibility for the individual as a person and others.
ever doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has”, as Margaret Mead, a US anthropologist puts it. I couldn’t agree less with Margaret on this as far as activism is concerned. If the world needs change, then someone has to speak up. On a wider scope, activism consists of efforts to promote, impede or direct social, political, economic or environmental change or stasis; which takes a wide range of forms, from writing letters to newspapers or politicians, political campaigning, economic activism such as boycotts or preferentially patronizing businesses, rallies, street marches, strikes, sit-ins and hunger strikes. It is action that goes beyond what is conventional or routine, as some describe it.
28