Activism
From Peaceful Beginnings
Activism, in a general sense, can be described as intentional action to bring about social or political change. This action is in support of, or opposition to, one side of an often controversial argument.
The word "activism" is often used synonymously with protest or dissent, but activism can stem from any number of political orientations and take a wide range of forms, from writing letters to newspapers or politicians, simply shopping ethically, rallies and street marches, direct action, or even guerrilla tactics. In the more confrontational cases, an activist may be called a freedom fighter by some, and a terrorist by others, depending on which side of the political fence is making the observation.
Since the 2004 elections and controversy over gay marriage in the United States, "activist" has often been used as a pejorative for those who seek to redress social ills through legal rather than legislative action. Thus many conservative politicians have sought to curb the power of those deemed "activist judges" whom they claim are acting outside traditional boundaries of judicial review [1]. Some liberals contend that judicial activism is in a long-standing US legal tradition, while others have responded that judicial activism is more prevalent among judges deemed conservative [2].
Types of activism
- Animal liberation movement
- Boycott
- Civil and social disobedience
- Civil disobedience
- Culture jamming
- Demonstration
- Direct action
- Economic activism
- Divestment (economic boycott)
- Electronic advocacy
- Guerrilla communication
- Hacktivism
- Judicial activism
- Lobbying
- Media activism
- Nonviolence
- Protest
- Strike action
- Voluntary simplicity
Activist issues
- Animal rights activism
- Anti-consumerism
- Anti-corporate activism
- Anti-cult activism
- Christian right activism
- Civil rights
- Digital divide activism
- Disability rights
- Environmentalism
- Fair trade
- Gay rights
- Human rights
- Libertarian socialism
- Nationalist activism
- Pro-life activism
- Racism – see Anti-racism, White supremacism
- Rastafari movement
- Social activism
- Sovereignty – see Category: Sovereignty movements
- Student activism
- Tactical Frivolity
- Women's rights
- Youth activism
See also
- Revolution
- Rebellion
- Reform movement
- Social movement
- Activism industry
- Category:Activists
- Wikicities:Activismcs:Aktivismus
da:Aktivisme de:Aktivist fr:Activisme politique he:אקטיביזם nl:Activisme (algemeen) fi:Aktivismi sv:Aktivism
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