Activism is the act of pioneering new ways of thinking about ourselves, each other, and society. It is all about social change. Coming up with new ways to curb brittleness in the society and acts against humans’ liberty and advocating for equality and fraternity rang (Zilles 1-22). There is a lot to learn from past movements and individuals who were in place to protest against inequality and brittleness. Activism relies on individuals’ voices, energy, and strengths to inspire social change.

Right now, the world is seeing a new chapter in the history of activism. The stakes in social, environmental, and political issues are higher than ever. However, the impact we can make as individuals and communities is as important (Luguetti 119-136). We had a voice in a society that entailed having power, money, and prestige. However, because of the rise of social media and the internet, we now can defend our causes and influence the world.

It is a fresh start, and it is up to all of us to ask how we can fight to ensure that the whole altered society will be kinder, stronger, safer, and more committed to positive changes. A new generation is transforming the way we fight for what’s right. Powered by the internet, nurtured by the robust networks of mentors, and increasingly committed to diversity and intersectionality, they succeed in capturing public attention and changing minds and attitudes at a scale never witnessed before (Carl 78). Young people take advantage of the youthful stage and speak their minds. When the youths speak, the world listens because much of the world population right now are youths.

Observing “Vessel” was greatly eye opening for me. I continuously put my consideration to women’s rights within the U.S, overlooking that other parts of the world are going through comparable circumstances. I think it was gutsy to begin “Women on Waves”, particularly considering the dangers. What I didn’t appreciate was how men responded to it. They need to spare human life, but are disrespecting the life as of now here. It was totally pointless to egg the ladies and shout at them. Numerous signs of abuse were In this narrative, but the ladies battled it. It truly brought to life how numerous ladies are enduring in places where it’s unlawful, to the point where “Women on Waves” were being sent emails inquiring when they will arrive. The columnists’ questions were moreover improper. For example, one of the correspondents inquired on the off chance that Rebecca has ever had an premature birth, as in case that was pertinent. What I took from this narrative is that women’s rights need more than words to advance.

Human rights are important because they are used to safeguard everybody’s interests. However, during the traditional society, women were not allowed to voice their opinion because they were considered inferior. However, as society modernizes, there have been rules to enable women to have equal privileges as men. Allan Johns argues that change in a patriarchal system cannot be achieved through an individualistic knowledge of the system. Therefore, we should understand the patriarchal system since it does not function individually to help create a new socialization system. Patriarchy is not only the domination of women by men, but it also entails the control of women’s property, privacy, and sexuality. By understanding, this person can understand the effects of the patriarchal system on women’s rights. Women should be given the freedom to enable them to achieve their goals. Many societies believe in non-equality for women, which has led to many girls missing out on opportunities. This is a modern society; therefore, people should be able to evolve with it hence leaving the past behind. Boys should be educated on respecting women to live within an equal environment. Audre Lorde argues that oppression through hierarchy does not exist. She explains that sexism, racism, and heterosexism function combined as a system of oppression. All these factors contribute to oppression; therefore, people should think openly and avoid blaming men only for oppression. Racism is a factor that causes oppression as the white consider themselves as superior beings. Hence, they do not consider ideas from people of color. In sexism, men consider women inferior; hence, their opinions are not taken seriously, especially when in office, which is a form of oppression. Heterosexism affects the people who love people of the same gender hence are considered inferior due to their preference. Understanding the different causes of oppression will enable people to develop better solutions that can enable women and men to achieve equal rights. People should not blame men for oppression since one can be oppressed depending on sexism, heterosexism, and race. Children are taken care of by fathers who love them and are men; therefore, men are not the only cause for oppression.

The article “How To Think Like An Activist” by Wendy Syfret really made me think about ways in which I could enact change, possibly not on a global scale but even simply in the I communities I belong to. The author writes how young people have a certain power where they are creative and ingenious and we could break through agendas. It made me think of how young people do not really get involved in the politics that affect us on a daily basis and how some people do not even vote because they do not educate themselves to or simply are not interested. Syfret believes that young people could really facilitate a change, especially through social media outlets which they already use to influence others at a large scale. Instead of simply acting about change and what is needed in our societies, the author urges for ACTION to be taken so that this change could actually be possible. I see that a lot where people complain about issues they are unhappy with but do not take a step forward towards changing that issue so that they could be content and could help themselves and/or others. This is why I think it is important that these things that we learn in school, the very imperative things that affect us on a daily basis, are not forgotten once we leave the classroom because we are vessels that could bring that knowledge upon someone else and make a difference with that knowledge.

The novel “Think like an activist” by Wendy Syfret creates a space for activist to build their focus and a directory to reach their goal. It provides tangible ways to start build the future world. This book is meant to better yourself and the world around you. The book is filled with inspirational quotes and historical facts about important movements and current protests.  In the past we know that in order to have an impact in the society someone had to have money, power and status. However, the raise of social media and the internet gave everyone the platform to defend their cause and to openly be an activist whenever they choose. These platform enables a person to build their own base and protest their cause on a wide spectrum. The film I watched “Girl Connected” was very informative to me because I was unaware of the different cultures that have women to lead them and educate them on their rights and build women empowerment groups. Seeing the girls stand up for the gender and being able to do at a young age intrigued me. They stood up for gender equality throughout the scenarios. They were able to form a space for themselves to come together and speak on important topics. Everyone was involved and was able to share the opinions on the cause and how they should move forward. I also saw were a young lady had epilepsy but still pushed thorough that obstacle and decided to teach women self-defense. This reading and video reminded me the importance of everyone’s involvement in being pro-active in our society and believe in equality especially with women.

I watched the documentary Vessel and that made me sad, and also optimistic. Sad because there are so many women that have lost their lives, just because the government decided they shouldn’t have rights to their own body. It makes me furious to listen to the arguments pro-lifers have because scientific facts (that support pro-choice) aside, they make it sound as if women have abortion for fun. As if it isn’t physically, emotionally and mentally taxing to women that have to make that decision, due to reasons (that they don’t have to justify to anybody). Also, the fact that in all the protests against Women on Waves in the documentary, the majority of the people were men. Like, why do they get to decide about something that barely affects them? On the other hand, I felt optimistic because these women were resilient. Not just the volunteers of the organization (they were obviously amazing) but the women that sought them out, against their countries laws and beliefs. That must have taken so much courage. The women in the organization were thrown with so many hurdles along the way but they managed to somehow tackle all of it, even through maybe some legally questionable (?) things. But is it really illegal if it saves the lives of countless women, especially when the alternative is letting them suffer?

Also, in the spirit of activism, I want to share something I recently learned in my Forensic Linguistics class. Most of us know about Miranda rights (or at least have heard it in movies and shows). What we don’t know is the language used is so convoluted, and the policies are designed in such a way that whatever you say (or don’t say) can count as a waiver of your Miranda rights. Basically whatever you say will be used in court (even if its a forced confession) and you may not be provided a lawyer. So, if any of you ever get detained for questioning from the police, you should say, “I INVOKE MY MIRANDA RIGHTS”. That is the best way to protect your right to remain silent and to get a lawyer. Anything else has been known to be twisted by the authorities, to serve their purposes.

The text ‘How To Think Like An Activist’ written by Wendy Syfret is informative and detailed text about Activism. This is a great text for aspiring activist that want to be more hands on and or create a movement. Syfret gives many points on why a unplanned movement doesn’t work as best as ones that were planned strategically. I believe this text can also be used as a guide book for many aspiring activists because it gives different ideas and educates how modern technology can be used to inform the youth who are the ones who are the center of these movements. It also educates us on many different movements that have happened and how modern points mentioned in the text can be applied to past movements. Activism as a whole is when someone uses their voice to face issues within the community.

This text can be tied back to ‘ Knock down the house’ featuring AOC. Many people voted for her because she was a voice from the community. She knew what the people around her wanted the most and the issues in her community because SHE lives in the community. She was more able to plan her movement around her experiences living in the same community as her voters. She can be the new modern voice in the house as well as being a person of color and a women brings a new perspective on the floor. The issues that many everyday Americans face are troubles that rich white men will never experience and don’t understand unlike her.

How to Think Like an Activist provides a platform for aspiring activists to learn from history while also looking forward. A lot of discourse about improving the world becomes theoretical, but this is about action. This book gives concrete strategies to begin developing the world you want to live in right now, from tiny daily commitments to bigger ongoing endeavors.

How to Think Like an Activist is filled with inspirational quotes from former leaders, historical facts about significant movements, and everyday demonstrations that will help start you on the way to your new activist life. The Survive the Modern World series addresses today’s significant topics and concerns in an entertaining and understandable manner. The tone is casual and conversational, yet the substance is extensive. This action-packed series is all about taking action. Read these books to enhance yourself and your surroundings.

Having a voice in society used to entail having power, money, and prestige. However, with the growth of social media and the internet, we now have the capacity to defend the causes that are most important to us and influence the world. In the reading it said that “Every privilege, liberty, and security we enjoy are the result of someone standing up and fighting for them.” I never really thought about how lucky I am to have these privileges. Before reading this book, I had no idea how hard everyone had worked to make the world a better place.