The way I defined activism before the reading was that it had to do with standing up for what you believe is right. For instance, I believe that people have the right to medical care. I thought that’s what activism was but after doing the readings and watching the film I come to realize that it is more than believing in what you think is right. It is about taking actions within your community and making a change that will impact people.
The film I watched was called “Knock Down The House”. I enjoyed watching the film because it was a big insight into how campaigns develop and why they are doing it. I appreciate that most of them are doing it for their own community and not just for the money. Most of them are doing their campaign to help the average American get by since most of us don’t have enough to get by.
It was really a huge impact on me and it made me appreciate those that are activating for our communities. The fact that most of these people were women of color or came from a background of poverty is inspiring. That goes to show that anyone could really have a huge impact in the world and in their communities.
I think the one where it hit me the most was the mother who had lost her daughter simply because the daughter didn’t have proof of insurance when visiting the ER for something. The daughter ended up passing away because she wasn’t able to get the proper care and tests. This was a terrible way for someone to lose their loved one. I admire how the mother is fighting for access to healthcare for those within her community.
A few ways that I have engaged in activism are mostly online sharing a lot of posts and spreading awareness to causes. During my high school years, I remember that I participated in the climate change march. I would just go in support of climate change and spread awareness of a lot of things that are contributing to global warming.
I also did a breast cancer walk once when I was in middle school. I think that was the first time I’ve ever participated in any activism and it was a great inspiration as I felt good for participating in a cause.
There were many other protests and causes I have participated in but I forgot what the name of it was. All I know was that it feels good to know that you are trying to make a change for your community and not just for yourself.
Hi Nicolas!
I really liked how you reflected on what you thought activism was after having watched Knock Down The House. There is a major difference between verbally or internally supporting a cause, rather than placing yourself in the thick of it. Activists do more than just voice their opinions, thoughts, and beliefs, they get outside and work for it! It takes a lot of physical and mental energy to be an activist, but as we’ve seen over the course of history, it is well worth it.
Hi Nicolas, I watched Knock Down The House too. Seeing people run campaign and represent their class and community is very insightful. Also as you said, I see how campaign develops after watching it. Politics or joining politics looks like something big and far away but from this documentary, we know as long you want to make a change, others would join and help.
Nicolas,
It’s cool how our knowledge can continuously expand through learning just as your definition of activism upon engaging with this week’s material. Like you, diving into activism makes me feel appreciative of the work so many put into change for a better world for us all. I love how you acknowledged that most of those that you learned about in Knock Down the House are women of color or that have a background in poverty and that those very people prove their capabilities through such immense change as it is telling for anyone who may doubt their abilities for whatever reason. Thats awesome that you have also engaged in activism from a young age and that you achieved those great feelings in doing something for a good cause.
Hi Nicolas,
I enjoyed reading your response and related to some of the things you wrote. For instance, before when I was younger, I used to simply only think about the changes I was in favor of. Yet as I grew older, I started realizing just how important it is to take action and speak up. After all, they say ‘actions speak louder than words’. But I do believe that actions and words go hand in hand when it comes down to activism.