What Is A Modern Activist?
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

What Is A Modern Activist?

Activism with a hashtag is still real activism.

625
What Is A Modern Activist?
Getty Images

I am an activist, but what does it mean to be a modern activist? When people picture an activist, they tend to picture someone with a megaphone handing out petitions, marching in the streets, and chaining themselves to anything and everything. However, if I put the word "modern" in front of "activist," the image is quite different. It is of someone sitting behind their laptop, getting in fights in the comments section for every political article they read, someone who is on Tumblr 24/7; it is someone who has a lot of opinions but very little real-life action.

While there are some people who fit into that stereotype of a modern activist, they are not the future of activism.

When I think of the future of activism, I think of mixing the benefits of our virtual world with the successful activist practices of years past. One example of successful modern activism took place right here in Columbia, Mo.; Jonathan Butler and Concerned Student 1950. Butler invoked the old activist tactic of going on a hunger strike to protest the racism happening on the University of Missouri's campus and the lack of willingness from System President Tim Wolfe to create reform on campus to combat the racist climate.

Butler also maintained a social media presence during his hunger strike, which showed the power of the modern-day technology we have at our disposal for activism. Butler and the other members of Concerned Student 1950 and its supporters made what would have been in years past an issue just on one college's campus a national trending topic on both social and traditional media.

Modern activism is at its most powerful when it takes tactics from activism of old and mixes them with the powerful, global platform of social media. A true modern activist is someone who posts about the issues that matter to them on their social media platforms but also goes out and makes sure those changes happen. A modern activist knows how to use the amazing power of technology at their fingertips to create change for the better. A modern activist is vocal not only online but in their communities. A modern activist doesn't just use the Internet to complain about politics; they actually get out and vote.

Get the image of the lazy armchair activist out of your head. Just because activism may look different now, that does not mean change is not being made. Change may now come with a hashtag, but that does not make it any less real or valuable.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

936136
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

112923
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less
New Year Resolutions

It's 2024! You drank champagne, you wore funny glasses, and you watched the ball drop as you sang the night away with your best friends and family. What comes next you may ask? Sadly you will have to return to the real world full of work and school and paying bills. "Ah! But I have my New Year's Resolutions!"- you may say. But most of them are 100% complete cliches that you won't hold on to. Here is a list of those things you hear all around the world.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Ultimate Birthday: Unveiling the Perfect Day to Celebrate!

Let's be real, the day your birthday falls on could really make or break it.

75462
​different color birthday candles on a cake
Blacksburg Children's Museum

You heard it here first: birthdays in college are some of the best days of your four years. For one day annually, you get to forget about your identity as a stressed, broke, and overworked student, and take the time to celebrate. You can throw your responsibilities for a day, use your one skip in that class you hate, receive kind cards and gifts from loved ones and just enjoy yourself.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments