I think it is about time we redefine what our understanding of an activist is.
We are inclined to put people into ‘mental boxes’ based on what they do. And this categorisation process does not neglect ‘the activist box’. There is a tendency to look at members of activist groups like Moviment Graffiti, as “external to society” as student member Rafel Grima told The Third Eye, “as some distant activist with his/her own utopian ideas”. But this should not be the case.
What is an Activist?
To put it simply, an activist is a member of a community who sees the issues that overwhelm the society they live in. They use their “desire to see material change for the whole of society” as Rafel continued to tell The Third Eye, to get up and actually do something about it.
Why join activism?
There are ample reasons why an individual may engage in activism- be it environmental welfare, human rights, better governance or anything else that is in need of some change.
One of the reasons why members join Moviment Graffiti is because they recognise that Malta’s society, “is run by a system designed for the few, not the many”.
They are dissatisfied with the biparty system under which Malta is being run. It is a system which has unfortunately let these people down in numerous ways. “The role of Moviment is to organise together various resident groups, NGOs and other entities in order to push for much needed changes”, Rafel carried on telling us.
The recognition of the existence of issues like this one, is the foundational motivation which drives activist groups like Moviment Graffiti to get up and actually do something to fight for change.
What kind of work do activists do?
“Moviment Graffitti is active against the oppression and exploitation of people, the environment and animals; with a vision of freedom and radical democracy. Recently our work has focused mainly on the environment, the construction industry, reproduction rights and economic justice. We strive to bring positive change by fighting for justice and equality. This is done in a number of ways: we carry out direct actions, organise protests and gatherings, build coalitions between different social forces and hold awareness-raising initiatives such as film-nights, talks and discussions.” Rafel Grima, member of Moviment Graffiti.
Why should students engage in activism?
Although activism is essential for all individuals, a young person’s opinion particularly, matters- we bring fresh, innovative and unheard-of perspectives to the table.
Young Progressive Beings’ Emily Galea told The Third Eye, “It is our belief that activism ( or, more accurately, work/ volunteering in the humanitarian field) is an essential part of one’s youth that enables you to empathise with other and feel a connection to your surroundings.”
Emily is a core member of Young Progressive Beings (YBP) and is also a project co-leader of the Dear Decision Makers Campaign, which has been established for just under a year. In this short span of time, her and her teammates have worked relentlessly to grant women in Malta their reproductive rights.
“YBP is a radical, intersectional, eco-feminist, pro-choice group”, Emily tells The Third Eye, “being a highly pressing issue, reproductive justice is currently at the forefront of our mission.” Activism is something which Emily encourages greatly for young people, be them students or not as we, “are the driving force for environmental and social progression. Fighting for one’s own future, as others’ future is both a responsibility and a privilege”.
The Student Activist Lens
Mark Farrugia, another student member from Moviment Graffiti told The Third Eye, “students would still be in the process of learning about different political beliefs and would be able to voice their opinion with other students, join a particular NGO or pressure group, to implement the change they seek in. The younger generation of students tend to have a certain drive within them which will be of great help to maintain persistence. Activism can also bring about various perspectives to students on many different topics which will help them grow.
A concern that students may have about becoming ‘activists’ is the attention, or worse- the possibility of being penalised for participating in a protest or any kind of direct action. Mark told us, “this is subject to the lack of information that an individual may have.” And it is also subject to the unfounded stereotypes attached to the word ‘activist’- being perceived as sensationalist is just one example.
“Everyone has the right to protest for something that is unjust.” So, even if being at a protest may give you some anxiety, just know that, as Mark told us, “that is the feeling of knowing that we would be standing up for our rights for a just cause”.
So, how can we redefine activism?
My personal recommendation- become an activist yourself. There is no right way to be an activist; you just need to convert your desires for change into realities and everything will follow. You could sign up to become a member of an NGO, offer up a couple of hours of your day to do some voluntary work or even use your talents to appeal to the cause you want to fight for.
It will not only help to tackle the many pressing issues which our society faces day after day, but in participating, you will also be:
- Re-wiring some of the misconceptions you may have about activism
- Converting the general public’s ideas on ‘activists’ by becoming part of the narrative.
Check out this article we had featured on What Students Think About Activism.