The anti-war event that WesPeace organized last Wednesday stressed two important themes: the dangers that “four more years” of W poses to the world, as well as the fading of political activism from this campus. The disappearance of the latter, especially in view of the former, is very concerning to many people here. Something must be done to reverse this trend at Wesleyan.
Yet I will not, unlike the recent Argus editorials, address this issue by yelling at y’all. (As an aside, that was kind of funny, like having your mom tell you all about what’s “cool.” Thanks to my cell-mate Matt calling them on it.)
Instead, here’s my most humble idea:
The decline of activism can be attributed to many external factors (the “mainstreaming” of Wes, broader societal shifts away from social organization, poor networking, etc) but there is at least one factor that lies within the control of activists ourselves: the social desirability of joining these groups.
My opinion: We need to create a culture of love in activist communities.
In her speech on Wednesday, peace-activist Kathleen McTigue observed, “Being an activist is a way of life, not just an effort to [insert cause].” I agree: I think that activism is a transformational process in the way a person lives her life and sees the world. Feelings, ideas, and experiences all interact with the potential for internal change in someone’s mind, someone’s heart. And obviously externally, one faces the daunting status quo and all of those institutions that support it, with the challenge to make it different.
Such a situation underscores the need for comrades; to talk with, about the internal struggles; to stand with, during the external ones.
We need, therefore, to form (informal) networks of mutual support, mutual aid. And this doesn’t mean “soften your politics to make them more palatable to others.” Never. Instead, I am emphasizing the need for—how else can you explain it—more “friendliness” and “fun” within our movements. It’s gotta be fun: as anarchist Emma Goldman once said, “If I can’t dance, it’s not my revolution!” Did I forget to add “Drugs, Music, and Kraziness?!” Zombies eat your brain!
And on that: Thank you, 2008, for your energy; I haven’t had this much fun since my freshman year.
P.S. There will be a WesPeace meeting this Wednesday at 4:30 in PAC 107.
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