Your reflection on the essence of activism resonates deeply with me, especially as we navigate different cultural landscapes. The idea that activism can take many forms, from grand gestures to small, consistent actions, aligns with my experience of engaging in social activism across different countries.
In Germany, for example, activism often feels more reserved, rooted in a desire for social order and avoiding confrontation, whereas in the U.S., there seems to be more space for bold and visible expressions of dissent. I have felt more socially accepted in the U.S., where public activism is encouraged and often celebrated, compared to Germany, where I have sometimes felt resistance to embracing activist identities.
Yet, your emphasis on authenticity and personal alignment with one’s values transcends these cultural differences. It reminds me that activism doesn't have to look a certain way—it only needs to reflect who we truly are and what we stand for. I appreciate your invitation to redefine activism in a way that resonates with our unique capacities and contexts.
Thank you for reminding us that every action, big or small, can contribute to a collective shift, and that finding our own way to contribute is what truly matters.
Jay, thank you for joining the conversation! I wrote a longer response on your restack (I meant to do it here, but my Substack skills failed me). I appreciate you sharing your observations and experience! 😊
Lori, I love how you clarified what it means to be an activist and how we can start with micro-steps. Thanks for sharing your personal activist story, too!
Your reflection on the essence of activism resonates deeply with me, especially as we navigate different cultural landscapes. The idea that activism can take many forms, from grand gestures to small, consistent actions, aligns with my experience of engaging in social activism across different countries.
In Germany, for example, activism often feels more reserved, rooted in a desire for social order and avoiding confrontation, whereas in the U.S., there seems to be more space for bold and visible expressions of dissent. I have felt more socially accepted in the U.S., where public activism is encouraged and often celebrated, compared to Germany, where I have sometimes felt resistance to embracing activist identities.
Yet, your emphasis on authenticity and personal alignment with one’s values transcends these cultural differences. It reminds me that activism doesn't have to look a certain way—it only needs to reflect who we truly are and what we stand for. I appreciate your invitation to redefine activism in a way that resonates with our unique capacities and contexts.
Thank you for reminding us that every action, big or small, can contribute to a collective shift, and that finding our own way to contribute is what truly matters.
Jay, thank you for joining the conversation! I wrote a longer response on your restack (I meant to do it here, but my Substack skills failed me). I appreciate you sharing your observations and experience! 😊
Great article Lori, very well grounded in experience, wisdom and commitment to social values. So helpful to unpack the terms activism and activist.
Thanks, Sally! I’m glad this approach resonated with you.
Lori, I love how you clarified what it means to be an activist and how we can start with micro-steps. Thanks for sharing your personal activist story, too!
Thanks so much, Sandra! ❤️
This piece really spoke to my activist self!! Thank you, Lori <3
Thanks, Mesa! I’ve loved discovering so many other writer-activists like you on Substack. It’s a great community for us! 🩵