Slacktivism
“(Sometimes slacktivism or slackervism) is a portmanteau
of the words slacker and activism. The word is usually considered a pejorative
term that describes "feel-good" measures, in support of an issue or
social cause, that have little physical or practical effect, other than to make
the person doing it feel satisfied that they have contributed”
As 2016 gets closer to concluding, pushing us into 2017
the world is falling into “life online.” This phenomenon is creating a world
whose social skills rely more on technology as opposed to face to face
interaction. One extremely significant policy known as activism, is being
thrown into the mix of social media.
This idea has been portrayed in Facebook posts, online petitions, and multiple
online communities. The common term to reference this trend is called Slacktivism. Activism used to be
portrayed by standing outside the local shopping center with a pen and a paper
getting signatures to support a certain cause to marching down the street in
peaceful protests and boycotting certain companies. Activism or Slacktivism is
now liking and sharing Facebook post, clicking join to an online community or
posting a lengthy perishable and tendentious paragraph for their 130 followers.
Although their intentions are good, are these online activists actually helping
or do they stand for nothing but their ego? Granted, there are online activists
that make a difference, but only due to the action that follows.
Banksy is a political street artist. The man with no
identity paints very controversial but always truthful paintings on well-known
and very visible buildings for the public to see. Banksy posts his work online
for non-local citizens to see and it impacts people far and wide. He cannot be
considered a slacktivists due to the non-pixelated action he’s committing
to. These warriors who battle in a war
armed with their keyboards and shielded by their computer screens will more
likely make no difference, as to actually standing ground and fighting back
with the real sword and shield. The pen and the paper. The word ACTivism is not
spelled this way by coincidence. Take pride in your cause and take it to the
streets instead of holding your fist in the air for the land of hypocrisy.
