ponderings regarding activism and protests

[suzer1013]

Hi everyone. I've been thinking about "protests" and activism lately, especially regarding GLBT rights. There are times when I think taking action is appropriate, and there are other times that I wonder what is the right thing to do. Kara's post on the Right to Serve campaign, Nate's post on Hell Houses, and the upcoming visit by FOF to my area have me thinking, and confused about it all.

To what extent does our "protest" or even our presence at a vigil type of thing simply bring more media attention to our oppressors? For example, regarding the upcoming FOF event -- are we simply getting "advertising" for their cause? If we hold a sidewalk protest at a "hell house", would we be drawing cameras, and perhaps curious people will want to go just to check it out -- even if just to laugh at it (my partner, being raised Southern Baptist, has been to these "hell houses" growing up, and she and her brothers used to laugh it all off, though I'm sure it still made some impression).

Anyway, I'm feeling very confused and uncertain as to what I believe activism can accomplish. I know that change will not happen without some kind of action, and we cannot "ignore it" and hope it will go away.

I dunno. I just feel like, we'll never change their minds. There are some folks who are so set on being anti-gay, who are so brainwashed by fundamentalism, that they will always hate us. And I know the point going in is not always to "change minds," but if that's not the point, what is?

I'm floundering here, wondering if what I really should be doing is going out and feeding and clothing people, and letting gay rights shake itself out however it will. I just don't know.

Any thoughts?

Susan

[marutidas]

The point is not to change the top fundis minds, because that is impossible.

Instead we must tell the Truth.

Here is a quote from Nazi Propgandist, Joseph Goebbel,
" If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for such time as people can be shielded from the consequences of the lie."

We know its a lie, but if we don't not present evidence to the contrary, how will people decide for themselves.

I think you should form some kind of protest, but stuff like this goes on all over the country all the time, I am saying that this is not important, I am saying choose your battles. This while very offensive, is still protected by the first admendment. Freedom of Speech

How about trying to get the word out though other means, like doing public speaking for example. At this event spead flyers and hand out information about the dangers of Fundamentalism.

This is the 21st century lets start using the technology to hold more effective protests.
Start an online blog through places like Myspace,
The whole point is dispell the lies that fundis surround them selves with.

I hope this helps you.
Good luck, I will pray for you

[kara speltz]

Originally Posted by suzer1013

I dunno. I just feel like, we'll never change their minds. There are some folks who are so set on being anti-gay, who are so brainwashed by fundamentalism, that they will always hate us. And I know the point going in is not always to "change minds," but if that's not the point, what is?

I'm floundering here, wondering if what I really should be doing is going out and feeding and clothing people, and letting gay rights shake itself out however it will. I just don't know.

Any thoughts?

Susan

If you read Gandhi, and also explore more about nonviolence, you'll begin to see that it's not about changing "their" minds. Nonviolence is really about changing us. Each time we take a stand against injustice, we are strengthened. Each time we refuse to accept their lies and hold to our own truths, we are made stronger. I used to believe nonviolence was about changing others. It was Soulforce that helped me see that it was about changing myself. Gandhi even went so far as to say it would be better to resist evil with violence than to remain silent to it.

But it's also not an either or thing. Let's speak up about the injustices and also feed the hungry!!!!!

kara

[marutidas]

In responce to Kara's Post:
I understand every vile action taken against us is important to speak out against. But on the other hand IT is important how we effectively dispell these lies Instead of having a picket Line you have protesters Hand out information on the Real Truth of Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, And Transgendered Americans.

[suzer1013]

Marutidas and Kara --

Thank you for your insightful responses. I continue to ponder, and to learn. I need to do more reading. I think learning about nonviolence will be a lifelong pursuit. I wish I had more spare time to study and read!

Blessings to you both...

Susan