“the skinny”

There are a lot of people that would like the world to be a better place, but may not like the idea of being a so-called “activist”.  Perhaps they feel activism means protests, sit-ins, hunger strikes, pepper spray, etc.  Maybe they feel as though they will be forced to switch to a plant-based diet and/or wear clothes made from hemp or organic cotton.  Perhaps they don’t think they would look good with a ponytail and a goatee and don’t want to have to finish every sentence with the word ”man” – like “Hey, I have a right to be here, man”.

I get it.  While I don’t believe that all activists fit the stereotype, I understand why some people would shy away from activism.  It just isn’t their style.  Hell, it isn’t really my style either.  So, I have invented an alternative – inactivism.  Inactivism is, as stated in the header, creating change without causing a ruckus.  It is finding ways to disrupt the existing social norms without having to become something that you are not.  It is seamlessly incorporating social change into the things you are already doing.  All it really requires is a little critical thinking and a slight shift in your behaviors.  For example, ponder the ways in which children’s bicycles might perpetuate sexism.  Ever done much thinking about that?  Probably not…but you should – especially if you have kids or are thinking about having kids.  Once you have figured out that there is a connection, you can make a conscious decision to purchase a bike that doesn’t perpetuate sexism.  Then all you have to do is talk about what you discovered with the people in your sphere of influence when you have some time.  I don’t mean to schedule a big  meeting and make a presentation.  Rather, tell your friends that are coming over for dinner Friday night for a barbecue about the bike you jsut bought and how it doesn’t perpetuate sexism.  Bring it up in casual conversation.  Find a wa to talk about it so that your friends don’t think you have gone off the deep end.  Once they hear you out, you have helped them become conscious as well.

Do I believe that this alone will bring about social change?  No.  Do I believe that every little bit helps?  YES!  What inactivism does is help to normalize the attitudes, beliefs and behaviors that you wish were normal.  If we leave saving the rain forest (for example) up to the guy who lives in trees to keep them from being chopped down, then we will never save the rain forests.  Why???  Because it’s too easy to call that guy crazy and dismiss him, his actions and his message.  It is too easy to shy away from him so that we don’t get called crazy too.  He might save a tree or two (which is great) but he’s not creating any significan social change.  The world needs conscious people to do the little things to make social change look, feel and seem normal.  That way people who consider themselves to look, feel and seem “normal” can feel like it is normal to join your cause.

Ultimately, we (humans) have a “pack mentality.”  We tend to go along with the herd because it feels safe to do so.  We don’t follow the one running in the direction of the alligator’s favorite watering hole, no matter how thirsty we are,  because we know that he will probably be eaten alive.  However, we will gladly follow along if the majority of the herd is moving in that direction – even if danger is imminent.  Why?  Because it feels safe to do so.  The chances of us being eaten alive are greatly diminished if we are in a crowd.

Activists and inactivists have a symbiotic relationship.  Activists need inactivists in order for their messages to be normalized.  Inactivists need activists to be the “sacrificial lambs”, or the ones taking all the heat, so they can feel safe enough to join the cause (whatever that may be).  I created this blog to help facilitate some of that pondering that I wish everyone would do.  Hopefully this blog with provide you with some little social nuggets to chew on and through that you will find some ways to help change the world.

So…get ready to commence with the ruckus-free change making.  It will be the best thing you never did.