Activism, Apathy and Indifference

Activism (noun): the knowledge of, concern for, and action regarding social and political issues; usually accompanied by a willingness to change personal behaviors to some degree in order to affect change

Apathy (noun): the feeling that nothing one does will matter or change the status quo; often accompanied by a sense of hopelessness or resignation that changing personal behaviors is a waste of time and energy

Indifference (noun): the knowledge of an issue combined with a complete lack of concern for it; often accompanied by an unwillingness to change personal behaviors to any degree in order to affect change

(source: the Boston Pobble)

While I consider myself an activist, I am aware of the fact that I know people who make me look as if I don't even know who is running for President. And it's no secret that I am not as much an activist as I was before I decided it was bon bon time and started writing trashy romance novels. Still, I am aware and, when I hear of something new, I will do my best to incorporate it into my life.

That being said, I understand apathy. I understand the feeling that one person cannot make a difference. That one person buying, not buying, doing, not doing, voting, not voting, whatevering, not whatevering won't change a damn thing. The issues are too big, too overwhelming. Weighed next to the demands of our own lives, making the change, caring, being aware is just too much effort for little or no results. It makes me sad ~ and I understand it at the same time.

You know what I don't understand? I don't understand indifference. I don't understand refusing to make a small, insignificant change when told about a need. I don't understand underestimating the harm that can be done. I don't understand the absolute resistance ~ often bordering on obstreperousness (is that a word?) ~ that refuses to buy a cup of coffee or tea from a particular place, that refuses to even try another brand, that refuses to consider a change in one's actions. Not because it won't matter but because it is simply not important to make the change.

Only buy eco-friendly cleaning supplies? Good for you. Buy traditional cleaning supplies but refill the same bottle as often as possible to cut down on landfill? Good for you. Think 'oh shit...I always mean to do that but never remember when I'm at the store' when you read that? You know what? I even understand that. Support LGBT issues? Get your next bottle of water or cup of coffee from McDonald's. There's a boycott going on. Don't support LGBT issues? Get your next bottle of water or cup of coffee from Burger King. There's a boycott going on. Pro-choice? Don't order your pizza from Domino's; get it from Pizza Hut or Papa John's instead. Pro-life? Order from Domino's as often as possible. Correction: Domino's founder and owner sold the corporation almost ten years ago now. He was the one who supported the anti-abortion movement so this last bit is moot now. Sorry!

These little changes and those like them are big for activism. They are small enough to appeal to even the most apathetic ~ even if they aren't going to work (*grin*). So why wouldn't someone do them? Or, if these aren't your issues, why wouldn't someone take this kind of minor action over something that *is* their issue (and please, don't tell me that they *would* for something that directly affected them because this post is coming from somewhere, folks.) To be told about something that affects you and to not change just because you don't care enough... Nope. I don't understand indifference.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.