Stop Being A Social Media Activist, Be One In Real Life

The community has witnessed the rise of social media activists who when presented with opportunities to be activists in real life, choose not to be.

Last week I was walking when someone approached me to sign a petition that would require the state of Florida to use section eight funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

I spoke with the petitioner to get more information and chose not to sign because it just didn’t seem like a solution to me. 

However, everyone from the group I was with, stood 10 feet away (not because of COVID-19) and ignored the petitioner. 

It is understandable if you don’t agree with the petition and don’t want to sign it or if you don’t want to be an activist in your community, but many of those people with me that day are Instagram activists who often post infographics about causes to pretend they care. Yet when confronted with an opportunity to show they care, they didn’t even bother to find out more information.

Why? If you’re in a rush, explain that and come back later if possible. Don’t just walk away and ignore the person asking you to sign their petition. Are you skeptical about the petition? Ask for more information. Are you afraid of petitions not being efficient? The state of Florida ensures that the policy ends up on the ballot for a vote.

If you don’t want to sign a petition, by all means, don’t. But give people one minute of your time so you can at least learn about it. They’re just doing their part in the community, just like you should be doing yours.

Re-posting a cute infographic that was made on Canva by an account with 50 followers does not make you an active member of your community.

Don’t pretend to be an activist when you don’t even do the bare minimum for the change you wish to see in the country.

Learn about the issues affecting your community and find people who are trying to get support for the possible solutions. Engage in dialogue, share perspectives and get behind the cause.