Uninformed Activism

Activism is exploding across the globe. From the Arab Spring to Occupy Wall Street, people are stepping up internationally to challenge social injustices and human rights violations. Now with the proposal of two bills: SOPA/PIPA, everyone is in a viral uproar about the infringement on their personal freedoms. But I wonder, how many of these concerned citizens have read the proposed bills? And moreover, does it matter if they are not informed on the content of the bills?

I guess every activist movement needs the "foot soldiers" so to say. These people make up the majority of the movement, creating noise and gaining publicity in numbers. Then there are the leaders of a movement who are the informed speakers and representatives. Most people during the Civil Rights Movement didn't know much about legalities, but their presence in the marches, sit-ins, etc. is what made the movement happen. However, without MLK Jr. and his scholarship and incredible ability to go from a room full of lawyers to a church and explain and defend personal civil liberties, the movement also wouldn't have happened. But we are in a time of an information "utopia." Anything you could want to know is available on the internet at our disposal. So, should we hold these activists accountable to be more knowledgeable about their cause before preaching across social media networks? At this point, do these viral "foot soldiers" help add momentum to the movement because of their sheer number, or are they dismantling it slowly with their uninformed demands? 

It can be dangerous to discourage those people who taking an activist stance for the first time with challenging them on their scholarship. Maybe we should just be happy that someone is taking interest and spreading the word. But couldn't it be just as dangerous if they are spreading our message using inappropriate arguments? In the presidential election, should we be challenging people to get to know the candidates, or should we just be happy people are taking action and voting? 

Personally, I do challenge those who are joining an activist movement to learn it inside and out. I think in this day and age, with the current availability of information sharing, it is imperative that people know what they are standing for and why. If I don't know what I am taking a stand on, how do I know I am fighting on the right side?

"The only way to have a life is to commit to it like crazy" -Angelina Jolie