Whether it be protesting or posting, many have strong desires to advocate for their beliefs. With the increase of awareness in politics, there are many different ways people advocate.
Activists are people who campaign to bring political and social change. There are countless ways to be an activist; attending protests, joining an organization or posting online are all ways that a person can express their opinions. However, many disagree on which forms of activism are most effective.
Passive activism is a type of activism that supports issues through low-effort tactics such as wearing awareness merchandise and changing profile pictures on social media. Many, such as junior Sofie Grodman of Sea Bright, believe that not every act of engagement is true activism.
“I believe that, to repost something on Instagram isn’t a form of activism,” Grodman said. “You’re showing a cause that’s happening, but it’s not doing anything to help that cause.”
Others say it is often the beginning stages of activism, with people holding genuine faith but unable to do more. People like freshman Suzette Fretz of Wall wish to protest for the issues they believe in but are unable to.
“I like to think that I’m trying to make change,” Fretz said. “At this point, I am probably just showing off my opinions, but it’s not for show. I want to do things, I just can’t.”
Performative activism is when an individual uses a cause for personal gain or acceptance. These people often hold little to no regard for their issue and only fake solidarity. Senior Sophia Losche of Freehold does not stand for people who advocate just for the looks of it.
“I hate it…I feel like some people use those kinds of statements as just labels to show other people that they’re a good person, so great and awesome, but they don’t really fully mean it and don’t understand because they’re not educated enough,” Losche said. “You have to do more than just say that you support something. You have to care about it.”
Conversely, active activism is taking deliberate and direct action to support a cause with activities like protests or boycotts. Many students at Communications High School (CHS) are heavily involved in organizations in and out of school that promote civic change.
Grodman, an active member of the CHS Civics Club, worked with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) over the summer.
“I did a program with the ACLU, not as a member, but as a student,” Grodman said. “I learned a lot about civic engagement and learning about knowing my rights.”
Junior Charlotte Mathias of Long Branch is also an active supporter of her beliefs and finds that protests are an engaging way of making change.
“I went to the No Kings protests in Times Square,” Mathias said. “It just makes you feel very empowered when so many people around you are supporting a cause you believe in.”
Attending a rally or a march is not the only way to protest for change. Many artists protest through their works, such as sophomore Rachael Pasqua of Holmdel.
“I have done activism in the past through art, and I was honored in a presidential gallery for the 19th Amendment for women’s suffrage,” Pasqua said. “I’ve also done things for Princeton, for trash art contests, which were all about reusing and recycling.”
Spreading awareness through creativity, beliefs and finding power in numbers can inspire others to participate in activism. Fretz wants to always encourage people to get involved and stand up for their beliefs.
“Just speaking your mind in general is always very good; it does not only have to be in organized protests,” Fretz said. “Don’t let them silence you. Just keep speaking your mind, even if it’s not with anybody, and it’s just you. Just spreading what you’re seeing can form change.”
