By Sharon Begley — 2020
Feeling empathy for others’ pain is innately human, but it can be stretched too thin. Here’s why we get numbed to horrific events—and how to preserve our tenderness and our desire to help.
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It can be difficult for activists to admit to themselves and to those around them that they might need a break. There are stigmas both within and outside activist communities that contribute to the shame and guilt many feel when prioritizing their own mental and physical wellbeing.
We have never been more aware of the appalling events that occur around the world every day. But in the face of so much horror, is there a danger that we become numb to the headlines—and does it matter if we do?
Today’s climate activists are driven by environmental worries that are increasingly more urgent, and which feel more personal.
On the 55th anniversary of Thich Quang Duc’s self-immolation, Edward Tick shares what he has learned from his pilgrimages to the site of the monk’s famous protest.
“Even with these health consequences, we can see the benefits of taking a stand because people are fighting for what they believe in and protecting people’s lives,” Sumner said. “I don’t think the answer is to stop altogether. It speaks to how critical it is to engage in self-care.
Instead of relying on systems that have consistently failed the most vulnerable in the protest community, Mullan encourages a shift toward community-based care.
Student activists in particular have struggled with an additional test — how can they re-energize and sustain their movements after a year filled with anxiety, financial uncertainty, and a lack of in-person connection?
Peaceful protest has long been a way for ordinary people to take a stand against hate, injustice, and corruption. The contentious issues – and types of repression meted out – may change with the times, but the violence itself remains a constant for activists.
Artistic activism draws from culture, to create culture, to impact culture. If artistic activism is successful, the larger culture shifts in ways big and small.
Works of art create a picture of activism and resilience, and reenforce the strength of black culture across generations.