Monday, April 02, 2007
Acting for Dollars
It's probably obvious that what we mean by activism differs from that of the typical do gooder. Most ameliorators, in fact, abhor the idea of being called activists; they are professional advocates. Reformers, but not a threat to the privileged. Usually on the payroll of the inherited wealthy.
Others, mostly those in it for the prestige, call themselves activists, but rarely engage in anything more effective than generating intense emotional feelings akin to religious apparitions.
Mainstream activism, or conventional activities associated with non-profits, then, is by and large choreographed public theater that maintains a benificent facade for social elites and the serfs who serve them. Successful scripts guarantee long runs in media, as well as almost unbreachable bulwarks against prosecution for the fraud, extortion, and bribery engaged in by the patrons of this largesse.
Going off script, or even drawing attention to the fact there is a script, lands one on the margins promptly and permanently. Suggesting that the services provided by ameliorators ought rightly be conditions of citizenship--paid for from our enormous payroll deductions--is tantamount to heresy.
Others, mostly those in it for the prestige, call themselves activists, but rarely engage in anything more effective than generating intense emotional feelings akin to religious apparitions.
Mainstream activism, or conventional activities associated with non-profits, then, is by and large choreographed public theater that maintains a benificent facade for social elites and the serfs who serve them. Successful scripts guarantee long runs in media, as well as almost unbreachable bulwarks against prosecution for the fraud, extortion, and bribery engaged in by the patrons of this largesse.
Going off script, or even drawing attention to the fact there is a script, lands one on the margins promptly and permanently. Suggesting that the services provided by ameliorators ought rightly be conditions of citizenship--paid for from our enormous payroll deductions--is tantamount to heresy.
