SHIFT

Creative Activism

Drivers of
Change

Activism in the new age is shaped by the omnipresent internet. The internet not only educates people and creates solidarity, but also gives people powerful tools to express themselves. People wary of the old ways, want to do something to make a difference and are willing to take the future into their own hands.

Social Media

Increasing exposure to social media is creating a hyper-aware and hyper-engaged citizenry. We can now watch protests as they happen and mobilise support with hashtags. Instagram and Facebook are now documenting history. Social media has become such a powerful tool that the only way to stop protests today is for governments to cut access.

Temporary suspension of internet services at Delhi’s Singhu, Ghazipur and Tikri borders were extended to maintain law and order amid the farmers’ protest against newly-enacted farm laws.

Global communities

People are able to connect across geographical boundaries and empathise with each other, creating solidarity. When George Floyd was killed, we all grieved. As if the video wasn’t enough of a visceral reminder, we all imagined what it would be like to gasp for air for such a long time. Those 8.46 minutes for which an officer knelt on his neck became a symbol.

Hunger for change

The world is going through a tumultuous time, leading to a lost and disenchanted citizenry. In times of uncertainty, people crave change.

Time

The time that was once spent running mindlessly has suddenly become available after the pandemic. Coupled with access to knowledge and the DIY revolution, we are makers and creators. Throw boredom in the mix and you have a revolution. In fact, it is now well documented that boredom can inspire us to be more creative. It is precisely when we have nothing to do that we end up doing the most amazing things.

For Gen Z, the personal is political. Political questions represent existential identity questions for Gen Z, from climate change to gun violence to LGBTQ+ rights, and now a global pandemic, just to name a few. Amid the Black Lives Matter movement, TikTok has emerged as an unexpected channel for Gen Zs to make political statements.
For Gen Z, the personal is political. Political questions represent existential identity questions for Gen Z, from climate change to gun violence to LGBTQ+ rights, and now a global pandemic, just to name a few. Amid the Black Lives Matter movement, TikTok has emerged as an unexpected channel for Gen Zs to make political statements.

STORIES THAT CAUGHT OUR EYE

A summer of digital protest : How 2020 became the summer of activism

I’m not surprised to see young people being more active … they’re used to being heard,” professor Stephen Duncombe said.

NBC News

Just Salad becomes first U.S. restaurant chain to carbon label its entire menu

Just Salad has pledged to put on all of its menu items a carbon label to indicate its footprint, making it the first U.S. restaurant chain to take the initiative.

Green Queen

Around the world, people yearn for significant change 

A new global Ipsos survey for the World Economic Forum unveils a profound and widespread desire for change rather than a return to how things were before the COVID-19 pandemic.
IPSOS

8 Massive moments hashtag activism really, worked

Londoners like it because it always keeps to the left. Americans love it because it kickstarts every week with more motivation than a Tony Robbins zumba class.

Global Citizen

15 protests that defined 2020

You’ll likely tell your grandkids about the protests you attended in 2020. Future historians, too, will toil over the twists that emerged on what felt like a daily basis throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
Mashable

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