10 Reasons Why Activism Is Hard | TISOT 12

October 20, 2021 the-introvert-sisters Show Notes Comments Off on 10 Reasons Why Activism Is Hard | TISOT 12

10 Reasons Why Activism Is Hard | TISOT 12

Episode Summary:

As anti-racism activists, the Introvert Sisters live by this John Lewis quote: “Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.” But making noise and getting into good trouble can take its toll. Join Sharon and Lisa in their latest Off-Topic episode, as they discuss their commitment to activism, and share how they cope with its downside. 

(FYI folks: there are a few seconds of dead air at some point, due to a technical glitch. Our apologies!) 

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5 Big Takeaways:

  1. On activism: “Activism is rewarding and fulfilling—but it can also be draining.”
  2. On anger: “Anger has received a bad rap. Anger has its place. Anger can be the force that motivates you to protest and make change.”
  3. On exposure: “It is our passion, our calling to do this work. But it does leave you open to being taken advantage of. Allies (who are seemingly perpetually “still learning,”) and companies with deep pockets will take advantage of that and try to pay you in ‘exposure.’ But exposure will not pay our bills.”
  4. On censorship: “It’s much easier for you as a Black activist to get banned and censored, than for the platforms to control the trolls and the racists.”
  5. On tone policing: “There is an idea that you have to say something nicely in order for it to be acceptable.”

7 Key Quotes: 

  1. “Activism is labor. And It is consuming.” 
  2. “When doing this work, you are exposed to the trolls and the tone police.”
  3. “There is the whole ‘Angry Black Woman’ stereotype that we are constantly fighting against.”
  4. “Sometimes you feel as if you can’t handle another traumatic story.”
  5. “You do not have to respond to everything…there are times when people will come for me, but I don’t have to give that battle energy.”
  6. “If racism and other isms don’t make you angry, something might be wrong with you. You should be angry.”
  7. “Just because we would do this work for free doesn’t mean we should be forced to. It has a value, and that value should be recognized with an exchange of money.”

By The Numbers:

  • 0:37 – In Our World segment: The sisters start discussing why life as an activist is challenging.
  • 15:41 – FYI folks: there are a few seconds of dead air due to a technical glitch. Our apologies! 
  • 16:06 – We’re back! The episode continues from here. 

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