Do you know how often I have considered leaving this country in my lifetime or last year? More than I can count, and can you blame me? I live in a nation where all my efforts for change and more favourable living conditions for myself are frustrated by the same bodies that dare call me lazy. The same people whose roles are designed to help me be the best I can be, bring out the worst. My screams for change seem to have fallen on deaf ears, and all my efforts are fruitless. I am tired. Frustrated. And I know I am not alone; you understand how this feels because it is not just my reality but yours. But what if we considered the possibility that the current lack of results from our endless efforts for change is rooted in the fact that we have been doing it all wrong.
Activism is the policy or action of using vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change (“Activism – Wikipedia”, n.d.). Its origins can be dated back to 1915 (Marchatti, 2016). It is a proven effective tool for social and economic change; however, it has been known to be highly stressful and, in some cases, dangerous. However, another tool for change has been designed to incorporate the resources available to us in our time. This tool is Digital activism. It is a form of activism that uses the internet and digital media as critical platforms for mass mobilization and political action (“Internet activism – Wikipedia”, n.d.). It makes it possible for anyone with an internet connection and access to social media to join any ongoing movement or start movements from any corner of the world.
COVID19 has had tons of adverse effects on different aspects of our lives. It has increased the rate of unemployment, especially amongst youth. It has made skills acquisition and development less accessible due to the shutting down technical and vocational skills centres around the country. These adverse effects of the pandemic are so diminishing that there is a growing narrative that unless drastic measures are taken, today’s generation, that is, you and me, will be the lockdown generation. Quite frankly, I find that insulting, today’s generation is the most exposed and opportunity in human existence. With the internet, internet, and social media, you would think we would be considered the most powerful and impactful ever. I mean, all we need is in our hands, literally, right now, with that phone or iPad in your hand, you hold power to change the world.
I am not here to tell you that you can change the world with one particular post, but baby steps. A post day, a comment a day. How often do you go on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook in a week or a day? These are platforms we all have at our disposal twenty-four/ seven. We should start conversations on impactful topics, join existing discussions, and speak our truths because no one can tell your truth better than you can.
Let’s take a walk down memory lane; October 2020, the famous END SARS movement. I would consider that a perfect blend of physical and digital activism. The majority of the movement was on social media, people from all over the world joined in peace to achieve a common goal, and I know you are probably rolling your eyes, asking yourself what that accomplished as the events of the 20th of October 2020 are brought back to your memory. Still, I tell you that we did accomplish a lot. We got the whole world to stop and listen to us; we got them to look at us beyond the stereotype of lazy and dishonest youths. We got them to listen and demand accountability from our government.
That is the power of activism (digital and physical) in a singular movement. Imagine what it could accomplish if we made it a lifestyle. It takes nothing more than a tweet about our bad governance, desire for better healthcare, and quality education. We are calling out those who need to be held accountable, even right from the comfort of your home.
Activism is no longer a profession for the chosen few; it is a lifestyle for everyone who wants change.
Written by Oluchi Jacob
