How can you protest and make meaningful change as a cog in the state machine? Is it even worth trying?
Political engagement
‘I don’t do politics’ is a frustrating phrase. Unfortunately, politics is integral to everyday life, so to be unaware or uninterested in how the country is governed is akin to saying ‘I don’t care what happens’.
I understand the sentiment; we’re all too busy with trying to deal with life to get involved in trying to change it for another way. And although I empathise with the view that no one can really represent me other than me, when it comes to voting for a representative, we should exercise our vote for the candidate that closest matches our views.
The capitalist machine
For a long time, I’ve held the view that the capitalist system doesn’t really work for most people. The slavery of capitalism as Marx called it, needing to work at a job we dislike, sometimes hate, to survive is real. The counter is that not everyone can do the ‘nice’ jobs, we need someone to work in the unpleasant tasks (however we each may define that term). Striving for a better life is human nature. If I look back at my working life, I started doing jobs I didn’t like but was determined to improve my lot. I had the opportunity, drive/motivation, skills, and luck to be able to do that. Not everyone does. Envy, feelings of discrimination, being left behind, inherent unfairness, all destroy our souls, making us bitter.
“Poor and content is rich enough” is a phrase I used to resonate with because our life’s meaning should not be measured on material gains, but on what we have achieved ‘inside’ our heads. However, this contentment can only be achieved by attaining a minimum standard-of-living; and provided ourselves with the basics: shelter, warmth, food.
However, human nature is that we will all feel strongly about particular topics; patriotism, cultural identity, football (tribalism), animal welfare, equality, taxation policy, environmental protection, freedom to use cars, etc. There are many individual causes which people feel strongly about. Passion in society, in all walks of life, is a good thing. It shows people care. Our individual moral compasses will lead us to abhor some views. I find hunting wildlife with dogs abominable and think it should be banned, I have no understanding of how people can enjoy seeing another creature being torn apart; yet others see it as their right to maintain a cultural practice and also as part of what defines them as an individual.
Tribalism abounds in every sphere of life. We’re British; Christian; Leeds united supporters; vegans; runners; game-shooters etc. Even those who recognise the ubiquity and problems with tribalism and reject the association, are in the ‘tribe’ of those who reject tribalism! Tribalism causes all group conflicts. But it can also enable progress as it brings people together for common purpose.
The liberation of protest
Several causes and areas have animated me at various times of my life. The first protest march I went on was a CND march in London in 1978. I have always considered nuclear weapons to be abhorrent and useless. We spend so much effort and resources (that could be used to make life better for so many people) on nuclear weapons, which if ever used would be the end of human life as we know it. It was an interesting day out, but what I remember most from the day was talking to a taxi driver who asked us why we were protesting and felt we were wasting our time. For him the priority at that time was doing his job and earning a living. His priority was not to change things but to strive to succeed in the current environment.
My political activity really began though with the 2016 Brexit referendum. Along with friends I knew through the NE4EU group and Scientists4EU, I went on marches in Newcastle, London, Edinburgh and Leeds. I spoke on public platforms at both Newcastle and Leeds about the impact of Brexit on science within the UK. In my career I’d become accustomed to speaking to large groups of people. Public speaking outside to a crowd of supporters, including at Newcastle, a small, but vocal, group of Brexit supporting proponents, was a new experience. It’s quite fun really!
But do protest marches achieve anything? They give a sense of solidarity, a common call and purpose, and a demonstration of our feelings. But it seems that very few peaceful protest marches are ever directly acknowledged by action from our politicians. Small protests are ignored; large protests (100k+ attendees) are occasionally given lip service. Are they pointless? I’d like to think not, but in my living memory, only the poll-tax riots of 1990 achieved anything – and that was non-peaceful.
One thing is clear; our political representatives are far more likely to support our endeavours at times when they are looking for our votes. A large march just before an election can be successful in driving change.
Through NE4EU, I became involved in writing for North East Bylines. My daughter inspired me to do so. We were talking about climate change, and she asked me: “what are you doing about it?” I thought about this and became a writer (journalist!) of climate change articles; suggesting things we each can do to help. I’m proud of the articles I wrote, but I have doubts that they have made any difference.
Often, we will only read about subjects we’re interested in, the ones we support. Hence there’s a danger of selection-bias in the people who read my writing. Have I have been preaching to the converted? Perhaps, but those with open-minds, or those who want to know about a subject, make the efforts worthwhile.
How can we convince people that change is necessary?
Climate change is indicative of many other major challenges facing humanity. The effect is real. Yet some deny this. I can see how they have become immune to logical and scientific observation. They see the problem as being exploited by people using the crisis for their own means, and this destroys collective confidence. Others, primarily those in established power and wealth, will do and say anything to preserve their position.
People are seldom convinced by logical arguments alone. Emotional arguments work equally well, as does personalising the issue. Arguments for example, to make all public transport free of charge, paid for via general taxation, will be appreciated far less by those who never use a bus than for those who use this transport regularly. And there is resistance to change.
But one thing is certain. Change does not happen unless we make it happen; or we allow it to happen to us. I’ve mentioned passion before. Whatever your cause, keep that passion alive; as Dylan Thomas (sort of) said- ‘Rage, rage against the dying of our spirits’.
Social media as a distraction
Social media is changing our society. For what it’s worth, my counsel is to be careful with time spent on these applications. They are addictive; waste time; polarise opinions; emotionally disturb; and open us up to manipulation. Like so many technology innovations, they can be used for good and for malevolent purposes.
I conclude with my final piece of advice. Always remember that there are idiots on both sides of any political debate/event; don’t assume that someone is nice or intelligent just because they’re on your side of a topic.
