ACTIVISM AND THE USE OF WORDS, By Osazee Edigin

In the world of activism, it is important activists are abreast with the deployment of the effective tactfulness that guarantees personal safety and integrity. Against the backdrop of the foregoing, I will briefly talk on the need for activists to develop the habit of using appropriate words in engagement towards  engendering the desired societal change.

The use of words by activists over the years has been a potent tool in effecting changes in the society. An activist is always talking to one issue or the other just to make that change that will be for the benefit of all, howbeit, the language deployed in doing so must be with all sense of circumspection for it not be misconstrued, misinterpreted or even create a different problem in its entirety.

I will make attempt to break it down; an activist can build consciousness of citizens vis-a-vis their human rights but totally out of place for an activist to instigate citizens against any constituted authority. The reason is simply this, when an activist builds consciousness of citizens, it becomes practically easy for citizens to hold on to their rights and defend same at all times but when an activist instigates, the reaction may be catastrophic due to the way the message was passed, received and instantaneous action required by a hitherto to seemly ill-informed/non bold citizens. It will be totally out of place for an activist to tell citizens to burn a public building because of rampant extortion or fraudulent practices emanating from such institution. This is part of the points to be made.

On the real issue that have been a serious concern is the rate activists have found themselves in trouble just because of certain declarations or statements that were analysed to be inciting or libelous in nature. It is very important I state here that, being an activist is not a yardstick to say whatever your impulse pushes you to say, freedom of speech do not also cover the release of inciting or libelous statements on others. It is important we have clear understanding and available evidence on any issue before we start talking about is confidently. The use of insults, curses and unguarded statements do not qualify anyone at anytime as an activist. Yours words as an activist must be refined, articulate, clean, understandable, unambiguous and persuasive. When not clear on any issue, use suggestive or subjective statements or speculate and wait for a reaction, it will make denigration of your person if your assertions are delivered with so much confidence and they are absolutely wrong and thereby countered. Do not be in a hurry to speak or defend any issue you have not done investigation on.

The one thing that will make the people on the other side take you seriously at all times as an activist is when your words are delivered with accuracy and precision with verifiable facts and not talking for talking sake, if not, you will be dismissed as a rabble-rouser.

I want to encourage all activists to be mindful of the use of words when embarking on advocacy or intervention. A word wrongly used can cause a bigger problem for the society and the activist concerned. Activists are non state actors and they play vital roles in any society across the globe. Their words have changed the most despotic leaders in history and wrong uses of same have equally led to persecution/prosecution of activists. Condemnation and castigation of harsh government policies is distinctly different from threat to a constituted government in a bid of trying to make a point.

Tact, circumspection and diplomacy are veritable tools that must be mixed with other tools in achieving an effective activism. Regular trainings are recommended for activists that truly want to grow and bring the desired change to their generation.

In the world of activism, it is important activists are abreast with the deployment of the effective tactfulness that guarantees personal safety and integrity. Against the backdrop of the foregoing, I will briefly talk on the need for activists to develop the habit of using appropriate words in engagement towards  engendering the desired societal change.

The use of words by activists over the years has been a potent tool in effecting changes in the society. An activist is always talking to one issue or the other just to make that change that will be for the benefit of all, howbeit, the language deployed in doing so must be with all sense of circumspection for it not be misconstrued, misinterpreted or even create a different problem in its entirety.

I will make attempt to break it down; an activist can build consciousness of citizens vis-a-vis their human rights but totally out of place for an activist to instigate citizens against any constituted authority. The reason is simply this, when an activist builds consciousness of citizens, it becomes practically easy for citizens to hold on to their rights and defend same at all times but when an activist instigates, the reaction may be catastrophic due to the way the message was passed, received and instantaneous action required by a hitherto to seemly ill-informed/non bold citizens. It will be totally out of place for an activist to tell citizens to burn a public building because of rampant extortion or fraudulent practices emanating from such institution. This is part of the points to be made.

On the real issue that have been a serious concern is the rate activists have found themselves in trouble just because of certain declarations or statements that were analysed to be inciting or libelous in nature. It is very important I state here that, being an activist is not a yardstick to say whatever your impulse pushes you to say, freedom of speech do not also cover the release of inciting or libelous statements on others. It is important we have clear understanding and available evidence on any issue before we start talking about is confidently. The use of insults, curses and unguarded statements do not qualify anyone at anytime as an activist. Yours words as an activist must be refined, articulate, clean, understandable, unambiguous and persuasive. When not clear on any issue, use suggestive or subjective statements or speculate and wait for a reaction, it will make denigration of your person if your assertions are delivered with so much confidence and they are absolutely wrong and thereby countered. Do not be in a hurry to speak or defend any issue you have not done investigation on.

The one thing that will make the people on the other side take you seriously at all times as an activist is when your words are delivered with accuracy and precision with verifiable facts and not talking for talking sake, if not, you will be dismissed as a rabble-rouser.

I want to encourage all activists to be mindful of the use of words when embarking on advocacy or intervention. A word wrongly used can cause a bigger problem for the society and the activist concerned. Activists are non state actors and they play vital roles in any society across the globe. Their words have changed the most despotic leaders in history and wrong uses of same have equally led to persecution/prosecution of activists. Condemnation and castigation of harsh government policies is distinctly different from threat to a constituted government in a bid of trying to make a point.

Tact, circumspection and diplomacy are veritable tools that must be mixed with other tools in achieving an effective activism. Regular trainings are recommended for activists that truly want to grow and bring the desired change to their generation.