Small Changes --> Big Difference
Before we begin, take a moment to think of major movements in history: civil rights, women's suffrage...they all gain momentum with many people making small changes. Case in point: have you noticed that more and more grocery stores are carrying organic milk or soymilk? That's because we as consumers are voting with our buying choices, and making big changes with a couple of bucks, in this instance.
Yet many of us wonder how we could possibly serve humanity or support global tectonic shifts in culture, politics, etc. It's easy to feel helpless before such a behemoth undertaking.
So what is the purpose of this article? Quite simply this: to give you a list of things that don't take monumental effort but which collectively have the potential for large-scale impact.
The Armchair Activist's Top Five To-Do's
Lounging with a Deeper Meaning
You've heard of Gahndi's "Be the Change you want to see in the world?" These ideas follow that premise.1. Turn Off Your Television*: No, seriously. We mean it. Studies have shown that watching television puts people in a hypnotic state, where you're much more suceptible to messages you watch. Which is why many people walk around feeling like terrorists are around every corner and further, that nobody will love them unless they are wearing the latest designer jeans. It's a big burden to carry, but one that's easy to switch off.
2. *Unless You're Watching a Documentary: This is a very important exception: there are so many fantastic documentaries available, you can relax AND learn. It seems that with digicams and editing suites moviemaking is much more accessible to the everyman (just watch YouTube if you don't believe us), and many excellent films are being produced -- see the list below for Netflix's Top five.
3. Pet Your Pet: Did you know that when you have Fido or Fluffy in your lap it lowers blood pressure for both of you? It's true. Really, it's therapy, and wouldn't you be a better human being operating from your centered, content self instead acting like a frenzied road-raging stress-monkey?
4. Eat Healthy Snacks: Somewhere between Upton Sinclair's The Jungle and Whole Foods' growing locations, we started getting wise to processed foods. Our most powerful vote is often with our dollar. So next time, pass on the Cheez Poofs and crunch into an apple -- your body will reward you with a strong immune system.
5. Read a Book: Instead of watching the local news, why not read a book on political or foreign affairs perspectives? Or grassroots movements? Something that provides a more in-depth perspective than the hyped up soundbytes of the nightly party lines? We promise this will turn your brain back on and get you into the activist frame of mind. Instead of complacently accepting that we're winning (or losing) the War on Whatever, take some time to really get to know the issues. Imagine if everyone did.
So bottom line, if we each acted as healthy, centered, educated human beings would not the world be a better place? That easy chair's looking pretty comfy -- why not get started today?
Activist Gear to Spread the Message
Wear It to Share It
Man cannot think by television alone.
The title says it all...tell others you're willing to go beyond the tube to think for yourself!
Price: 23.99 
More Motivating Gear
No Artificial Flavors... Tote Bag
Shop for your healthy snacks with a canvas bag that sports a healthy message. Your local co-op cashiers will love you.
Price: 18.00
Agent of Change. Bumper Sticker
Innocent drivers will quake in their boots behind you at stop signs -- little do they know this "Agent of Change" is a peaceful armchair activist!
Price: 5.49
Top Documentaries People Are Watching
There are too many to list -- please explore to learn more...
- 001- An Inconvenient Truth
Director-producer Davis Guggenheim (HBO's "Deadwood") captures former Vice President Al Gore in the...- 002- March of the Penguins
Award-winning photographer Luc Jacquet takes documentary film to new heights -- and depths -- with h...- 003- Super Size Me
On the heels of recent lawsuits against McDonald's, director Morgan Spurlock takes a hilarious and o...- 004- Fahrenheit 9/11
Michael Moore's hard-hitting documentary addresses the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, outl...- 005- Born Into Brothels
This Oscar-winning documentary is a portrait of several unforgettable children who live in Calcutta'...- Try Netflix free for 14 days
Books to Get you in the Activist Frame of Mind
The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference
This is an essential read if you want to understand the dynamics behind how a few little drops transform into a sea change.
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 12/03/2008)
On the Duty of Civil Disobedience (Walden)
A classic read on The Individual vs. The State. We seem to have forgotten that our officials are civil servants, and instead have been acting as if we are at the mercy of popular policy.
Amazon Price: $12.90 (as of 12/03/2008)
A People's History of the United States: 1492 to Present (P.S.)
The history lesson everyone should have gotten -- told from the perspective of the underdog (or oppressed). Truly inspiring accounts.
Amazon Price: $12.89 (as of 12/03/2008)
The One-Hour Activist: The 15 Most Powerful Actions You Can Take to Fight for the Issues and Candidates You Care About
A handy guide for those looking for practical ways to influence our legislative representatives.
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 12/03/2008)
Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media
If you still don't want to turn off your TV, read this sobering perspective on mass media and soon you'll be buying extra books with all that cable money. =)
Amazon Price: $12.89 (as of 12/03/2008)
