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The Armchair Activist: Change the World from your Living Room

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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

Visit the Ubiqwit Store or Doublethink Tees for a vast selection of activist gifts.

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 Buy Now

Spread the message to stop blindly accepting soundbyte opinions and think in the trenches with other activists!

Price: 0.00 Buy Now

This isn't a marketing offer, it's a call to action.Do something. Anything. Even if it starts in your living room.

Price: 0.00 Buy Now

Be nice to our furry friends. They help keep us centered by keeping us company. Pet your favorite pet today!

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"No Artificial Flavors or Preservatives" Applies to your food, and can apply to you in your all-natural-ness.

Price: 0.00 Buy Now

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More Motivating Gear 

Visit the Ubiqwit Store or Doublethink Tees for a vast selection of activist gifts.

Sip your latte from the mug with a message.

Price: 0.00 Buy Now

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 Buy Now

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 Buy Now

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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'...
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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) Buy Now

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) Buy Now

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) Buy Now

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) Buy Now

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) Buy Now

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About UbiqWit

UbiqWit ("Ubiquitous Wit") is a shop run by two conscious consumers who
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