Continual media exposure of inequality, injustice, corruption etc. (particularly in the so called quality media) has often sparked and then fuelled campaigns, and brought about positive changes in society that have alleviated the suffering of groups of people who were, or are discriminated against.
Because of this it is tempting (almost seductive) to believe that doing the same thing will lead to change for the better in the lives of families in the Focus Group.
I don’t really have evidence that it does, whereas I have a lot of evidence that including people, empowering them to stand up for themselves, and do things for themselves and their families, in a low profile manner can at least mitigate the effects of inequality and injustice, and the shallow thinking that appears to influence decision making in all societies, and that always has a far more harmful effect on the Focus Group than on the rest of us.
Neither have I much evidence to show that constant media exposure of research reports, lecture tours, books, speeches, campaigns, (whether political or not), will change the lives of people who suffer, for the better.
And, we must remember, people who are good writers and storytellers, and, in debates, good with a riposte, generally get good publicity, which increases sales for books, newspapers and other media.
I remember this from slagging when I was young. The smart comment and the way it is delivered is exciting and powerful whereas the truth often sounds defensive and lame! (I hope that this website is not full of clever ripostes and clichés but as I write I am aware that I want it to be exciting and interesting – otherwise no one will read it)!
It is frequently my experience that many people (though, of course, not all) who have a high media profile and continually claim that they want change in society are actually like the establishment that they are critical of. They appear to be big into comparison and competition and therefore run the risk of being a mirror image of that which they love to hate.
Rather than pursue a course of action that would be different, challenging and truly radical, they often look to the Pillars for approval or affirmation. In particular, despite their undoubted sincerity, they fall into the media trap of the blame game.
In fairness they are probably completely unaware of this.
Sometimes it can be far more exciting to search (in the unending debates that I referred to above) for who is to blame, rather than explore, with patience and tenacity, outside the glare of the media, how we can make the world a better place!
On a final note on activism, I have often experienced people working within the Pillars being more radical and farsighted, working quietly away, seeking no media attention, in a compassionate and creative manner, and ultimately being far more helpful to the Focus Group than those who believe the myth that continual media exposure of injustice, inequality, corruption etc. will bring about real and substantial change.