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To promote real change, social justice groups need to strategize better
by Jackie Saffir
Op-Ed | 3/17/09
Posted online at 4:23 PM EST on 3/17/09
The job of a true human rights crusader is never finished. And that is why it is surprising that a student body that claims to be so politically aware is so quiet at a time when there is so much at stake.
As a student at Brandeis, I often encounter the campaigning of social justice groups and groups like the anti-genocide organization STAND.
The focus of STAND and related organizations seems to be promoting change by telling the student body that genocide is happening in Darfur, a claim that the International Criminal Court arrest warrant disputes, and that genocide is bad-something that I hope that no one would question.
If these organizations aim to end these human rights atrocities and if Brandeis chapters want to effectively motivate students to play a role, their strategy seems to be ineffective. The reason their campaigns don't compel Brandeis students and Americans in general to act is that they do not tell us anything we don't know already.
While campus advocacy for humanitarian aid is undeniably important, if we truly care about making a difference, we must acknowledge that awareness and aid alone are not enough.
These problems call for a strategy change for students on campus who are interested in increasing awareness, creating dialogue and ultimately, bringing about political change. This starts with changing the dialogue from one of "what" to one of "how."
An example of this is not only telling us that people are dying in Darfur but also debating the political solutions that might stop it. The fact that the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants on Wednesday for the Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir gives a fresh opportunity for this.
Given the refusal of the Sudanese government to turn over their president, what should Western countries be doing? Should they use political sanctions and leverage? Should they cooperate with governments and groups like underlings to al-Bashir that are perhaps politically "sketchy," just so they can potentially bring such people to court?
As a student at Brandeis, I often encounter the campaigning of social justice groups and groups like the anti-genocide organization STAND.
The focus of STAND and related organizations seems to be promoting change by telling the student body that genocide is happening in Darfur, a claim that the International Criminal Court arrest warrant disputes, and that genocide is bad-something that I hope that no one would question.
If these organizations aim to end these human rights atrocities and if Brandeis chapters want to effectively motivate students to play a role, their strategy seems to be ineffective. The reason their campaigns don't compel Brandeis students and Americans in general to act is that they do not tell us anything we don't know already.
While campus advocacy for humanitarian aid is undeniably important, if we truly care about making a difference, we must acknowledge that awareness and aid alone are not enough.
These problems call for a strategy change for students on campus who are interested in increasing awareness, creating dialogue and ultimately, bringing about political change. This starts with changing the dialogue from one of "what" to one of "how."
An example of this is not only telling us that people are dying in Darfur but also debating the political solutions that might stop it. The fact that the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants on Wednesday for the Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir gives a fresh opportunity for this.
Given the refusal of the Sudanese government to turn over their president, what should Western countries be doing? Should they use political sanctions and leverage? Should they cooperate with governments and groups like underlings to al-Bashir that are perhaps politically "sketchy," just so they can potentially bring such people to court?
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
morton smith
posted 3/18/09 @ 9:00 AM EST
right on. world response is too scattered. the internationsl community has to respond with econonic sanctions as a first step but sometimes more is needed. (Continued…)
Leila Alciere
posted 3/18/09 @ 10:13 PM EST
I sympathize with Jackie Saffir's comments and I believe activist groups should always be reminded of their responsibilities. However, I encourage Ms. (Continued…)
C T
posted 7/30/09 @ 4:41 PM EST
I thought it was a great article!
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