Characteristics Of A Social Movement

Margaret Mead, an American anthropologist, once stated, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” As humans, we are always observing the world around us, however when we come across something we want to change, it can be a huge undertaking for a single person. The mobilization of resources and people, the arousal of conflict, and the demand for reform are the basic characteristics of a social movement. A social movement occurs when a person cares enough about what they believe in to change what they see as wrong. Throughout history there have been many social movements including the Environmental Movement of the 1960s and 70s during which many individuals, especially those directly affected by the circumstances, rose up, took action, and fought for what they believed should de done. A person’s identity is the most essential part of a successful social movement, because if a person is emotionally and physically involved in a cause, they are more likely to invest their whole being, energy, and dedication to instituting change for those around them.

Identity, isn’t just a group with whom a person aligns themselves with, but it heavily embodies the beliefs of the specific person, what he or she deems right and wrong, and their sense of moral obligation to make people aware of their surroundings, even if means putting their own life at risk. For example, Rachel Carson, a marine biologist, felt that it was her obligation to publish a book, Silent Spring in 1962, to inform the American public of the potential dangers of pesticides in their bodies and the environment. Rachel Carson was very effective in raising awareness in her book, Silent Spring...

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...ll backgrounds to rise as leaders, to fight for justice, to create greater equality, but most of all care for those around them. The positive changes in the environmental movement of the 1960s and 70s driven by people like Rachel Carson, Lois Gibbs, and Erin Brockovich, and communities like Warren County remind us of just how powerful unity and identity can be. It is not to say that if you have no connection to a situation you won’t care about it, because we as humans are all inclined to feel some degree of empathy towards helping those around us. However, that personal connection makes us fight with the war of passion and rage inside of us and makes people underestimate just how powerful a united community can be. If we do not stand up for our communities, for what is right, and for what we inherently believe in then who will be willing take on the responsibility?