Is PROTEST the same as ACTIVISM?

Protest is something that people do not show publicly that something is wrong and unfair (protest | meaning of protest in Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English | LDOCE 2019).

Activism is a doctrine or practice that emphasizes direct vigorous action especially in support of or opposition to one side of a controversial issue (Definition of ACTIVISM 2018).

Both protest and activism involve movement and encourages action. Both issues also happen when there is dissatisfaction among the public involved. So, are there any differences?

Here’s some backstory.

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaCyHD2QreA) 

Daryl Morey, the Houston Rockets’ General Manager, tweeted “Fight for Freedom. Stand with Hong Kong.” on 4th October which showed his support towards the ongoing protests in Hong Kong due to opposition of controversial legislation that would allow criminal suspects to be extradited to mainland China. His tweet was a damaging one that caused several China sponsors such as Li-Ning sportswear and Shanghai Pudong Development Bank cut ties with the Rockets (He 2019). The main media partner of the NBA in China, Tencent, with a streaming deal worth $1.5 billion for the next five years also stated it will stop broadcasting Rockets’ games that which leads to drop in views for further NBA games, in which the aftermath of the situation could be seen in the recent Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers game in China. 

Two days after the tweet, the NBA league responded that Morey had deeply offended most of their China’s fans and friends, which is regrettable. Adam Silver also commented “I think as a value-based organization that I want to make it clear that Daryl Morey is supported in terms of his ability to exercise his freedom of expression.” (Houston Rockets GM’s Tweet Controversy Simmers On in China 2019). Morey emphasized that his tweet did not intend to offend Rockets fans and his China friends. He stated that he was just giving his opinion (NBA-China issue: Latest news resulting from Daryl Morey’s Hong Kong tweet, what it means for the league 2019). Despite their explanations, the people of China, including Yao Ming, a former basketball player for the Houston Rockets who the current chairman of Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), to further boycott the American basketball league as a protest. 

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9EFFoQtWrY)

What about your point of view?

This whole back and forth between the Chinese and the Americans could be seen as a protest against each other. At the same time, there was also the involvement of activism in the Chinese side when they stopped all broadcasting, merchandise and sponsorship relating to the American league.

In my opinion, I think that protest and activism is pretty much the same. They are both the expression of a voice. They all come down to having a voice and the desire to express, discuss and take action on the matter either on social media or through physical conversations. In the end, how you feel about it, it can all be subjective. Leave your comments down below and share what you think. Thanks for reading!

References:

Definition of ACTIVISM 2018, Merriam-webster.com.

He, L 2019, Backlash from China after NBA manager’s Hong Kong tweet, CNN, viewed 15 October 2019, <https://edition.cnn.com/2019/10/07/business/houston-rockets-nba-china-daryl-morey/index.html>.

Houston Rockets GM’s Tweet Controversy Simmers On in China 2019, Voice of America, viewed 15 October 2019, <https://www.voanews.com/usa/houston-rockets-gms-tweet-controversy-simmers-china>.

NBA-China issue: Latest news resulting from Daryl Morey’s Hong Kong tweet, what it means for the league 2019, CBSSports, viewed 14 October 2019,<https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-china-issue-latest-news-resulting-from-daryl-moreys-hong-kong-tweet-what-it-means-for-the-league/>. 

Ok- stop me if you’ve heard this one before. Five teenage boys from different corners of the country pack up and move to the big city to follow their rock n roll dreams. So what do they do? Well first, they literally write a song called “Move to the City.” Now what?

Let’s start with a tale of two “Jumpin Jack Flashes.” In 1986, two bands, Guns n Roses and The Replacements, were on parallel paths to make rock n roll history. (Sorry ‘Mats fans, this will not be the last time the two groups cross paths.) On the one hand you have GNR (a bunch of Californians nee Hoosiers), who deliver a sleek version gleaming with LA studio sheen. On the other hand, you have The Mats, too indifferent to actually follow their dreams to LA, and too bored to actually rehearse.

GnR’s ’86 cover of “Flash” points at the various pressures already pulling at the band early in their career.  For all their desire to be The Stooges or The Misfits, GnR couldn’t shake their classic rock influences; their version of  “Jack” is a note for note cover- turned up to 11.  Even as early as 1986, this cover hints at the east with which GnR would soon step into classic rock-dom.

Here you go, my third post on this blog¶:

“You don’t need a new year to start over. You just need a moment of honesty.”

January 2nd Thoughts

There’s something quiet about the first days of January. No big announcements. No fireworks. Just space.

I’m not rushing into resolutions or grand plans. Right now, I’m more interested in direction than speed. In building things slowly, intentionally, without the noise.

This feels like a good moment to keep going here. To observe, collect ideas, test thoughts, and let things evolve naturally.