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Speaker talks about social justice, activism

Glasser

NEW ULM — Carol Glasser, assistant professor of Sociology at Minnesota State University-Mankato, spoke at the Community Center on the topic of social justice and activism Monday.

Glasser described social justice as a spring board for several types of activism. She defined social justice as activities that promote equality, common good, fair distribution of resources, progress and a sense of decency.

“Social justice is not saying give everyone the same thing,” Glasser said. “It’s about equity. Saying people need to pull themselves up by the bootstraps doesn’t work if people don’t have bootstraps or even boots.”

Glaser identified seven steps in creating effective social justice movements. The first step was being aware of your privilege. Everyone has advantages and disadvantages based on their status in the community. Glasser said it was important to acknowledge privileges when working to help others. Ignoring a privilege makes it impossible to listen and learn.

The second step is harnessing that privilege and using it to help. This includes using natural talents as well as connecting with other resources.

The need to be flexible, but strong is important to social justice movements. Glasser said there will be push back from opponents. Glasser said it is important to stick to your principles but have a back-up plan when faced with opposition. Using the recent political changes in the United States as an example, Glasser said certain organizations that relied on government funding may have this money cut over the next few years and they will need a method to operate in a different political climate.

The fourth step is to have a strategic approach. Activists need to have an end goal in mind. She said a goal without a plan is just a wish.

To achieve goals, activists must learn to focus on assets and build off these strengths to help the movement.

The next step is building a community of supporters. Glasser used the recent Women’s March in the Twin Cities as an example of community building

“When everyone in a community is willing to step onto the public scene that promotes inspiration and change,” Glasser said.

The final step is creating solidarity among organizations. Glasser said not everyone is able to engage in all types of social justice movements at all times. This can often cause competition among activist groups, for example, a group campaigning against racism and a group campaigning against sexism.

Glasser said each side may believe the injustice they fight is more important than the other. She warned against this type of thinking because it enables negative behavior towards worthy causes. Instead, people should ask how both sides benefit from the campaign. Social justice organizations should work together as issues of inequality are not limited to one area.

Glasser took questions from the audience at the end of her presentation. She was asked how college students engaged with social justice activism today compared to a generation ago.

Glasser was uncertain if there was a difference  but said she believes there is a greater sense of apathy from students now. The need to finish school fast to avoid high debt leads to busy schedules with limited time for activism. However, she believes most social movements are student-led movements.

“Students are still the movers and shakers,” Glasser said.

Glasser said the biggest obstacle of activism is the feeling people cannot make a difference.

“They see no one else doing anything and think, why should I bother?”

On the positive side she said people were basically good and typically want to make the world better if given a chance.

“Activists are the most hopeful people,” Glasser said. “They see some nasty things and acknowledge it but they keep working for change anyway.”

Glasser was the first speaker of the 2017 Life Living Series. The speaking series will continue 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 30, at the Community Center. Gloria Englund will be the second speaker in the series. Englund speech is titled “The Family’s Journey to Recovery.”

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