It is a well written article and thought provoking; however I must say that it misses the point of what is really going on here.All the new groups of bloggers I'm hearing about in the cause of Terri are doing is making themselves feel better at the expense of the actual family and the lady who is ill. This kind of activity is called “slacktivism” among those of us who have been activists or a variety of causes affecting society at large. There are many ways each of these well-intentioned individuals can make a difference, if they are honest about helping change the world.
Why should this case not have remained a private matter for the families? Because this is more than Terri. This is about placing a value on a life. And to me, that price is too high and that slope too slippery to allow to happen without comment. And if the worst happens? And Terri is killed? Then I can assure you that more people will know that it was a court ordered murder than if bloggers had not joined the fight. More people will realize that a tragedy has occurred and more people will understand and vow that it must never happen again. Laws can still be changed, lives can still be protected. And it is not too late for Terri!
I am not going to say that "slacktivism" is not taking place but this blogger's argument can not convince me that bloggers can not make a difference in this case. I can even understand his thought process.
At work, I can talk about how busy I am. I can tell my boss all the projects on my agenda. I can have fourteen meetings in one day. But it is the action that follows the talking and the planning that truly matters. Just like we "political" types complain that the people who are the loudest criticizers of the government are usually the ones who don't participate in the process. Your words don't mean a thing unless you are willing to do something.
But the intricate value in blogging is that your words can become a call to action. The person in Iowa can inspire the person three blocks down the road from Terri's hospice to go out and hold a sign. The poor college student can have the words of encouragement that leads the rich CEO to donate money. The busy working mother of a two year old can write emails to the legislature and to other bloggers to have them join the fight. Every blogger has the ability to reach someone, and in this case, where the truth is not being heard. It is our responsibility.
If you don't feel can you join the bloggers for Terri, at the very least post a link to Hyscience or ProLifeBlogs or to any other blogger that's getting the information out there...yes, it might be construed by others as "slackitivism" but if it can provoke change, then why not?
Update: Hyscience has information about the Terri Schiavo event he attended at Woodside Hospice. For anyone asking what blogs can do, this post has very specific information and if you are part of Terri's blogs or just interested, please make sure to read it.
Update2: Wittenberg Gate adds:
Why should we bring this case into the public light? The answer is simple.Update3: Dean Esmay responds to WOLves' post too:
Cockroaches scatter when you turn on the light.
Terri Schiavo's case has been in the public eye for years. Her parents and her siblings are adults. Furthermore, they are people who have not just wandered into the public eye, but have actually sought media attention. Indeed, after years of media attention to this matter, they have chosen to issue press releases and to take a firm public stance.(Again, another thank you for all my regular readers -- all two of you -- for having the patience of this very similar theme repeated endlessly, you know I won't stop until you mention it on your blog too!) Posted by Jody at February 16, 2005 09:18 PM | TrackBack