Layout by: John Maclen Dolor
Published by: Lady Yoohee Catapang
Date Published: October 2, 2025
Time Published: 5:47 PM
When the usual silent streets are replaced with synchronized roars, it’s a sign of a call for change. It’s the start of a collective movement, one that holds the guilty parties accountable and demands that things be set straight. In the heart of it all are the fiery spirits beneath the shouts and marches, determined to be heard and use their voices—showing the true essence of activism.
Activism, as defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is a practice of showing support or opposition on one side of an issue through assertive actions [1]. Whether it be political, environmental, or economic disputes, many express their defiance and dissent by means of activism. More often than not, its purpose serves for the greater good, where due processes and measures are being advocated.
With the rise of social issues, including corruption and injustices, activism can also be seen becoming more widespread and frequent. As exemplified by the continuous protests against the attacks in Gaza, and more recently, the uprising in Nepal and rallies in the Philippines, the need for activism has become more prominent.
As a result, differing opinions regarding activism also emerge, leading to conflicting interests and misleading claims. These further pull activism into a downturn, undermining the very meaning that it is supposed to uphold. Hence, to put an end to this regressive spiral, let us separate the myths from the facts and finally clear the slate.
VIOLENCE? NOT ALWAYS NOR IN ALL WAYS
When activism is brought to the table, protests serve as dessert. Protesting is a way to show resistance and opposition to a certain matter—a type of activism known to many. Protesting comes in different forms, among them is rallying. Usually done in groups, rallying involves the traditional chants and marching.
While online campaigns and protest art are also prevalent, rallying continues to be the highlight of activism, as it gathers individuals together to fight for a cause. These deeds of defiance are also often featured on the news, making it much harder for people to ignore. It’s important to take note, however, that these protests, be it rallies, online campaigns, or protest art, though at times turn physical, are supposed to be done in peace, an ironic contradiction to the usually damaging reasons that serve as their fuel.
As a matter of fact, a United Nations expert, Maina Kiai, has urged the protection of rights to peaceful assembly and association, stressing that every individual, regardless of opinion or status, has the right to assembly and association, provided that it is peaceful. This implies that joining assemblies, such as protests, is more than welcome, as long as it is conflict-free and breaks no laws. [2]
Above all, despite the crucial role that protests play, activism goes beyond these initiatives. Activism is not limited to these methods, but rather circles back to its ultimate purpose—making an impact and bringing about a difference. Yet, even with its non-violent and fruitful goals, some remain mistaken, even associating activism with terrorism—a term far too detrimental to describe it.
ACTIVISM AND TERRORISM: RHYMING BUT NOT THE SAME
Sometimes, words get mixed up because they are similarly pronounced. However, when referring to activism and terrorism, you might want to avoid this jumble, for many could get the wrong idea.
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, terrorism pertains to attaining political goals through destructive means, causing civilians alarm [3]. This may involve bombing, assassinations, and other criminal acts—a dark corner that activism doesn’t shine a light on. Even though their definitions are far from alike, some unknowingly link them together from time to time, putting activism in a tight spot.
Unfortunately, this misjudgment has reached even developed countries, including the United Kingdom. Consequently, UN experts have expressed their concerns, pointing out the unjustified misuse of the term terrorism, particularly applying it to political protests [4]. This underscores the necessity to disseminate the stark difference between the two, as even reputable states have fallen prey to the misconception.
Now, as activism is untied with brutality and crime, a more pressing question erupts: if done in peace, then what effect would activism have?
TIME WAIL SPENT
“Crying won’t solve anything.”
In some situations, perhaps that is true. But, in fighting for justice or rights, wailing for change can move mountains. Although it might seem too good to be true for some, several societal progressions have been rooted in activism.
Take the Modern Civil Rights Movement from 1954 to 1964, for example, in which cultural and other forms of resistance paved the way for the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in America. This act prohibited discrimination of various forms—whether it be based on race or sex—and strengthened other rights, proving constant resistance and activism societally significant. [5]
From this, it’s safe to say that using one’s voice, accompanied by marching on the streets or being involved in petitions, is not a waste of time or effort. Because, as evidently shown by historical events, activism has been used to construct rather faulty systems and situations.
Activism, in all its four syllables, transcends its misconceptions. It goes beyond the rallies or the murals; it represents the blazing fire of anger and passion of the people who have been struggling due to exploitation. Through activism, given that solidarity and persistence are present, change can be possible.
Along with this, let us remember that the streets won’t be echoing with voices, nor would the masses be frustrated had there been no misdeeds in the first place. This explains why activism cannot be overlooked, for it calls out what or who is due for reckoning, and serves as a reminder that true power lies with the people.
REFERENCES:
[1] Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Activism. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/activism
[2] United Nations. (2012, June 21). UN rights chief urges protection of human rights in protests. UN News. https://news.un.org/en/story/2012/06/413822
[3] Cambridge University Press. (n.d.). Terrorism https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/terrorism
[4] Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. (2025, July). UN experts urge United Kingdom not to misuse terrorism laws against protest. https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2025/07/un-experts-urge-united-kingdom-not-misuse-terrorism-laws-against-protest
[5] National Park Service. (n.d.). Modern civil rights movement. https://www.nps.gov/subjects/civilrights/modern-civil-rights-movement.htm
[6] Brookes, E. (2023, August 15). What is Activism: Definition, Types, Role, Examples, Importance. Liberties. https://www.liberties.eu/en/stories/activism/44871
[7] Witter, A. (2023, March 16). What is activism? Here are 5 misconceptions. ONE. https://www.one.org/stories/what-is-activism-misconceptions/
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