I don’t think what you describe is meaningful action either.
Do I understand that you agree the proposed “blackout” is symbolic, and that you wish there were something more meaningful being proposed; or are you defending the blackout as meaningful itself? Do you agree with the criticism of the blackout’s being symbolic, but want to go along with it despite its lack of meaning (or perhaps better stated, lack of effect)?
For my part, I’d be much more pleased with the idea of the blackout if I could be convinced that it would have useful results, and would generally be in favor of so-called “meaningful action.” This blackout wouldn’t effect me either way since I’ve already given up amazon and google stuff almost entirely except what I need for work. I just need to know what the meaningful next step would be.
If we were to assume that everyone would just wait until the 15th to do all their amazon orders that they waited a week for then I would agree it’s symbolic.
For many, this will be what happens, but for some, they will find an alternative. Then maybe in the future they chose that alternative too. It’s about gradual progress towards better alternatives. For you, maybe finding ways to make your work less reliant on those things would help. Or if that’s not possible maybe working somewhere else that doesn’t make you sacrifice your values.
As an example, one person choosing to educate themselves on animal welfare might not have much effect today, or tomorrow, or even next week. But after years, even small changes can mean the elimination of suffering for dozens or hundreds of lives.
Sounds like an excuse to not get started.
It sounds like a call to avoid symbolic action and take meaningful action instead, to me.
I don’t think advocating people do nothing while vaguely gesturing at doing more while offering no alternatives or next steps is meaningful action.
I don’t think what you describe is meaningful action either.
Do I understand that you agree the proposed “blackout” is symbolic, and that you wish there were something more meaningful being proposed; or are you defending the blackout as meaningful itself? Do you agree with the criticism of the blackout’s being symbolic, but want to go along with it despite its lack of meaning (or perhaps better stated, lack of effect)?
For my part, I’d be much more pleased with the idea of the blackout if I could be convinced that it would have useful results, and would generally be in favor of so-called “meaningful action.” This blackout wouldn’t effect me either way since I’ve already given up amazon and google stuff almost entirely except what I need for work. I just need to know what the meaningful next step would be.
If we were to assume that everyone would just wait until the 15th to do all their amazon orders that they waited a week for then I would agree it’s symbolic.
For many, this will be what happens, but for some, they will find an alternative. Then maybe in the future they chose that alternative too. It’s about gradual progress towards better alternatives. For you, maybe finding ways to make your work less reliant on those things would help. Or if that’s not possible maybe working somewhere else that doesn’t make you sacrifice your values.
As an example, one person choosing to educate themselves on animal welfare might not have much effect today, or tomorrow, or even next week. But after years, even small changes can mean the elimination of suffering for dozens or hundreds of lives.