Creating change means changing minds

Creating change often means being radical, which can be frightening. Specifically in my community (African American community) many have been very resistance towards change, even though allowing things to remain the same would have been detrimental to them. The status quo is comfortable, stable and provides security and once it's challenged there's backlash. Specifically from those who benefit most from the status quo. One example would be the Civil Rights Movement and another would be the Feminist movement. Both challenged the way things are thus, created backlash. These are the issues that come with trying to create change. The challenges I face usually centers around reluctance, because people are afraid of leaving their comfort zones. But that can be changed. Although feminism fight is far from over, in the Western world more specifically, many believe that men and women should be equal. Following the Civil Rights Movement, many people believe that no one should be discriminated against or denied opportunities simply because of the color of their skin.

The solutions I have about creating change for one, start with raising awareness about issues that impact our community. In my first post I disucssed conciousness raising. Which gives women the opportunity to discuss the issues that effect and have spaces to share them. However, to reach out to both men and women, raising awareness about issues (discrimination, sexism, racism, etc.) When people share a common problem they're more likely rally behind it. Another solution would be giving people the feeling they can make a difference.

PusleWire is a useful tool in creating change because it's one of the few resources that provides a voice for those who otherwise, would not have their voices heard. This also creates a community of like minded individuals who come together to discuss solutions to solving problems like sexism, racism, classism, etc. This community can also act as safe space where people can share their stories without condemnation without their stories being dismissed as unimportant.

In order to create change however it requires more than changing laws. While many people now believe women and should be equal, this isn't necessarily reflected in areas like the media, which is still male dominated. This is why breaking down barriers is difficult, you may changed laws but attitudes still remain. Fortunately, these attitudes are changing, slowly but surely.