What is Activism- Post 3- Eric U.

 Chapter 1 Quotes:

- "No matter how artistic our activism, there will always be a need for old-fashioned, boots-on-the-ground activism"

The quote talks about that even with creative activism it still needs a real, hands on action. Things such as organizing, protesting, and working in the community are always necessary. Art can help but it can’t fully replace the hands on approach.

- "A good activist or artist, like a good carpenter, has a big toolbox and is able to select the right tool for the right job at the right time"

Activism is flexible just like a carpenter uses different tools depending on the job, an activist or artist can be those different tools that can lead to different strategies, styles, or approaches depending on the situation.

"The anonymous artist Banksy seemingly agreed with the opponents of the wall and his graffiti showing a protestor throwing flowers instead of a Molotov cocktail appeared in the center of Jerusalem."

The artwork shows how art can change the way we think about protest. Banksy’s graffiti replaces a weapon with flowers, turning a violent image into a peaceful one a unique way to peacefully protest. The message suggests that change and resistance don’t always have to involve violence.

"The anonymous group called the Guerrilla Girls consists of American female artists who challenge the sexist aspects of the art world through their activism. One of their most famous works is a bold poster asking the question Do women have to be naked to get into the Met. Museum?

The artwork uses bold and attention-grabbing art to point out inequality. This famous poster criticizes how museums often display more nude female bodies in art than actual artwork made by women showcasing the female struggle when it comes to art.

“But the question of what, precisely, constitutes protest art is a thorny one — and we kept tripping over it.”

This means that defining protest art is hard and confusing. The word “thorny” shows that the topic is tricky and complicated. When they say they “kept tripping over it,” it means they kept struggling to agree on a clear definition on what the protest art is showing think of the most recent Halftime Superbowl show and even the one before it where people miss the message from "Bad Bunny" and Kendrick Lamar".

"The ideas matter tremendously on where your feet are planted. Are you reinforcing the status quo or are you challenging some fundamental supposition of how we see ourselves?"

This asks a simple question, are you supporting the way things already are? or are you challenging people to rethink their beliefs about society and the system and make a change?