With recent election results, students are bound to be more in tune with social activism across campus and social media. One example stems from the online discourse of the 4B movement in response to the 2024 election. The South Korean movement began in the mid-to-late 2010s and involves abstaining from heterosexual marriage, sex, dating and childbirth. Its attention-grabbing nature has made it a topic of contention on social media platforms like TikTok.
This rise of radical activism is bound to increase with heightened political tension, but its requirements are daunting. This polarizing approach may be some young people’s first exposure to social activism, which can discourage them from participating further. Participating in social change across campus can be made through small steps, so don’t let radical activism scare you away from advocating for what you believe in.
Austin’s title as Texas’ capital city makes it an easy place for students to become politically involved. Janet Davis, professor of American studies and history, discusses this idea.
“(Austin) becomes a destination … because it is the seat of state government, and that is a magnet for activism,” Davis said.
For instance, the Feminist Action Project directly discusses the same issues the 4B movement focuses on but takes a more community-focused approach. They make feminism more approachable and accessible to participate in.
“We are an intersectional feminist organization, and our main goal is to create a space on campus that’s very central and easy to find for people to become engaged within this movement,” said Miya Walker, neuroscience senior and co-executive director for the Feminist Action Project.
Access to organizations like the Feminist Action Project is an opportunity UT students should explore. Now more than ever, students should be participating in social activism. Having access to the state capitol and being on a college campus allows us to make a significant impact, and students shouldn’t be discouraged by the drastic actions of others.
“Being at UT is such a special opportunity for people (who) have never engaged with the social movement,” Walker said. “Just show up to an org who supports any social movement, and that is one of the most beneficial ways to learn more.”
Some may argue that radical activism creates more drastic social change, but in reality, it may sway people against participation. Its extreme nature can lead to attention-grabbing headlines, but not encourage deeper research or thought. Its concepts are not easily digestible or easy to join. Additionally, the extremist nature of these movements can discourage conversation with the opposing side. Effective communication is cut off when activism doesn’t allow open perspectives.
“The other piece of (social media activism) is the sense of disengagement because of propaganda and misinformation,” Davis said. “There’s so much disinformation. It’s all over the place. I think for a lot of folks, it’s hard to know who to trust, what to trust, what sources are legitimate and what sources are not to be trusted at all.
People are quick to jump to extremes in the current political zeitgeist, but for those interested in more widespread social activism, there are more accessible alternatives. Students shouldn’t be intimidated to participate in social activism because small steps can lead to big change.
Xu is a government freshman from Fort Worth, Texas.
