The Activist for Activists. Author of Make a Difference with Mental Health Activism and The Happy Activist: Journey the 5-Step Activism Path to Focus Your Passion and Change the World. Teacher, Psychologist, Environmental Activist, Animal Lover.
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Last Updated on October 23, 2024
Emma González and the survivors of the massacre at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, became unexpected activists, coming off the sidelines out of necessity to advocate for gun control.
March For Our Lives
Emma González, at March for our Lives in D.C., stayed silent for exactly 6 minutes and 20 seconds, as long as the gunman continued to murder 17 people at her school. Rather than giving a speech, she highlighted her trauma using her silence.
People Harassed González and Other Survivors For Speaking Out
Just after the massacre, I was horrified when my extended family members posted on Facebook allegations about the survivors. They alleged that the survivors speaking out for peace and gun control were ‘ crisis actors.’ Despite this, the survivor’s strong and reasoned voices impacted me. And they spoke out despite being harassed. These young adults used their passion and strengths to make a difference.
“Why are we doing this? Because it’s about damn time someone did.” Emma González
The Survivors Make an Impact
These young activists took hold of their issue quickly and efficiently. They called for changes in gun control legislation through rallies, marching, and most importantly, getting young people registered to vote. In particular, they called out politicians who are funded by the NRA and encouraged kids to use their voting power to change the political landscape.
“As a group, and as a movement, it’s vital that we acknowledge and utilize our privilege, use our platforms to spread the names of the dead and the injured, promote ideas that can help spread kindness rather than hostility, support those who aren’t being heard, take our voices and use them together with the megaphones provided.” Emma González
The Survivors Call Out Adults
Emma echoes teen climate change activist Greta Thunberg in calling out the adults for their inaction. How frustrating it must be to watch those in power squander your childhood and future. And how lovely that Emma and other young people are finding their own form of power through activism.
[Inspired by Emma? Get my book and start your activism journey.]
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These young men and women will not be satisfied with the snail’s pace at which laws are enacted or changed in our country. Let’s learn from them and from other countries like New Zealand, where smart measures happen RIGHT NOW.
Yes! New Zealand is supposed to announce new gun control measures within 10 days.
I have to be honest I just don’t understand how the NRA has become so influential in US politics and how so many US citizens feel the need to own guns. We have quite tight laws here in Australia although they are under pressure as the NRA seems to have infiltrated one of our minor parties. The horrific tragedy in Christchurch New Zealand only underscores the importance of tightening up gun laws worldwide.
I don’t understand it either, and I agree we need better gun control. What has been the result of the NRA activity in Australia?
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