Deck 21: Be the Change: Student Activism

Question 1

Have you ever been involved in an activist cause? If so, which of the benefits that Ramona Ilea and Monica Janzen talk about did you experience firsthand? If not, do Ilea and Janzen present a compelling enough picture for you to want to get involved in activism? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Either discuss the author's involvement in an activist cause, identifying benefits of activism that Ilea and Janzen discuss in their essay.
Or, explain whether and why Ilea and Janzen's essay encourages the author to become involved in activism.

Question 2

One part of Ramona Ilea and Monica Janzen's definition of "activism" is "identifying a social problem." If you are going to start working to solve a social problem, you might want to make sure it is worthwhile. In your essay, discuss some of the things that people might want to keep in mind when figuring out which cause to support. What should new activists give their time and attention to? Are there any causes that they should avoid?

Answer 2

Discuss those types of social problems that are deserving of activist's attention.
Identify any types of social problems that are not deserving of activist's attention.

Question 3

Do a quick Google search of "activist burnout," and get a sense of a couple of the issues that people flag in this area. In their essay, Ramona Ilea and Monica Janzen don't raise the issue, and argue that "aactivism can become central to your life, and be incredibly demanding, but it isn't always and doesn't have to be." Do you think that they are sensitive enough to what a lot of people say is a real problem? Or do you think that they present a compelling picture of activism that avoids the kind of pitfalls that activists who burnout fall into?

Answer 3

Demonstrate an understanding of the concept "activist burnout."
Discuss Ilea and Janzen's lack of treatment of this subject, and the image of activism that they portray instead.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a component of Ilea and Janzen's definition of "activism?"

A) Outlining the most effective activist strategy
B) Advocating for what you believe in
C) Seeking resolution for a social problem
D) Identifying a social problem
E) None of these is a component of Ilea and Janzen's definition of "activism"

Question 5

Ilea and Janzen acknowledge that activism is always incredibly demanding.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT one of the prudential reasons for getting involved in activism, according to Ilea and Janzen?

A) Making connections in your community
B) Receiving much better letters of recommendation
C) Cultivating virtuous habits and dispositions
D) Developing helpful skills, like communication
E) Establishing professional contacts

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT one of the ethical theories that Ilea and Janzen discuss in relation to activism?

A) Utilitarianism
B) Contractarianism
C) Kantianism
D) Virtue ethics
E) None of these is an ethical theory that Ilea and Janzen discuss

Question 8

Ilea and Janzen think that activism is particularly well-suited to those who have an interest in philosophy.

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT one of the resources that Ilea and Janzen say is readily available to college students?

A) Free booking venues
B) Students living in residence halls who can attend events
C) Access to experts
D) Money through college clubs
E) Plenty of free time

Question 10

Ilea and Janzen affirm that on college campuses, it is actually ________ who have power.

A) Parents
B) Faculty
C) Students
D) Administrators
E) Staff

Question 11

Ilea and Janzen argue that complex social and moral problems require ________:

A) Us to work together to reach solutions
B) Governments and nonprofits to take charge
C) Groups of experts coordinating with each other for the better
D) One compelling leader to rally us
E) That we share a clear ethical directive

Question 12

Which of the following best captures the message behind Ilea and Janzen's essay?

A) Support and encourage effective activists
B) Build better political and social systems
C) Be the change you seek in the world
D) Only effective activism is worthwhile
E) All activists are good people

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT an objection that Ilea and Janzen consider in their essay?

A) I don't have many friends who can help me with the projects I'd like to work on
B) I'm just one person, I can't expect to make a difference
C) I'm afraid of what will happen if I invest in a cause without a solution
D) I'm not even that interested in any social issues
E) Nobody cares what I have to say