Wednesday Assignment 3

 

I feel that there are 2 different types of “radical”. The first radical we will designate as “radical 1 ”. I recognize this as an action being taken that was highly thought of and well organized. Some people might view it as radical, however it is necessary for the movement to get their point across. The second form of radicalism we will designate as “radical 2”.  I recognize this as an action that is not very well thought of and/or organized that may not have the approval from members of the same movement. A great example of the “radical 1” is from the article in which Maxine Wolfe of ACT UP was interviewed by Laraine Sommella. There appears to be quite a few “radical” tactics that were used in the ACT UP organization. They not only picketed around the front of a building Wolfe explains, but they actually broke into one. She claimed, “half the time we would go to dinners that were held by Republicans, we’d go in [Republican] drag to get in… There was this whole idea that you would do what you had to do to get in somewhere, and that you would get into it; you wouldn’t be on the outside looking in, asking people to take your leaflet but you would be demanding that people pay attention to you had to say….”. I believe this is radical, however it was a necessary mean for them to get their point across of AIDS and it’s affect on lives. In addition I felt that even though it was radical, it was used in a very smart organized way; it helped raise awareness of the responsibilities of straight men, not just women, prostitutes and gay men. However, in the Republicans view it perhaps was viewed as extremely radical. I can see this standpoint as understandable because you have people who are coming to you, face to face, trying to persuade you of something you do not believe, thus do not care (such as the opposition of homosexuals). An example of “radical 2” is the Clothesline project. I saw this as extremely radical because it did not seem very well thought up. It is wonderful to raise awareness of the rape issues on campus. However I believe many people of that movement (who are outside the campus) would not have approved. What will putting the name of the violator on your shirt accomplish? It even says in “rape is one of the most falsely reported crimes” in the article “U. of Maryland Correct to Deny Clothesline Protestors a Forum to Publicly Name Alleged Rapists”. This did not seem to be very well planned out on the organizations behalf. It was not thought if that could be a legal issue. The people who were accused have rights as well.  As for the pro- life movement, I believe that the picketing is viewed as “radicalism 1”. I consider it radical, as I am pro- choice, and do not like people forcing their opinions on me (not just with this issue but all). However I can see where they are coming from. They truly with all their hearts believe that there should not be abortion, and perhaps they see it as the only way to get to people. However I find their use of words (such as the steps of an abortion) and visuals in their websites to be more emotionally arousing. Perhaps they do it to get more to the political side of things, and I think it is a great way. I believe “outing” is acceptable because it is only freedom of speech. However I do not see it as prolific in the political sense, but as a unifying tool that could lead to it. “Radical” circumstances should be limited like most of the readings have been. However I do think it is necessary at times. This is when a social movement (such as the gay rights movement, and the wish of the right to marry) would like for something to be a law and if politicians are dong nothing about it (which I believe is the case in Iran as of right now).