Civic activism vs. disinformation I
Due to the reforms taking place in the country, Ruth, a member of the community, has become a community activist. As part of the reforms, it is planned to close an important service for the community, and because of coinciding circumstances, Ruth has risen to the head of a citizens’ initiative for the preservation of the service. Ruth’s principle has been to keep as constructive an attitude as possible, although there are also more radical and aggressive positions within the movement. At another meeting with the unit leading the reform, a group of supporters joins the community members. Even before the speakers can begin with their presentations on the need for reforms, the members of the affiliated group begin to whistle at the performers and outshout them.
What would you do in Ruth's place?
- 1. Troublemaking is unacceptable. I will intervene and demand that the whistlers and outshouters cease their activities immediately. Otherwise, I will promise to call the security guards.
- 2. I will intervene and speak up, urging everyone to be polite to each other. I will promise that everyone who wishes will have the floor in due order.
- 3. I will do nothing. This is the problem of the people responsible for the reform to cope with interaction with the radicals as well.
- 4. I will go to the people responsible for the reform and apologise for the more radical members of the community. I will say that these people feel very threatened, which is why they are unwilling to listen to the other party. I will propose to relocate the meeting to another, smaller room where the radicals cannot participate.
- 5. I will apologise to all those gathered together, and suggest that the group that has joined could first voice their concerns in a polite manner. By listening, the people responsible for the reform will also have a more precise understanding of what has remained unclear to people so far.