An activist is a person who takes action to promote, challenge, or bring about social, political, environmental, or economic change.
Activists advocate for causes they believe in, such as human rights, environmental protection, racial justice, gender equality, or political reform. They may do this through protests, campaigns, petitions, social media, community organizing, or legal action.
Activism is the process of campaigning or taking direct action to bring about change in society. It can take many forms, including peaceful demonstrations, writing, and spreading awareness, lobbying governments, boycotting companies, or even artistic expression. Some famous movements driven by activism include the Civil Rights Movement, climate activism (like Fridays for Future), and women’s suffrage.
HERE ARE SOME WELL-KNOWN ACTIVISTS FROM BOTH THE PAST AND PRESENT:
PAST ACTIVISTS:
Martin Luther King Jr. (1929–1968) – Leader of the American Civil Rights Movement, known for his role in ending segregation and his “I Have a Dream” speech.
Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948) – Led India’s nonviolent resistance against British rule, inspiring civil rights movements worldwide.
Rosa Parks (1913–2005) – Sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott by refusing to give up her bus seat, playing a key role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Susan B. Anthony (1820–1906) – Fought for women’s suffrage in the U.S., leading to the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote.
Nelson Mandela (1918–2013) – Fought against apartheid in South Africa and later became the country’s first Black president.
Malcolm X (1925–1965) – Advocated for Black empowerment and justice in the U.S., initially through the Nation of Islam and later with a broader vision.
César Chávez (1927–1993) – Organized farmworkers to fight for better wages and working conditions in the U.S.
Harriet Tubman (1822–1913) – Led enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad.
PRESENT ACTIVISTS:
Greta Thunberg (2003–present) – A Swedish climate activist who started the global “Fridays for Future” movement to fight climate change.
Malala Yousafzai (1997–present) – Advocates for girls’ education after surviving a Taliban attack in Pakistan. She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014.
Tarana Burke (1973–present) – Founder of the #MeToo movement, which raised awareness about sexual harassment and assault.
Patrisse Cullors (1983–present) – Co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement, advocating against police brutality and racial injustice.
Bryan Stevenson (1959–present) – Lawyer and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, fighting against mass incarceration and racial injustice.
Xiuhtezcatl Martinez (2000–present) – Indigenous climate activist and hip-hop artist raising awareness about environmental issues.
Joshua Wong (1996–present) – A pro-democracy activist from Hong Kong, known for his leadership in student-led protests.
Amanda Gorman (1998–present) – Poet and activist known for her powerful speeches on racial justice, climate change, and equality.
ACTIVISM IN THE PAST VS. PRESENT
Activism has existed throughout history, evolving in methods, causes, and impact. While the core goal—bringing about social, political, or environmental change—remains the same, the way activism is carried out has changed due to technological advancements and shifts in society.
PAST ACTIVISM (BEFORE THE DIGITAL AGE)
Activism in the past relied heavily on physical presence, printed materials, and word-of-mouth. Some key characteristics:
Peaceful Protests & Marches – The Civil Rights Movement in the U.S. used marches (e.g., the 1963 March on Washington) to demand equal rights.
Boycotts & Strikes – Workers’ rights movements, such as those led by César Chávez, used strikes and boycotts to push for better conditions.
Pamphlets & Newspapers – Activists like Susan B. Anthony spread ideas through printed materials since mass communication was limited.
Underground Movements – Resistance movements, like the Underground Railroad, secretly helped people escape oppression.
Political & Legal Action – Activists fought to change laws, such as women’s suffrage movements leading to voting rights.
EXAMPLES OF PAST ACTIVISM:
Abolitionist Movement (18th-19th centuries) – Fought to end slavery.
Women’s Suffrage Movements (19th-20th centuries) – Advocated for voting rights for women.
Civil Rights Movement (1950s-60s) – Fought against racial segregation and discrimination.
Anti-Apartheid Movement (20th century) – Worked to end racial segregation in South Africa.
PRESENT ACTIVISM (THE DIGITAL AGE)
Modern activism has expanded beyond traditional methods, using technology, social media, and global communication to spread awareness quickly. Some key features:
Social Media Activism – Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok help movements go viral (e.g., #MeToo, #BlackLivesMatter).
Online Petitions & Fundraising – Websites like Change.org allow activists to gather support quickly.
Live Streaming & Citizen Journalism – Protesters can record and share events in real time, influencing public opinion.
Corporate & Consumer Activism – People use their purchasing power to support ethical companies or boycott harmful ones.
Digital Hacktivism – Groups like Anonymous use cyber activism to expose corruption and advocate for justice.
Global Coordination – Movements like Fridays for Future (climate activism) organize worldwide protests simultaneously.
EXAMPLES OF PRESENT ACTIVISM:
Climate Activism – Led by figures like Greta Thunberg, raising awareness about climate change.
Black Lives Matter (BLM) – A movement against racial injustice, gaining global momentum.
#MeToo Movement – Advocating against sexual harassment and assault.
LGBTQ+ Rights Activism – Ongoing fights for equality and protection of LGBTQ+ rights.
Pro-Democracy Movements – Seen in places like Hong Kong, Iran, and Myanmar.
COMPARING PAST & PRESENT ACTIVISM:
Aspect Past Activism Present Activism Communication Pamphlets, speeches, newspapers Social media, live streaming, viral hashtags Organization In-person meetings, word-of-mouth Online organizing, global networking Speed of Spread Slower, local, or regional impact Instant, global awareness Challenges Censorship, lack of communication tools Online misinformation, digital surveillance Effectiveness Long-term legal and policy changes Rapid mobilization, cultural shifts
Both past and present activism have their strengths and challenges. While historical activism laid the groundwork for many rights we have today, modern activism has the advantage of digital tools, allowing for quicker action and broader reach.
activism is often against societal norms, challenging the status quo and pushing for change. Many social movements and countercultures throughout history have been forms of activism, even if they weren’t always labeled that way.
SOME GROUPS, LIKE HIPPIES, BEATNIKS, AND FLAPPERS, DISRUPTED TRADITIONAL VALUES THROUGH LIFESTYLE, FASHION, AND ART RATHER THAN DIRECT POLITICAL ACTIVISM. OTHERS ACTIVELY FOUGHT AGAINST LAWS, DISCRIMINATION, OR GOVERNMENT POLICIES. HERE’S A BREAKDOWN:
COUNTERCULTURES AS ACTIVISM AGAINST SOCIAL NORMS
FLAPPERS (1920S)
Against: Traditional gender roles and Victorian-era modesty.
Actions: Wore short skirts, cut their hair short, smoked, drank, and embraced jazz culture.
Impact: Helped change perceptions of women’s independence, leading to greater social freedoms.
BEATNIKS (1950S-60S)
Against: Conformity, consumerism, and rigid post-WWII social structures.
Actions: Embraced poetry, jazz, and Eastern spirituality while rejecting materialism.
Impact: Influenced the counterculture movement and inspired later activists, including hippies.
HIPPIES (1960S-70S)
Against: War (especially Vietnam), racism, strict societal norms, and capitalism.
Actions: Protests, free love movement, psychedelic drug use, communal living.
Impact: Helped shape environmentalism, anti-war activism, and LGBTQ+ rights movements.
PUNK MOVEMENT (1970S-80S)
Against: Corporate greed, government oppression, and mainstream music.
Actions: DIY culture, rebellious fashion, protest songs, anti-authoritarian attitudes.
Impact: Inspired later anti-establishment activism and independent artistic movements.
RIOT GRRRL (1990S)
Against: Sexism, sexual violence, and the exclusion of women from punk music.
Actions: Created feminist punk music, zines, and grassroots activism.
Impact: Helped advance third-wave feminism and discussions on gender equality.
COUNTERCULTURES VS. ACTIVISM
While countercultures challenge social norms through lifestyle and expression, activism usually involves more direct action like protests, legal efforts, and advocacy. However, both often overlap, influencing and fueling each other.
LET’S BREAK IT DOWN FURTHER BY LOOKING AT HOW THESE COUNTERCULTURES BOTH INFLUENCED AND ENGAGED IN ACTIVISM, AS WELL AS THEIR LONG-TERM IMPACT ON SOCIETY.
COUNTERCULTURES AS ACTIVISM AGAINST SOCIAL NORMS
FLAPPERS (1920S) – FEMININE REBELLION THROUGH FASHION & BEHAVIOR
What They Opposed:
Traditional Victorian-era modesty and gender roles.
The expectation that women should be domestic, submissive, and morally restrained.
How They Acted:
Wore shorter skirts and bobbed their hair—shocking at the time.
Drank alcohol and smoked in public (which women were discouraged from doing).
Danced to jazz music and openly dated, embracing sexual freedom.
Drove cars, worked jobs, and took advantage of new voting rights after the 19th Amendment.
Impact:
Though flappers weren’t formal activists, they symbolized the shift toward modern feminism.
Helped normalize women’s independence and social freedom.
Set the stage for later feminist movements by proving women could live outside traditional roles.
BEATNIKS (1950S-60S) – THE BIRTH OF THE COUNTERCULTURE
What They Opposed:
The materialism and consumerism of post-WWII America.
Conformity in fashion, work, and life expectations.
Censorship and restrictions on artistic expression.
How They Acted:
Adopted a minimalist lifestyle—rejecting suburban life and corporate jobs.
Expressed rebellion through poetry, literature, and jazz music.
Explored Eastern religions (Buddhism, Hinduism) and promoted peace.
Rejected racial segregation and supported the early Civil Rights Movement.
Impact:
Influenced the hippie movement and broader anti-war activism.
Helped spread ideas of free thought, nonconformity, and personal spiritual exploration.
Writers like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg became icons of individualism and artistic rebellion.
HIPPIES (1960S-70S) – FROM REBELLION TO POLITICAL ACTIVISM
What They Opposed:
The Vietnam War and militarization.
Racial and social injustice.
Corporate greed and environmental destruction.
How They Acted:
Organized and participated in massive anti-war protests, including the 1967 March on the Pentagon.
Promoted “free love” and LGBTQ+ rights, challenging traditional marriage and gender roles.
Lived communally and embraced sustainability, rejecting corporate consumerism.
Advocated for psychedelic drug use as a way to expand consciousness (which later led to the War on Drugs).
Impact:
Helped fuel major social movements, including the Civil Rights Movement, feminist movement, and environmentalism.
Woodstock (1969) became a symbol of peace and cultural revolution.
Contributed to legal changes like the end of the Vietnam draft and greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ communities.
PUNK MOVEMENT (1970S-80S) – ANTI-ESTABLISHMENT REBELLION
What They Opposed:
Government corruption and corporate control.
Mainstream music and fashion.
Social class inequality.
How They Acted:
Created the DIY music scene, refusing to rely on record labels.
Wrote political songs protesting war, racism, and police brutality (e.g., The Clash, Dead Kennedys).
Used provocative fashion (spikes, ripped clothes, anarchist symbols) to show defiance.
Supported underground activism for animal rights, feminism, and LGBTQ+ issues.
Impact:
Inspired future political activism through music, from Rage Against the Machine to modern protest artists.
Pushed back against corporate influence in music and media.
Encouraged young people to challenge authority and think independently.
RIOT GRRRL (1990S) – FEMINIST PUNK ACTIVISM
What They Opposed:
Sexism in the punk scene and society.
Sexual violence and the lack of women’s voices in media.
How They Acted:
Formed all-female punk bands (e.g., Bikini Kill) with lyrics about abuse, sexism, and empowerment.
Created zines (DIY feminist magazines) to spread ideas and connect with other activists.
Launched “Girls to the Front” at punk shows, ensuring women had space in male-dominated music scenes.
Took part in protests and supported pro-choice, LGBTQ+, and anti-violence movements.
Impact:
Helped shape third-wave feminism and the modern #MeToo movement.
Empowered women in music, media, and politics.
Sparked conversations about gender equality in creative industries.
COMPARING COUNTERCULTURES AND TRADITIONAL ACTIVISM
Counterculture Form of Protest Lasting Impact Flappers Fashion, nightlife, and social defiance Helped normalize women’s independence and led to greater gender equality. Beatniks Poetry, jazz, and anti-materialism Paved the way for hippies and anti-establishment movements. Hippies Protests, music festivals, and communal living Fueled anti-war, environmental, and LGBTQ+ rights activism. Punks Music, fashion, and anarchist ideals Challenged government and corporate influence in youth culture. Riot Grrrl Feminist punk music, zines, and protests Inspired modern feminist activism and gender equality movements.
HOW COUNTERCULTURES HAVE INFLUENCED MODERN ACTIVISM
Social media has replaced zines and underground newspapers as the way movements spread their messages.
Activist musicians like Rage Against the Machine and Billie Eilish continue using music as protest.
LGBTQ+ rights, climate activism, and anti-racism movements all draw inspiration from past countercultures.
Countercultures like flappers, beatniks, hippies, punks, and Riot Grrrls weren’t always direct political activists, but they challenged social norms, influenced activism, and changed history. Many of their ideas—gender equality, racial justice, environmentalism, and anti-war sentiment—became mainstream causes because of their rebellious spirit.
TODAY’S ACTIVISM HAS STRONG ROOTS IN PAST COUNTERCULTURES, EVOLVING WITH MODERN TECHNOLOGY, SOCIAL MEDIA, AND CHANGING SOCIETAL CHALLENGES. MANY OF THE THEMES FROM MOVEMENTS LIKE THE FLAPPERS, BEATNIKS, HIPPIES, PUNKS, AND RIOT GRRRLS ARE STILL RELEVANT BUT EXPRESSED IN NEW WAYS. HERE’S HOW:
Feminism: Flappers → Riot Grrrl → #MeToo & Women’s Rights
Then:
Flappers (1920s) pushed for gender equality through fashion, lifestyle, and independence.
Riot Grrrl (1990s) used punk music and zines to raise awareness of sexism, sexual assault, and gender inequality.
Now:
#MeToo Movement (2017–present): Social media has amplified the conversation on sexual harassment and assault.
Body positivity & gender fluidity: Today’s feminism fights not just for women’s rights but for gender inclusivity and representation.
Women in politics and leadership: Increased activism for equal pay, reproductive rights, and breaking glass ceilings.
Civil Rights & Racial Justice: Beatniks & Hippies → Black Lives Matter (BLM) & Anti-Racism Movements
Then:
Beatniks (1950s) rejected segregation and supported early Civil Rights efforts.
Hippies (1960s) joined the Civil Rights Movement and marched for racial justice.
Now:
Black Lives Matter (2013–present): Digital activism and protests call for racial equality, police reform, and an end to systemic racism.
Representation in media: Pushing for diversity in Hollywood, literature, and business.
Support for Indigenous rights: Movements like “Land Back” seek justice for Indigenous communities.
Anti-War & Peace Movements: Hippies → Anti-Militarization & Global Protests
Then:
Hippies led anti-Vietnam War protests, opposing government militarism, and advocating for peace.
Now:
Opposition to modern wars: Protests against U.S. military involvement in the Middle East, Ukraine, and other regions.
Drone warfare & nuclear disarmament: Modern peace activists focus on limiting advanced military technologies.
Pacifist movements in social media: Online activism calls for diplomacy over conflict.
Environmental Activism: Hippies → Climate Change Movements
Then:
Hippies embraced sustainability, organic food, and back-to-nature lifestyles.
Now:
Fridays for Future (Greta Thunberg): Youth-led climate protests, inspired by past environmental activism.
Eco-conscious consumerism: Push for sustainable fashion, electric cars, and corporate accountability.
Social media climate activism: Hashtags like #ActOnClimate and digital organizing replace old-school rallies.
LGBTQ+ Rights: Hippies & Punks → Pride Movement & Gender Activism
Then:
Hippies promoted “free love” and LGBTQ+ acceptance.
Punks challenged gender norms with androgynous fashion and music.
Now:
LGBTQ+ Pride & Trans Rights Movements: Modern activism fights for marriage equality, workplace protections, and transgender rights.
Non-binary and gender fluid identities: A continuation of rejecting traditional gender norms.
Social media visibility: Platforms like TikTok and Twitter amplify LGBTQ+ voices and challenges.
Anti-Consumerism & DIY Culture: Beatniks & Punks → Digital Minimalism & Ethical Consumerism
Then:
Beatniks rejected 1950s consumer culture.
Punks pioneered the DIY movement, creating independent art, music, and fashion.
Now:
Slow fashion & anti-fast fashion movements: Calls for ethical labor practices and sustainable clothing.
Tech minimalism & digital detox: People rejecting social media, smartphones, and excessive screen time.
Independent creators & influencers: Self-made musicians, writers, and artists using Patreon, YouTube, and Substack instead of corporate media.
Music as Protest: Hippies, Punks, & Riot Grrrl → Modern Political Music
Then:
Protest music in the 1960s (Bob Dylan, Joan Baez) fought against war and injustice.
Punk bands like The Clash and Dead Kennedys wrote songs against government corruption.
Riot Grrrl bands (Bikini Kill) addressed feminism and sexual violence.
Now:
Hip-hop and rap activism: Artists like Kendrick Lamar and Childish Gambino highlight racial and social issues.
Political pop music: Musicians like Billie Eilish, Halsey, and Lady Gaga incorporate activism into their art.
DIY music scenes & independent protest artists: Digital platforms allow grassroots music activism to thrive.
Digital Activism & Cancel Culture: Evolution of Counterculture Movements
Then:
Past countercultures used zines, underground radio, and independent publishing to spread their messages.
Now:
Social media activism: Hashtags like #MeToo, #BLM, and #ClimateCrisis act as modern protest tools.
Cancel culture & call-outs: Social accountability, for better or worse, replaces old-school boycotts.
Viral movements: TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter spread activism faster than ever before.
A CONTINUOUS CYCLE OF REBELLION
Each past counterculture laid the groundwork for today’s activism. While the methods have changed—from underground newspapers to viral hashtags—the core message remains: challenging societal norms, fighting for justice, and pushing for progress.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU ARE COUNTERCULTURE OR ACTIVIST OR INTO ACTIVISM?
That depends on how you engage with societal norms and whether you actively work to change or challenge them. Here are some ways to assess where you might fall:
Do You Challenge the Status Quo?
Do you often question traditional values, rules, or societal expectations?
Do you feel like mainstream culture doesn’t fully align with your views?
If yes → You might be part of a counterculture.
Example: Hippies in the 1960s rejected consumerism and war. Today, people who embrace alternative lifestyles (e.g., minimalism, off-grid living, rejecting fast fashion) could be seen as countercultural.
Do You Take Action to Create Change?
Do you actively advocate for a cause (e.g., speaking out, protesting, raising awareness, or voting for change)?
Do you educate others or organize events to address social, political, or environmental issues?
If yes → You might be an activist.
Example: Climate activists like Greta Thunberg or civil rights activists like Martin Luther King Jr. took direct action to change laws and behaviors.
Do You Support a Movement Without Direct Action?
Do you donate to causes you care about?
Do you support activism through online engagement (sharing information, signing petitions, voting based on values)?
If yes → You might be into activism but not necessarily an activist.
Example: Many people support Black Lives Matter, women’s rights, or climate action through social media without attending protests. This is still a form of activism, often called “armchair activism” or “digital activism.”
Do You Express Your Views Through Art, Fashion, or Lifestyle?
Do you use creative outlets (music, fashion, literature, tattoos, personal style) to challenge norms?
Do you see your way of life as a statement against mainstream culture?
If yes → You might be countercultural rather than an activist.
Example:
Beatniks (1950s) used poetry and jazz to express their views on politics and society.
Punk rockers (1970s) used music and DIY fashion to rebel against authority.
Are You More Focused on Rejecting Society or Changing It?
Rejecting it → Counterculture. Example: Living off-grid, refusing to engage with mainstream systems.
Changing it → Activism. Example: Pushing for policy changes, organizing protests, advocating for social justice.
Some people are both countercultural and activists. For instance, hippies rejected mainstream culture and protested against war and pollution.
FINAL THOUGHTS: WHERE DO YOU FIT?
If you live differently from society but don’t actively work for change → Counterculture.
If you actively challenge systems to improve society → Activist.
If you support activism but don’t organize or take direct action → Engaged in activism.
If you do all three → You might be both countercultural and an activist.
Throughout history, countercultures and activism have played key roles in shaping societies, often overlapping but serving distinct purposes. Countercultures, such as the flappers of the 1920s, beatniks of the 1950s, and hippies of the 1960s, rejected societal norms through lifestyle, fashion, and artistic expression.
Their rebellion was often cultural rather than directly political, though their influence sometimes led to lasting change. Activists, on the other hand, take a more direct approach, organizing protests, influencing policies, and advocating for change within systems. While some countercultural movements also engage in activism—like the hippies protesting the Vietnam War—many exist simply as alternative ways of living rather than movements seeking societal transformation.
In today’s world, the lines between counterculture and activism continue to blur, especially with the rise of digital activism and widespread social awareness. People may express their dissent through personal lifestyle choices, online advocacy, or active participation in movements that challenge injustice.
Whether one rejects societal norms as part of a counterculture, actively fights for change as an activist, or supports activism in quieter ways, all these roles contribute to shaping the world. Understanding where you fit can help clarify your impact and guide your approach to creating the change you want to see.
IF YOU WANT TO DIVE DEEPER INTO COUNTERCULTURES, ACTIVISM, AND HOW THEY SHAPE SOCIETY, HERE ARE SOME GREAT SOURCES TO EXPLORE:
Books & Articles
- Counterculture & Social Movements
- The Rebel Sell by Joseph Heath & Andrew Potter – Examines whether countercultures truly challenge capitalism or just feed into it.
- The Sixties: Years of Hope, Days of Rage by Todd Gitlin – A deep dive into the countercultural and activist movements of the 1960s.
- Subculture: The Meaning of Style by Dick Hebdige – Analyzes how subcultures like punk and hippies use fashion and lifestyle to resist mainstream culture.
- Activism & Social Change
- Rules for Radicals by Saul Alinsky – A classic guide on grassroots activism.
- The Activist’s Handbook by Randy Shaw – Explains different activist strategies and how they have shaped modern movements.
- Why Civil Resistance Works by Erica Chenoweth & Maria J. Stephan – Uses data to show how nonviolent activism has historically led to change.
Websites & Online Resources
- Activism & Social Movements
- Zinn Education Project – Focuses on the history of activism and grassroots movements.
- The Center for Protest Research – Tracks global activism and its effectiveness.
- Howard Zinn’s A People’s History of the United States – A free online history of activism and resistance in the U.S.
- Counterculture & Alternative Lifestyles
- The Museum at Bethel Woods – Dedicated to Woodstock and the 1960s counterculture.
- BBC History: The Swinging Sixties – Covers countercultural movements in Britain.
- Countercultures in America – Search for various Smithsonian articles on past and present countercultural movements.
Documentaries & Films
- The Weather Underground (2002) – About 1960s radical activism.
- Berkeley in the Sixties (1990) – Covers student activism and countercultural movements.
- The Internet’s Own Boy (2014) – About modern digital activism and internet freedom.
- Punk: Attitude (2005) – Explores punk as a countercultural movement.