Should We Stop Applauding Greta Thunberg?
Look at all these people doing nothing. Just on their phones. Taking pictures. They should be doing something about this instead.
Hearing this at a recent climate change demonstration*, I could not help but wonder. Is it not largely because of this that climate activists all over the world have come together in forming a widespread global movement?
Pictures and videos of climate demonstrations from all corners of the globe are spread across social platforms, inspiring more and more people to join the movement.
Starting with Greta Thunberg demonstrating outside the Swedish parliament, more and more people of all ages joined across the world. Made possible, at least partially, through digital communication.
Capturing the moment through pictures and video. Sharing online. Endorsing the movement. Isn’t that doing something about this?
Reading Edel Kennedy’s article ”Why You Need To Stop Applauding Greta Thunberg” made me think again. It’s a provocative title, and to an extent, perhaps rightly so.
Arguing that Greta deserves the applause, Kennedy goes on to write that “[…] if that’s all you’re doing, you need to stop and start doing something instead.”
And I have to agree. Applauding the movement and going back to business as usual may not be enough. Depending on your current position and situation.
But does that mean that you should stop applauding Greta unless you’re doing something more?
I don’t think so.
It implies that there are more important things you could be doing. And that somehow, you need to make a certain amount of changes in your life before you’re allowed to show support. It implies that it is necessary for the average Joe to take measures on an individual level before sharing articles and applauding front figures.
Sure, we should always encourage each other to do better. And try to better ourselves.
But let’s face it, what would serve the planet best — 100 people cutting their use of plastic straws without anyone knowing or 100 people publicly announcing their support for Greta Thunberg? I can’t know for sure. But I don’t think we should put one act against another.
In a world where people who try their best are shamed for doing too little. Where the individual is being blamed for system error. You can always do more. Some would rather not do anything at all than act on one thing, and risk being criticised for what they’re not doing.
So, how can we best act to make a change?
Perhaps applauding Greta is the greatest impact you can have, or perhaps you could do more.
In any case, I don’t think you should just stop and start doing something instead. Because spreading awareness and showing support means you are already doing something.
So continue applauding, sharing, endorsing and supporting the important work of climate activists and organisations. And if you can, make changes in your daily life. Demand action from your government, the corporations and organisations you interact with. Be the change maker in your community.
Who knows, soon you might even become an activist yourself. Let it be seen, let it be known.
*This article was originally drafted in October 2019.
