Slacktivism and Underrepresentation: Why I Decided to Join ARCC

The Oxford English Dictionary defines slacktivism to be “actions performed via the internet in support of a political or social cause (e.g., signing an online petition), characterized as requiring little time, effort, or commitment, or as providing more personal satisfaction than public impact.” 

For me, slacktivism has a much simpler definition. Slacktivism is a major reason why progress toward anti-racism can be slow. 

I decided to volunteer for the Anti-Racism Commitment Coalition because I am tired of people reposting images and quotes from major human rights leaders and feeling like that is a meaningful contribution. I am passionate about active anti-racism and promoting real activism, rather than slacktivism, within my community. My belief that anti-racism starts with converting passive allies to involved advocates is in full alignment with ARCC’s mission, and as a volunteer I have the opportunity to support that mission in an impactful way while also seeing tangible results. 

I am also a Punjabi Sikh student, so I have witnessed much racism in the past, mostly linked toward visible expressions of my faith like the turbans worn by my dad and brother. I feel that South Asians, and especially Sikhs, are underrepresented in many conversations about racism, so I would like to bring my perspective as an observant Indian girl into larger conversations about anti-racism.