Re: In Praise of Incrementalism

A must listen history of gay rights activism in the early 1960s from Freakonomics:

Linda HIRSHMAN: People often say to me, “Wow, gay marriage. It succeeded so quickly!” They say that all the time. We all like a dramatic story. But things don’t happen out of the blue, and it’s so interesting to get a true picture of why change happens, rather than this sort of phony, all-of-a-sudden picture.

Our modern views didn’t just spring out of no where. Individuals fought within psychology, science, government. They needed to show that this wasn’t a disorder, not dangerous, not criminal, and not amoral or unethical. Love the behavioral economics messages at the end “Put your own interests first.” and “Take the moral high ground.” and “Have weekly meetings. I’m not convinced that social media is a substitute”

Social media makes it very easy for people to ignore your message. How many times have you talked to someone who thinks they’re an activist because they tweeted? I’m obviously a fan of social media! It’s just a piece. Not the whole. It’s great for coordinating likeminded opinions, listening to others.

A related quote I love:

“Don’t waste your energy trying to educate or change opinions; go over, under, through, and opinions will change organically when you’re the boss. Or they won’t. Who cares? Do your thing, and don’t care if they like it.” Tina Fey


Re: In Praise of Incrementalism

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