TonyNovak.com
Activism and the social entrepreneur
Motivation for social activism in a civil society almost always stems from dissatisfaction
with the status quo rather than a belief that the actor has an
inside track to the solution. But exactly what triggers some people take on
a role as activist,
leader, writer, commentator, politician? Why do some raise their voice
and take action while most just go with the flow of life? Why do a few
people take on an extra burden of acting on principle while most take
the more practical course of less
resistance? A conviction that it is possible to improve our world is ultimately what makes
the human experience worth living. It is about this journey, not the
destination.
This photo was taken in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania of the bronze statue by Mabel Landrum Torrey located in the center of the town square. The statue is titled "Winken Blinken and Nod", based on the well-known poem by Eugene Field published in 1889. We may recognize this poem under an earlier title "Dutch Lullaby" or from recordings by Donovan (1971 and 2002) and the Doobie Brothers in 1981.
The lyric quotation is from the Grateful Dead song "Terrapin Station" first performed in 1977. This song is one of the most discussed of the author's works partially because was intentionally incomplete, and more alluring, in all of the familiar versions performed by Jerry Garcia.
Presented together, I believe that this photo, the lyric and the introductory paragraph above describe the motivation behind my recent focus on social advocacy work. Comments and feedback are always welcome.
