It seems to be a popular tactic these days for "social justice" to focus on "who's to blame" and "whom to attack" and "whom we don't like" and such. If you ask me, an entirely offensive fight does more harm than good. It hurts people labelled as "offenders" without actually benefitting
anybody. Harming people for no real purpose is not activism, just bullying. It's done for the same petty reasons as any other type of bullying; insecurity, jealousy, anger and hate.
So, I think it's worth making a list of simple guidelines for anybody interested in doing something worthwhile, instead of just lashing out for the sake of being nasty. That way, people know the difference between participating in a
cause and just being a
bully.
First, do no harm.
Anybody who truly intends to help people isn't going to try to hurt people. The people not in your preferred group are still people and don't deserve any less, simply because you aren't focused on them, specifically. Trying to hurt them isn't going to help you, or the people you claim to be fighting for, or anybody else, for that matter. All generalizing about, projecting motive upon or dehumanizing others will do is piss off
everybody. As an activist, your job is to
elevate, not tear down - to
advocate, not attack.
Focus on your cause.
If your focus is on "fighting the system" or "sticking it to the man" or anything of that sort, your focus is
not on the people you claim to be fighting for. Focusing on trying to attack others or convince them that they are bad people is going to make them defensive, not receptive. Instead of slinging derogatory insults like "privileged" and "ignorant" focus on things like "disadvantage" and
demonstration of the information you think they lack.
Don't be a hypocrite.
If your problem is stereotyping and/or dehumanization of a demographic, it's not going to serve your cause to stereotype or dehumanize other demographics. If you want sympathy and serious consideration for your cause, mocking the concerns of others isn't going to get it. If you claim to represent "truth" then ignoring or minimizing the importance of facts and sound logic presented by the other side isn't going to speak well of your integrity.
Don't hate.
This is one of the biggest pitfalls I regularly see. Regardless of a person's demographic, status, position, association, or power, they are no less human, nor less an individual as you. None of those things negate their experience, perspective, or potential input toward a discussion. Making judgements about or attempting to negate their
personhood is not the same as making judgements about or contradicting their
arguments. Personal/political attacks and/or dismissals are not a form of rational debate.