For centuries, activism and different forms of it have transpired in order to address social issues and injustices when it comes to race, gender, sexual orientation and identity, government policies, sex crimes, and much more.
Activism is broadcasted in so many influential ways. Activism can be shown through mass protests, boycotting certain brands, strikes, fundraising, sit-ins, rallies, and other ways.
While these forms of activism remain powerful in their own ways, there is one form of activism that is just as powerful. However, it just doesn’t get the same amount of credit, and that is activism through art.
Activism through art can be so simple, yet so significant . People are intrigued and entertained by art, whether it’s by literature, performances, music, or by drawings and paintings.
The most formidable part about art is once you catch someone’s curiosity you are able to incorporate activism in ways that will help them understand the cause. Once captured by that art, hopefully the message will sink through.
We see this work through many artists, such as, Chella Man, Faith Ringgold, Nina Simone, Maya Angelou, Lady Gaga, Chappel Roan, and many more. We also see activism through plays, like The Crucible and The Tempest and musicals Cabaret and Newsies.
On a highschool campus, it can be hard at times to address issues that involve heavy injustice due to possible restrictions on what one can say or do on said campus. However, that doesn’t stop students or clubs on the Los Osos campus from fighting for what is right.
Many students have taken the opportunity to address conversations that may be uncomfortable (but are needed) through the power of art. They’ve taken the courage and bravery to call out injustices that happen in our community and our world.
Journalism is an amazing example of activism through art. The Grizzly Gazette is the school newspaper and all the students in the class have the privilege to write about issues that need to be addressed.
Multiple articles we have published represent political activism, and we bring light to stories that have injustice. In Journalism, the staff uses their voices and write in forms of protest.
Another club that shows activism through art is Queer Quarterly. Queer Quarterly is a club that educates people how LGBTQ+ matters, as well as offering a safe place for all on campus. They show immense support and activism on issues regarding the LGBTQ+ community.
One of the ways they show their activism is on a bulletin board. Members of the club draw, write, and have pieces of flags that represent different sexual orientations and identities on the board.
That board has messages of activism all throughout. The pieces of art and just the board itself is a reminder that LGBTQ+ people exist and will always continue to exist no matter what.
Diversify Our Narrative Action Club, or D.O.N. Action, is a club that reads and discusses diverse and banned books, as well as advocating for curriculum diversification within the school district.
The club reads books about race, gender, sexual identity and orientation, and many more important topics that have been banned, in order to discuss the message, idea, or discrimination that occurs in the book.
Literature is art, and when the club reads said literature that is banned that in itself is a form of activism. By doing this, they keep the message alive while encouraging those around to remain curious and aware.
Activism through art will always be important and will always be needed. The activism that these programs and clubs do, help spread education and encourage positive change.
Allow their art to inspire you to be your own activist.