Therapy First’s Post

The Targeting of Activists: A Blight on Democracy and Humanity In the supposed bastions of democracy and freedom, activists are increasingly finding themselves in the crosshairs of attacks, harassment, intimidation, and bullying tactics. This alarming trend not only undermines the fundamental principles of democracy but also violates the basic rights and dignity of individuals striving for positive change in society. 1. Threat to Power Dynamics: Activists often challenge existing power structures, whether they are political, economic, or social. Their calls for justice, equality, and accountability threaten the status quo and those who benefit from it. As a result, these entrenched interests resort to various tactics to neutralize dissent, including attacks, harassment, and intimidation. 2. Fear of Change: Change is inherently unsettling for some, especially those who benefit from the current system. Activists advocating for reform or social progress can evoke fear among those who fear losing their privilege or control. In response, these individuals or groups may resort to extreme measures to suppress any voices calling for change. 3. Discrediting Dissent: Rather than engaging in constructive dialogue or addressing the issues raised by activists, some entities opt to discredit them. This often involves launching smear campaigns, spreading false information, or labeling activists as criminals or enemies of the state. By tarnishing their reputation, the aim is to undermine their credibility and legitimacy. 4. Criminalizing Advocacy: In some cases, governments enact laws or utilize legal mechanisms to criminalize activism. Peaceful protests are met with excessive force, arbitrary arrests, and trumped-up charges. By framing activism as a threat to national security or public order, authorities justify repressive measures that curtail freedom of expression and assembly. 5. Crimes Against Humanity: The systematic targeting of activists constitutes a gross violation of human rights and amounts to crimes against humanity. These actions not only inflict physical harm and psychological trauma but also erode the very fabric of democracy and rule of law. By silencing dissent and suppressing freedom, perpetrators undermine the foundations of a just and equitable society. #ActivistRights #HumanRights #FreedomOfSpeech #DefendDemocracy #StandWithActivists #StopHarassment #JusticeForActivists #Solidarity #EndImpunity #ProtectActivists #SocialJustice #ResistOppression #CivilRights #GlobalSolidarity #NoToRepression Mary Lawlor

6. International Obligations: Under international law, states have a duty to protect and uphold the rights of individuals to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. Targeting activists for their advocacy efforts contravenes these obligations and warrants condemnation from the international community. It is imperative for nations to uphold their commitments to human rights and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. 7. Economic Interests: Activists who challenge powerful economic interests, such as corporations or industries, often face targeted attacks. These entities may use their financial resources to fund smear campaigns, legal harassment, or even physical violence against activists who threaten their profit margins or expose unethical practices. 8. Intersectionality: Activists from marginalized communities, such as women, LGBTQ+ individuals, indigenous peoples, and ethnic minorities, face intersecting forms of discrimination and violence. Their activism not only challenges broader power structures but also confronts specific forms of oppression and marginalization. Recognizing and addressing these intersecting identities is crucial for understanding the unique challenges faced by different activist groups. #ActivistRights #HumanRights #FreedomOfSpeech #DefendDemocracy #StandWithActivists #StopHarassment #JusticeForActivists #Solidarity #EndImpunity #ProtectActivists #SocialJustice #ResistOppression #CivilRights #GlobalSolidarity #NoToRepression Mary Lawlor

9. Cyber Attacks and Surveillance: In the digital age, activists are vulnerable to cyber attacks, online harassment, and surveillance. Governments and other actors may monitor activists' online activities, infiltrate their communications, or launch cyber attacks to disrupt their advocacy efforts. These tactics pose serious threats to activists' privacy, security, and ability to organize effectively. 10. Psychological Impact: The constant threat of attacks, harassment, and intimidation takes a toll on activists' mental health and well-being. Many activists experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other psychological consequences as a result of sustained pressure and trauma. Addressing the psychological impact of targeting is essential for supporting activists and ensuring their resilience in the face of adversity. 11. Global Solidarity: Given the transnational nature of many human rights and social justice issues, solidarity among activists across borders is crucial. International networks and alliances provide support, resources, and advocacy platforms for activists facing repression in their own countries. Building global solidarity strengthens the resilience of the activist community and amplifies their collective voice on the world stage. By addressing these additional dimensions, we gain a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by activists and the urgent need to protect their rights, safety, and dignity. Conclusion: The targeting of activists represents a grave threat to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. It is imperative for governments, civil society organizations, and individuals to stand in solidarity with activists and defend their right to advocate for positive change. Only through collective action and unwavering commitment can we ensure that activists are protected from attacks, harassment, and intimidation, and that their voices continue to be heard in the pursuit of a more just and equitable world. Mary Lawlor #ActivistRights #HumanRights #FreedomOfSpeech #DefendDemocracy #StandWithActivists #StopHarassment #JusticeForActivists #Solidarity #EndImpunity #ProtectActivists #SocialJustice #ResistOppression #CivilRights #GlobalSolidarity #NoToRepression

🚨 CAUTION: if you ticked any of the below, you've fulfilled some of the criteria to be flagged by the UK government's "Prevent" strategy. It's obvious checklist is alarmingly common. This #BlackHistoryMonth we need to reclaim the narrative: wanting to remedy injustice is not “radicalisation”, it is a sign of humanity. When we have the freedom to fight for justice & human rights, history changes for the better. But right now, the UK government’s crackdown on activism, protest and freedom of expression is impacting racialised communities and racial justice activists. “Prevent” targets children, Muslims and neurodivergent people. It is racist and discriminatory. We need to scrap ”Prevent”.

We are committed to social and racial justice, integrity, learning new things, and providing excellent service and content.⁠ ⁠ Tag some of your favorite businesses and organizations that are committed to racial and social justice in the comments! ⁠ #antiracist #blacklivesmatter #socialimpact #socialjustice #socialimpactmarketing #socialforgoodco

In this powerful video, our founder Sam Brown passionately expresses the urgent need to end involuntary servitude in California's penal system. Prop 6 is a critical step toward justice and equality, ensuring that no one is exploited under the guise of tough-on-crime laws. Sam urges everyone to register to vote and make your voice heard by voting YES on Prop 6. This is our opportunity to create real change and dismantle systemic injustice. Your vote matters. Stand with us in the fight for freedom, equality, and human dignity. 🗳️ Register to vote. ✅ Vote YES on Prop 6. ✊ End involuntary servitude. #10PProgram #VoteYesOnProp6 #EndInvoluntaryServitude #JusticeForAll #RegisterToVote #SamBrown #HumanRights #Equality #SocialJustice

"What's Wrong With Reparations?" explores the crucial need for America to pay reparations to Black people. Just as Germany has taken responsibility for its past atrocities, the U.S. must confront its history of slavery and systemic racism. It's time to acknowledge the deep wounds and work towards healing. 🇺🇸✊🏾 #ReparationsNow #JusticeForAll #HealingAmerica #Reparations #BlackHistory #JusticeForBlackLives #SystemicRacism #Equality #BlackLivesMatter #AmericanHistory #RightTheWrongs #HR40 #EndRacism #SocialJustice #EconomicJustice #CivilRights #USPolitics #RacialEquity #Reparations2024 #TruthAndReconciliation #SupportBlackCommunities #TogetherWeRise https://lnkd.in/gCwNmcdG

This week’s opening thought: If your response to people from underserved, invisible, and marginalized communities who find themselves constantly on the defensive who are struggling with the anxiety that comes with deep uncertainty about the future of this country post-Election Day is “I don’t know why everyone is so stressed,” “It’ll work itself out,” or “We made it through the last time he was President so we’ll make it through this time, too,” you are one of two things: 1. A person with a great deal of privilege who isn't emotionally mature enough to understand that everything isn’t hunky-dory just because you don't think what you perceive as your rights and freedoms or safety are at risk. 2. A person who legitimately doesn't care about those around you because you enjoy paddling around in a pool of racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, and ableism. Real talk? Many of y'all are both, and it is not a good look. I'm not in the business of telling people how to vote, especially during an election as divisive and multi-layered as this one. However, I will always speak truth to power regarding accountability for those who normalize the notion that everyone doesn't deserve rights, privileges, and the safety to exist and thrive. Humans only thrive as a collective. Period. And by collective, I mean EVERY HUMAN BEING working together to ensure everyone is seen, heard, and supported in direct opposition to hate and oppression. You not caring about the collective is pure white supremacist heteronormative colonialist garbage. And if that is your stance, you need to be willing to vocally own said garbage as openly and eagerly as you toss out sentences like, “I wish everyone would chill out” during a supremely intense week in a country teetering on the brink of possibly irreparable harm for most of its citizens. Check yourself. #openingthought #oppression #whitesupremacy

We believe in the power of collective voices demanding change. A call for justice is a call to action, a reminder that we all have a role to play in shaping a more equitable society. Let us come together to advocate for the rights of all individuals, to promote understanding and empathy, and to work towards a future where justice is served. #JusticeForAll #EqualityForAll #HumanRights

The first episode is officially live on YouTube! Please do go check it out. https://lnkd.in/d7HTac73 This is a conversation that unpacks the roots of white hetero-patriarchy, its connection to systemic injustices, and how it fuels issues like GBV. Let’s challenge these systems and work toward a more equitable future. Watch now on YouTube: @adv_thando_gumede_za #AdvocateThando #WhiteHeteroPatriarchy #GBV #HumanRightsEducation