Gourt > Society > Issues > Science and Technology > Biotechnology > Genetics > Activism
Activism, in a general sense, can be described as intentional action to bring about social or political change. This action is in support of, or opposition to, one side of an often controversial argument.
The terms activism and activist used in a political manner first appeared in the Belgian press in 1916 in connection with the Flamingant movement.1 The word "activism" is often used synonymously with protest or dissent, but activism can stem from any number of political orientations and take a wide range of forms, from writing letters to newspapers or politicians, political campaigning, economic activism (such as boycotts or preferentially patronizing preferred businesses), rallies and street marches, strikes, or even guerrilla tactics. In the more confrontational cases, an activist may be called a freedom fighter by some, and a terrorist by others, depending on whether the commentator supports the activist's ends.
In some cases, activism has nothing to do with protest or confrontation: for instance, some religious and feminist activists try to persuade people to change their behavior directly, rather than persuade governments to change laws; the cooperative movement seeks to build new institutions which conform to its principles, and generally does not lobby or protest politically.
More on [ Activism ]
Science in Society :: Science
Activism :: Environment
Genetic Engineering :: Bioethics
Alaska Gov. Palin To Resign
Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:44:00 -0400
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who was Republican Sen. John McCain's running mate in the 2008 presidential campaign, says she will resign from office July 26.
Gov. Ted Strickland On Ohio's Budget Impasse
Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:45:00 -0400
Ohio is facing a $3.2 billion shortfall in its finances. Gov. Ted Strickland has proposed slots at racetracks and spending cuts, but has not been able to reach a deal with the Legislature. The state is operating on a temporary budget for the next few days.
Rare Copy Of Declaration Found In England
Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:00:00 -0400
An original copy of the Declaration of Independence was recently discovered in the British National Archives. Edward Hampshire, the diplomatic and colonial specialist at the archives, talks with Melissa Block about the discovery of the 26th copy of the document.
The Talk of the Town
Lauren Collins: Track School
Lauren Collins Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:00:00 -0000
June marks the onset of what one Village resident refers to as “devil-baby season”--the time of the year when the temperature climbs and New Yorkers start doing crazy stuff. This year, the weather stayed cold, and damp. Things still got weird. On Long Island, a newborn was found . . .
James Surowiecki: Caveat Mortgagor
James Surowiecki Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:00:00 -0000
In 1937, the Massengill Company began selling a health product called Elixir Sulfanilamide, which contained one of the antibiotic sulfa drugs. Unfortunately, it also contained diethylene glycol, a solvent that happens to be deadly to humans. In a matter of months, the elixir killed more than a hundred consumers. The . . .
Hendrik Hertzberg: Stonewall Plus Forty
Hendrik Hertzberg Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:00:00 -0000
The most improbable of America’s mass movements for civil rights--improbable at the time, inevitable in retrospect--got its start at a most improbable hour in a most improbable place. The hour: two in the morning, forty years ago. The place: the sidewalk in front of the Stonewall Inn, a . . .
Alliance for Bio-Integrity - Protecting the consumers right to eat safe genetically unaltered food.
Meta Description: [ Vioxx legal resources and free information about vioxx recall and lawsuit info. ]
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Biotechnology Watch - Page with links to biotechnology articles.
Californians for GE-Free Agriculture - Provides education and resources in support of the rights of farmers and communities to evaluate and address the environmental, human health, and economic risks of genetic engineering in agriculture.
Meta Description: [ Californians for GE-Free Agriculture is a unique coalition of sustainable farming, environmental and consumer organizations and individuals united to prevent genetically engineered agriculture in California. ]
Campaign to Ban Genetically Engineered Foods - Articles and links in multiple languages concerning genetically engineered foods.
Campaign to Label Genetically Engineered Foods - Offers news updates, educational information and letters people can send to their US Congressional Representatives in support of labeling legislation.
Meta Description: [ The Campaign is a political advocacy non-profit organization that is leading a grassroots effort to persuade Congress to pass legislation that would require genetically engineered foods to be labeled. ]
Friends of the Earth: Genetically Modified Food - UK national campaign outlines its aims, concerns about genetically engineered foods, a shopper's guide and an action plan.
Meta Description: [ Friends of the Earth Real Food Campaign. Real food is free from genetically modified ingredients and pesticide residues, it safeguards wildlife, the environment and your health. ]
Genetech Discussion - Supports discussions against genetic engineering.
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Genetic Engineering - Jeremy Rifkin applies for patent on human gene scrambling to prevent anyone doing it for 20 years.
Genetic Engineering Action Network (GEAN) - Seeks to support and further the work of those organizations and individuals working to address the risks to the environment, biodiversity, and human health, as well as the socioeconomic and ethical consequences of genetic engineering. Action tools, calendar, and news.
Genetic Engineering and Its Dangers - Large links list to general, ethical and technical information about the dangers of genetic engineering in general and its use in food production, biowarfare and human beings.
Genetically Engineered Food Alert - Advocates FDA-mandated testing and labeling of GE foods. Learning resources and activism information.
Genetically-Engineered Food Dangers - Features articles critical of genetically engineered food, links and listservs.
Meta Description: [
Detailed scientific and general documentation
regarding the dangers of genetically-engineered
foods and crops. Articles from independent
scientists & organizations plus links to important
informational web sites. ]
Genetix - From urban75, one of the UK's busiest online magazines. Contains a large list of contacts and links to further information.
Meta Description: [ Campaigns against GM and genetically modified food and protests against Monsanto and GM industries ]
Genetix Update - The UK Genetic Engineering Network (GEN) is an information sharing network for anyone actively campaigning against genetic engineering.
Meta Description: [ Genetic Engineering Networks homepage. Learn more about genetic engineering and what you can do to stop it. Includes information on local groups, latest news, news archives, genetix updates and more! ]
GeneWatch UK - Concerned with the ethics and risks of genetic engineering. Fact sheets, publications and a database of GM crops and foods. (Please note that GeneWatch UK should not be confused with The Council for Responsible Genetics in the USA which publishes a newsletter called GeneWatch.)
Greenpeace's True Food Network - Up-to-date information from Greenpeace USA on genetically modified foods and actions you can take to make food safety a reality.
Meta Description: [ The True Food Network is a consumer
network campaigning to ban genetically engineered foods by providing educational,
activist and informational resources to concerned consumers. ]
Keep Maine Free From Genetically Engineered Crops - State wide coalition introducing a bill calling for the moratorium on growing genetically engineered crops throughout the state of Maine.
Meta Description: [ State wide coalition introducing a bill calling for the moratorium on growing genetically engineered crops throughout the State of Maine. ]
Organic Consumers Association - For the labeling of genetically engineered or biotech or GMO or Novel food, and encouraging organic food and pesticide reduction. A clearinghouse for activists.
Meta Description: [ Research and Action Center for the Organic, Buy local, and Fair trade movements. ]
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People Worldwide Grappling with Genetic Manipulation - People in the Orient , the Southern Hemisphere, and Europe have been refusing to have genetically-altered crops in their soil.
Say No to GMOs - Focuses on grassroots education, activities, and resources in Texas for consumer choice regarding genetically modified food. Includes news, a list of foods to avoid, an HEB letter campaign, and a list of activities and events.
Meta Description: [ Grassroots education, activities and resources in Texas for consumer choice and a genetically viable future ]
Wholesome Goodness Productions - Links, resources and videos about industrial agriculture, biotechnology and sustainable alternatives. They're fed up!
Meta Description: [ Wholesome Goodness Productions. Find out about Fed Up, a documentary about industrial agriculture, biotechnology and sustainable alternatives. ]
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