Why I'm Okay With Being An Armchair Activist

During the CAA/NRC protests in particular, it was a popular refrain from so called centrists (closet or camouflaged Sanghis and Modi Bhakts), the right wing, and a condescending faction on the left. “You’re just an armchair activist.” What does this mean, and why is it a thing? And most importantly how should I feel about it?

From those of a right wing bent of mind, it was meant to be a tool to discredit people and opinions that were seen as being academics or intelligentsia. It implied scorn for someone who did not experience anything first hand, but just intellectualised about an abstract problem that they couldn’t possibly understand or relate to. One thing that everyone on the right could agree on was that these armchair activists were enemies of the state and so called “Urban Naxals”. What right do they have to comment on matters they have no direct involvement with?

From those on the left it was a disdainful and arrogant statement meant to shame the armchair activist into directly participating in on the groundwork and getting their hands dirty. The implication being that unless you were down in the trenches, your opinion as an armchair activist was somehow less valid and worthy of attention (and the secondary implication being that their form of activism is superior). This was particularly unfortunate as the people who should have been ideological and political allies were sniping each other- a typical problem with people and groups on the left wing.

Both sides of course are horribly wrong. To address the right wing’s apathy for armchair activism- one is entitled to an opinion and a voice that can be informed or uninformed (as they well should know). One need not directly experience being oppressed in any way to know it’s wrong- the same way that one need not be punched in the face to know it would hurt. Moreover, the right wing all over the world, and not just in India is often afraid of academics, facts and science- it is seen as overly complicated, almost nefariously difficult to explain and understand- and is thus something to be shunned and hated.

And to address the concerns of not so well-meaning left-wing individuals, there is no singular way to contribute towards activism and a movement. Today’s world clearly demonstrates that; where protests are motivated and organised online and through social media. Issues are discussed in a way that was never possible before, and if one is doing that from the comfort and safety of their couch, that is not something to be looked down on- it is something to be celebrated- almost as a mark of pride for civilisation reaching a point of free and open thought and conversation. In addition to this, not everyone has the same bandwidth, priorities and privilege, and as such are capable and interested to do only as much as they feel they can. And that’s okay.

Everyone can contribute towards activism and movements in their own way. While I am not saying that armchair activism is the best way to participate, it is as valid as option as filing PILs and protesting on the streets or contributing funds to campaigns or even political parties.

To summarise, we all have our role to play in society. The world has advanced enough for us to make our own choices, and to that end we should be happy that an individual can choose to be a so-called armchair activist. I know I am!