Politics Of Change
In reviewing my “Politics of Change Journal,” I noticed that the successful formulation of coalitions was undoubtedly the most important part in successfully achieving change. Coalitions can bring together a greater conglomeration of power than those of the individuals acting outside of those groups. Coalition building, while difficult and time consuming, is instrumental in instituting change. Along with the building of successful coalitions, the success of an issue relies greatly on the appearance of a group in the local and national media. A strong coalition can be made unstoppable through gaining the support of the nation; and the national news media can make that possible.
While it may seem to be that it is taking an incredibly long time to align all of the necessary groups to form a successful coalition, it is instrumental to remember that through local action, global consequences can be achieved. Through local action, grass roots coalitions can gain popularity first through local media outlets, and then through continued work, eventually through the national news media. The media presents the opportunity to add to the numbers within these coalitions. Groups like coalitions gain strength geometrically, as their power is greater than the sum of their parts. A consistent feature of American society is the tendency to “root” for the little guy.
As an example of a small coalition gaining national media spotlight, and using it to further their agenda is the story of the tomato farmers in Florida. Through their highly visible protests for the treatment of their fellow tomato pickers, they were able to form a coalition with student activists around the nation in support of their effort for a living wage for these workers. By attacking a Taco Bell’s “brand,” the workers were attacking the very livelihood of the company. Surviving off of the business of young people, Taco Bell found that it was not cost effective to have their...
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