"If we can just get the facts out to people, they will understand, be as outraged as we are, and, naturally, do something”. (Duncombe & Lambert, 172)
This quote highlights the significance of communication in activism campaigns, reflecting on the idea that exposing people to factual information may lead to positive change, motivating them to act, given that the primary barrier to action is often a lack of awareness or understanding of the situation.
“No matter how many pamphlets you distribute at information tables or how informative your artwork is, nothing is going to happen unless people can make sense of the facts you are giving them”. (Duncombe & Lambert, 174)
With this quote, Duncombe and Lambert recognize the limitations of one-way communication. They suggest that disseminating information through pamphlets or artwork isn't effective if the target audience can't understand and make sense of the facts presented to them. They also acknowledge the complexity of conveying information effectively and ensuring it resonates with the audience.
"People are inconsistent, and pointing this out will not further your cause. We need to recognize that people are full of contradictory ideas and then bypass the ideas and associations that run counter to our objectives”. (Duncombe & Lambert, 193)
Here, Duncombe and Lambert highlight the complexity of human beliefs and behavior, as people often hold contradictory ideas or beliefs, and attempting to point out these inconsistencies might not necessarily persuade them or further a particular cause. Therefore, instead of attempting to challenge or confront contradictions in people's beliefs, activists should find ways to align with existing ideas or associations that support the cause, giving the audience a new perspective on it.
Chapter 6 Persuasion
“A common mistake is seeking to define the audience solely in terms of exclusion, where one person’s inclusion entails the cruel rejection of another”. (Duncombe & Lambert, 235)
This quote suggests that defining an audience solely on exclusionary terms leads to a narrow perspective, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and fairness in engaging with audiences without causing harm or discrimination to any particular group.
“After the behavior we’ve campaigned for is successfully taken up by people, we need to let them know that their action is recognized and appreciated”. (Duncombe & Lambert, 232)
This quote emphasizes the significance of positive reinforcement. By letting individuals know that their actions have been recognized and appreciated, it reinforces the behavior that we activists aim to promote. This reinforcement can encourage continued engagement and commitment to the advocated behavior, create a sense of belonging and appreciation among individuals, and foster a positive relationship between us and our audience.
"Instead of dismissing people’s decisions as ignorant or nonsensical, we can learn to make sense of the thinking behind them. Instead of wishing that others thought more like us, we can learn to think more like them". ( Duncombe & Lambert, 241)
With this quote, Duncombe & Lambert advocate for empathy, understanding, and open-mindedness in our interactions with the audience. They suggest that instead of expecting others to conform to our way of thinking, we should expand our perspectives by trying to understand and appreciate the reasoning, values, and beliefs that drive their decisions.
(Kazimir Malevich : Suprematism : Malevich, Kazimir Severinovich, 1878-1935 )
Black Square (also known as The Black Square or Malevich's Black Square) (1915), by Kazimir Malevich
Kazimir Malevich's "Black Square" is one of the most iconic and revolutionary works in the history of art. Created in 1915, it is a seminal piece of the Russian avant-garde movement and a key example of the artistic movement known as Suprematism, which Malevich founded. The "Black Square" itself is a simple black square painted on a white background. (Black Square (Painting), 2023)
"Black Square," with its stark simplicity, encourages me to reflect on what constitutes art and how it communicates meaning, pushing me to explore the boundaries of representation and abstraction and how these concepts intersect with my own experiences and beliefs. I also intend to use it as a catalyst for discussions and debates about the nature of art. It can serve as an opener for a conversation about the boundaries and possibilities of artistic expression.
Works cited
Duncombe, S., & Lambert, S. (2021, November 2). The Art of Activism. OR Books.
Kazimir Malevich : suprematism : Malevich, Kazimir Severinovich, 1878-1935 : Internet Archive. (2003). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/stream/kazimir00male#page/118/mode/2up
Black Square (painting). (2023, September 19). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Square_(painting)
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