Activism, Everywhere - Mahogany Browne

 

This image, featuring a poem titled "Activism, Everywhere" by Mahogany L. Browne, can be richly interpreted through the sociological lens of Michel Serres, particularly his concepts of the parasite, translation, and the network.

1. The Parasite and the Disruption of Order:

Serres' concept of the parasite isn't solely negative. It's an element that introduces noise, interference, and unexpected connections into a system, ultimately leading to its transformation. In this context, activism itself acts as a parasite on the established social order.

• The poem speaks of "standing up against mistreatment," "not being silent," and "not yielding or bending." These actions introduce friction and disruption into the existing power structures and norms that perpetuate inequality.
• The "uncomfortable conversation" mentioned is a form of parasitic noise that challenges the smooth functioning of a system that might prefer silence or the status quo.
• Activism, in its various forms (online, offline, picketing, teaching, writing), injects new information, perspectives, and demands into the social network, disturbing the existing flow of power and discourse.

2. Translation and the Bridging of Worlds:

Serres emphasizes the act of translation as a crucial process in understanding how different "worlds" or systems interact and influence each other. Activism, as depicted in the poem, is fundamentally about translation:

• It translates the lived experiences of mistreatment and injustice into public discourse, making the invisible visible and the unheard heard.
• It translates individual grievances into collective action, bridging the gap between personal suffering and social mobilization.
• The poem highlights the translation of activism across different media – from physical spaces ("streets picketing," "classroom teaching") to virtual ones ("blogs writing," "internet sharing information"). This movement across platforms demonstrates the adaptability and reach of the "parasitic" force of activism.
• The act of "sharing information" is a key translational act, disseminating knowledge and awareness that can disrupt existing narratives and power imbalances.

3. The Network and the Rhizomatic Spread of Activism:

Serres views reality as a complex network of interconnected elements. Activism, as portrayed, thrives within and across these networks:

• The poem's title, "Activism, Everywhere," underscores its pervasive nature within the social network. It's not confined to a single space or mode of action.
• The enumeration of different sites of activism (streets, classrooms, blogs, internet) illustrates its rhizomatic spread, branching out and connecting across diverse nodes in the social network. Like a rhizome, it grows horizontally and unexpectedly, making it difficult to contain or control.
• The idea that "it is energy" and "it is active" suggests a dynamic and fluid presence within the network, constantly interacting and influencing other elements.
• The ultimate goal, "when we all have yet to feel safe and free," represents a potential transformation of the entire social network, a shift in its fundamental state brought about by the persistent "parasitic" interventions and translational efforts of activism.

In conclusion, from a Serresian perspective, this poem celebrates activism as a vital parasitic force that disrupts unjust social orders through acts of translation across diverse networks. By injecting "noise" and forging unexpected connections, activism challenges the status quo and strives to create a more equitable and just social fabric. The image, therefore, is not just a depiction of protest, but an illustration of the dynamic interplay between disruption, communication, and the interconnectedness of social change.