Activism I believe plays a major role in making an influence on society. We've been taught as "good American" citizens that if something is the law, then that makes if right. we're taught this, not always taking into account those affected by that law; or even affected at all. Also if "that's just the way it is" then we're taught to live with things the way they are. The novel On Palestine, Chomsky and Pappé elaborate on the significance of knowing the past. The history of the Palestine and Israel conflict prior to the corruption, people tend to look at what is now and not how it started and the nooks and crannies of what is not talked about. In the film Five Broken Cameras, Emad was just an average man the recored his everyday life ad as a class we saw the power of activism and the influence it can make on other to want to make a change.

Another good example of knowing the past and the role activism plays within knowledge of the past. The University of Alabama, one of the most beautiful campuses is covered in human stains of bigotry, racism, and activism. The recent events happening across the nation  on college campuses, events that confront the issues that some dare not to speak of; such as racism on campus that still occurs and gets swept under the rug. Yet no one dares to speak up about it and if they do it goes ignored. Activism is not only standing up for a belief or injustice, but it also serves as a voice. Voice for those in fear of speaking up whether it's a viral video of individual experiences, like what UA students did; Or walking out of class in protest. Activism is such a powerful tool because speaking up is also an action. Actions speak louder than words, influences, and are very important in order to stand for something. As people of this nation we are given that right and make a change and I feel it is necessary to exercise it when in need of the change.