Dana Milbank: How can America inspire the Slacktivist Generation to action?

by Dana Milbank, the Washington Post

I wanted to do something for my country during the holidays, so I went to the movies. I watched the Christmas Day opening of ÒThe Interview,Ó to show North Korea that I wasnÕt afraid of its threats to blow up theaters that screen the parody of Kim Jong Un. The $9.50 I paid in the name of patriotic pride bought me stadium seating, a preview of the coming feature ÒHot Tub Time Machine 2,Ó and a feature film full of jokes about rectums, sex organs, ricin and the Supreme Leader defecating in his pants. Except for the Asian stereotypes, it was just my speed. Still, I wondered if there isnÕt a better way to sacrifice for my country than paying to hear dong jokes. My patriotic gesture was a form of Slacktivism Ñ a uniquely American form of engagement in which statements are made without any real sacrifice. The Slacktivist gets icy water over the head to fight Lou GehrigÕs disease, or tweets out hashtags to fight kidnapping in Nigeria (#BringBackOurGirls). The Slacktivist wears color-coded bracelets for causes, ÒlikesÓ causes on Facebook Ñ and goes to see a Seth Rogen film to defy North Korea. This can be traced back to September 2001, when President George W. Bush launched wars without calling for sacrifice from Americans Ñ other than to spend money. ÒFly and enjoy AmericaÕs great destination spots,Ó he said. ÒGet down to Disney World in Florida. Take your families and enjoy life, the way we want it to be enjoyed.Ó He also asked Americans to Òhug your childrenÓ and to pray for those in uniform. But hugging children isnÕt a sacrifice. The problem is that the nationÕs wars have been detached from any notion of sacrifice for the country Ñ except for the fewer than 1 percent of Americans who serve in the military. In mid-December, the National Conference on Citizenship released its annual Òcivic health indicatorsÓ (volunteer work, contact with friends and family, confidence in institutions) and found a Òbroad declineÓ in 16 of 20 areas. The study was backed by the Census Bureau and the Corporation for National and Community Service. ~1@BODYURL[id=114jbcurl1232]@