The value of being different

In the last few years, society has changed a lot.

It is now commonplace to talk about LGBTQIA+, equality, neurodiversity, disabilities, and ethnic differences.

These groups are increasingly represented in TV shows and other media, which is amazing.

But what about being a troublemaker? 

A disruptor?

Someone who doesn't accept the status quo?

They are put in jail. Oh yes, they are. 

In the UK, the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act, passed in 2022, made the offences of public nuisance and obstruction of the highway more serious and more likely to result in prison sentences.

This has not stopped the action of many activists who prefer to spend some time in jail than to see our species go extinct, but many more are scared. Many have small children or other dependents and cannot risk serving time.

Society has gone backwards when we look at how peaceful protests, like sit-ins and tomato soup thrown at paintings, are dealt with.

But I tell you something, even if you are not keen to go and protest in the street against draconian Government regulations and Big Oil:

There is value in being different. There is value in being a troublemaker.

Otherwise, the Government wouldn't cobble up a stupid law to stop protests.

The value is in thinking differently. 

I quote from my own book, SustainABLE (a bit self-indulgent, I know!): 

As deeply passionate people with high values, I think it's important that we aren't ashamed of being troublemakers and wanting desperately to change the status quo. If anything, we need to value the fact that we often don't fit in.

A famous quote that has been attributed to Einstein goes:

"Insanity is repeating the same mistakes and expecting different results".

We need new ideas, a different way of thinking the economic system and of organising our lives, to ensure survival.

Troublemakers disrupt the status quo and challenge the bad habits that our contemporary society has slipped into and adapted to.

But how can you be a successful troublemaker without risking jail?

Some tips:

Focus on the goal. What do you want to achieve? What's the purpose of the disruption?

Use your strengths. Are you good at and enjoy writing? Speaking to people? Drawing? Advocating for justice? Coaching? You can use your strengths towards your cause. Communication comes in a myriad of different forms, and you can use the one that feels good and energises you.

Keep at it. A reason for going with your strengths is that you will need to be consistent (Greta Thunberg has done 285 Fridays for Future climate strikes so far. She started by herself, aged 15, with a handpainted sign and got a few million followers in the process). Whether you are thinking of putting together a podcast, writing weekly articles or shooting YouTube videos, consistency is key to impact. People need to hear the message several times before it sinks in.

Keep positive. It's a long way to the top if you wanna rock 'n' roll, said AC/DC. You need your positivity, your stubborn optimism [cit. Christiana Figueres] to go all the way. And you need to channel your anger and frustration into something positive and meaningful to get going and avoid burnout.

Use this as your prompt to take the first step to becoming a true troublemaker. 

Don't forget to let me know what are you doing next!

 This article was originally written for the Green Gorilla weekly newsletter. If you liked it, subscribe to receive more articles like this and learn how to communicate sustainability better, how to be more productive without selling your soul to the work devil, and how to make an impact in the world. Here is the link: https://newsletter.thegreengorilla.co.uk/