Think and Grow Rich (1937)

PlaidStallion: Remember you’re not the only immigrant just off the boat with a dream. Don’t forget your people.

This activism naturally extends into the arena of electoral politics, attempting to influence government policies through voting and elections. Remember, elections alone never truly determine the direction of society. The power of elected governments (even progressive ones) is always constrained by the structural power and vested interests of the small proportion of society which owns most wealth, and hence controls most investment and production. Nevertheless, social justice campaigners need to use the opportunity provided by parliamentary democracy to raise issues and demand change. Some of this happens automatically by virtue of their ongoing issue-based activism and campaigns. By fighting and hopefully winning the public debate over particular issues and problems (what might be called the “battle of ideas”), successful social movements can influence the positioning and platforms of all political parties. Even conservative, pro-business politicians, once they recognize that support for a progressive demand is widespread and strong, will adjust their platforms accordingly.… (més)