‘DO-GOODING’ is, interestingly, a synonym for activism, which, according to the Cambridge Dictionary’s definition, is “the use of direct and noticeable action to achieve a result, usually a political or social one”. These are actions that “promote, impede, direct, or intervene in … reform with the desire to make changes in society”.

While, in current times, collective social movements help shift predominant narratives by introducing alternative perspectives, as well as initiate actual change, the role that individual activists play in beginning these movements and sustaining pressure for altering the status quo is critical. In developed democracies, activists rarely consider entering politics as a potential solution, since they are able to affect change through developed political and legal systems with people better placed to handle courses of action. Translating activism into political action in nascent democracies, however, is not as simplistic.

In Pakistan, there are, and have been, a number of activists that are forces of change, and bring important social, political, economic and environmental issues to the forefront. Many passionate people are willing to take dangerous stances in a country racked with potentially violent repercussions. The intention to ‘do good’ through action propels some of these individuals into believing that they can make a larger impact from a political platform, particularly because they feel that the current system and politicians will fail them. Yet, when some of these well-intentioned activists decide to enter the political arena, things can get a bit tricky, primarily because politics is inherently a different beast.

Whether one can successfully cross over from activism to politics is debatable, since the demands of the role of each are almost diametrically opposed to those of the other.

Activism and politics are altogether different beasts.

Activism requires a person to take the moral high ground — always. It is uncompromising and contingent upon the belief system of that individual. That is, his or her value system will directly impact how an issue is viewed, evaluated, brought to the fore and argued about or against. The activist enjoys freedom and is not encumbered by the details of politics, which can be tedious, painstaking and multidimensional in their dependency on a host of variables. There is no power-sharing, no appeasement of conflicting interests and one can remain as partisan as desired.

Now, politics is not necessarily the opposite of activism. It’s hardly ‘do-bading’ — although some may disagree. But it does bring into conflict many of the basics of activism with the requirements of holding an office. The motivations for someone within the political ecosystem are very different.

The politician must work within the institutional arrangements held together for long periods, whereas the activist is free to act with complete disregard for existent rules (ideally within the ambit of the law, of course). The politician must remember that he or she is a representative for everyone, regardless of personal beliefs and moral views, while an activist who tries to mould herself as a representative of the people will perhaps be at odds with the very issue that brought her to politics in the first place.

A case in point is our current prime minister, who moved people with his strong, passionate views on various issues. Maintaining populist appeal while navigating the drudgery of politics can hardly be easy. Is it really surprising that he takes frequent U-turns from his original stances, and has been increasingly receiving criticism for compromising on his once-expressed principles? Choosing electables is what a politician does, while the activist must, if they are to keep the agenda clean, stick to the high moral ground. Compromising and sacrificing certain core issues is what a politician does, while the activist remains steadfast and refuses to concede the fundamentals.

There are activists in Pakistan who seek political office — with excellent intentions. The reality is that intentions can only take them so far. Taking hard stances, voicing outrage, passionately supporting a cause or multiple issues – these form a skillset that is essential for change, particularly in a nation like ours that has so many issues to tackle. There is no shame in staying an activist. Rather, it is a crucial pillar that needs to be recognised for its contribution to governance. This ‘do-gooding’ is what keeps politicians in check. It is the amplifier that delivers the voices of the vulnerable to those who are adept at working within the political system. It is what keeps the pressure on and exacts accountability.

Politics, on the other hand, forces the once-activist to be bogged down with the mechanics, be involved in quid pro quo situations and compromise on some points to advance others. It is a limiting calling for people who can actually be the moral compass that the nation desperately needs.

The writer is a freelance contributor.

Twitter: @wajeehaakhan

Published in Dawn, October 30th, 2018