Slacktivism (sometimes slactivism) is a portmanteau formed out of the words slacker and activism, and describes people who are activists but who do not engage in much physical activity to further their cause. "Slacktivists", as they are called, may also be referred to as "armchair activists" or "latte-activists" and are derided for a lack of "commitment to the cause" or "being willing to take the extra step". A common argument in support of slacktivism is that it allows those who are unable to participate in more active forms of protest, such as bed-ridden individuals, to be and feel part of a larger social movement. However, most people who use slacktivism in a pejorative sense apply it to able-bodied people who could extend themselves more. Look up portmanteau word in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Slacking in the park The term slacker was commonly used in the United States in World War I and World War II to describe men who were avoiding the military draft. ... Activism, in a general sense, can be described as intentional action to bring about social or political change. ... Activism, in a general sense, can be described as intentional action to bring about social or political change. ... Leonardo da Vincis Vitruvian Man, an important early achievement in the study of physiology. ... Look up Activity on Wiktionary, the free dictionary Activity may refer to— in chemistry, the effective DU BIST DUMMconcentration of an ion or other solute for the purposes of chemical reactions and other mass action. ... Look up chair in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Latte or Cafe latte Latte (IPA: [], anglicised as IPA: , according to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary) is Italian for milk. ... Palliative care (from Latin palliare, to cloak) is any form of medical care or treatment that concentrates on reducing the severity of disease symptoms or slowing the diseases progress, rather than providing a cure. ...

In a statement on Snopes.com, Barbara Mikkelson stated: The Urban Legends Reference Pages, also known as snopes. ... The Urban Legends Reference Pages (also known as snopes. ...

We can't claim credit for having coined this term, nor do we know its actual origin, but we love it nonetheless. Slacktivism is the search for the ultimate feel-good that derives from having come to society's rescue without actually getting one's hands dirty, volunteering any of one's time, or opening one's wallet. It's slacktivism that prompts us to forward appeals for business cards on behalf of a dying child intent upon having his name recorded in the Guinness World Book of Records or exhortations to others to continue circulating a particular e-mail because some big company has supposedly promised that every forward will generate monies for the care of a languishing tot. Likewise, it's slacktivism that prompts us to want to join a boycott of designated gas companies or eschew buying gasoline on a particular day rather than reduce our personal consumption of fossil fuels by driving less and taking the bus more often. Slacktivism comes in many forms, but its defining characteristic is its central theme of doing good with little or no effort on the part of the person inspired to participate, through the mechanisms of forwarding, exhorting, collecting, or e-signing.[1]

Exactly what constitutes "slacktivism" is open to debate, but activities discussed include signing Internet petitions, the wearing of wristbands ("awareness bracelets") with political messages on them and taking part in short-term boycotts such as Buy Nothing Day. An Internet petition is a form of petition posted on a website. ... Wristbands are encircling strips worn on the wrist, made of any of a variety of materials depending on the purpose. ... Gel bracelets or jelly bracelets are an inexpensive piece of jewely similar to a large diameter o ring. ... Buy Nothing Day demonstration, San Francisco, November 2000 Buy Nothing Day is an informal day of protest against consumerism observed by social activists. ...

See also

• Limousine liberal
• Champagne socialist
• Chardonnay socialist
• Gauche caviar
• Internet petition

Limousine liberal is a pejorative American political term for a wealthy liberal person who expresses a deep concern for the poor, but is not actually directly engaged with them on a day to day basis. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Liberal elite. ... Chardonnay socialist is a derogatory Australasian term used to describe those on the political left with comfortable middle-class (or better) incomes, tertiary education, and a taste for the finer things in life. ... Gauche caviar is a French term to describe someone who claims to be a socialist without feeling the need to espouse an appropriate lifestyle. ... An Internet petition is a form of petition posted on a website. ...

External references

• The Word Spy: slactivism
• Observer Magazine: Armchair Warrior
• Snopes.com: Inboxer Rebellion (Internet Petitions) - discusses slacktivism in some detail