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The Common Misconception About Anti-Noise Activism

Many people are reluctant to approach their local authorities about neighborhood noise trauma because they feel that they don't know enough about the topic, or because they fear that their oratory, writing skills, and powers of persuasion are not up to the task. Or because, in general, they just don't know what to say. However, in truth, a smooth delivery coming from a clever orator with all the facts at his command is probably not all that much more effective than the guy who just kind of stumbles in and blurts out, "Too much damn noise. Your fault. Do something."

All that really matters is that you continue to contact your negligent local politicians repeatedly over time. You don't have to have long conversations, or debate or say clever things or beat anyone in an argument. And you don't really have to change anyone's mind, or persuade anyone of anything, because persuading the authorities is not necessarily the point of repetitive contact. All you really have to do is to say just enough to let them know which way the wind blows. So keep it short and sweet and remember that, in the end, the recipients of your message will be far more impressed by the fact that large numbers of people continue to speak out over time, than by any dazzling displays of oratory that any one person might offer up on any given occasion.

This page is part of the Background Information portion of Section Five:
which is the Activist section of barkingdogs.net