I have a problem with this idea becasue it suggests my purpose in life is fruitless. That presenting my opposing opinions in the form of the written word DOESN’T affect the world around me.

The empirical evidence I’ve gathered suggests this not to be true. I’ve had people tell me that my words made them think of the world in a way they didn’t previously.

But I also believe in the pluralistic nature of our society.

Small, grass roots movements may not be able to inform public policy directly or immediately, but through the push and pull of ideas, we can slowly change public opinion.

When I say slowly, I’m talking about decades. So slow it sometimes seems like we’re doing nothing.

But, then again, I need to believe these things. I’m a fat activist. If I didn’t have hope that I was making a difference, albeit slowly, I wouldn’t even be trying.