The "fire" of activism: a comparative study on the psychology of social activism and contemporary/urban students of African descent from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and those of the early 21st century

The USA remains a country conflicted by ethnic, racial, gender, economic and sexual orientation divisions. Historically, youths and students of each generation in this country's evolution have participated in movement activities aimed at socially changing that dynamic. African American youth, especially in the 1960's and 1970' s, participated strongly in such efforts. They were ' fired up' with activism for social, political and economic equality and other reforms in the American system and other places. Even though much work towards that broad goal remains to be done, it appears that psychologically many contemporary African American urban youth and college students of the early 21st century are not motivated to continue such social activism. Is this situation illusory or real? What were the discernible stimuli for social activism in the 1960's and 70's? Are such equivalent stimuli absent or generally ignored in modem, urban environments? Are there significant changes in the social-psychological value or rewards associated with such activism? This research investigation seeks to address such questions in order to identify the comparative similarities and differences in the social-psychological motivations toward social activism between African American youth and students of one famous generation and those of the early 21 st century. Has the ' fire of activism' gone out or has it simply changed its shape, focus and character? The conclusions suggest the latter rather than the former.