6 ms·

I think the main idea distinguishing grassroots vs astroturfing is the idea that grassroots campaigns are about individuals deciding to self organize around and

I think the main idea distinguishing grassroots vs astroturfing is the idea that grassroots campaigns are about individuals deciding to self organize around and idea. It's ok if that idea came from somewhere else, but the organization and push is coming locally. Astroturfing, on the other hand, is when an outside influence is actively trying to organize spread out groups to make it look like a grassroots campaign.

tathougies 6y ago
How can the 'outside influence' be a group of citizens starting an organization to organize a campaign? What does it mean to 'self-organize'? If someone posts an event on facebook is that a 'coordinated effort'? Or is the only valid protest one in which dozens of people literally decide upon showing up in the same place at the same time without any communication? Why is this the standard to which valid protesting is held? Why is it wrong for one to be influenced by outside people? Gandhi in India inspired MLK in America. Nelson Mandela gives speeches all around the world encouraging the locals to seek what he sees as a just society. Why is that bad? I don't get it.,