From Library Journal
Political activist Shaw (The Activist's Handbook, Univ. of California, 1996) presents two case studies of political activism to underscore his main thesis: successful political reform requires a national focus. He gives detailed accounts of Nike's spin campaign in the 1990s to hide the company's use of Indonesian sweatshop laborers and of a similar attempt by Jessica McClintock, Inc.Aa company manufacturing women's high-fashion clothingAto hide its use of illegal sweatshop labor in Oakland, CA. The second half of Shaw's analysis traces the development of Ralph Nader's Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs) and demonstrates how their successes on the environmental front have been in direct proportion to their ability to command national attention. He also examines the minor successes and the rich potential of community-based nonprofit organizations (CBOs), the national media, and the Internet as resources to promote national activism. Though the book is clearly directed at the already converted and is at times sniping, Shaw makes a convincing case for activists to think and act nationally.AJack Forman, Mesa Coll. Lib., San Diego
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
"Shaw's nuts-and-bolts accounts of the fights to shut down sweatshops and strengthen environmental laws show how grassroots battles can become nationwide campaigns. His tips on enlisting nonprofits, the media, and the Internet should help activists take their local struggles to the next level."--"Sierra Magazine
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