The Power of the Petition

Your signature is powerful. And it is becoming more so in this digital world.

It is clear that the concept and recognition of democracy is spreading rapidly across the world. This global spread of democracy, as well as the huge reach of the internet has transformed not only way governments operate, but as well how they stay accountable to their citizens.

And much of this has been aided by the humble petition. This was especially bought to my knowledge when just a couple of days ago a Melbourne hotel was pushed to, and ended up cancelling its hosting of one of its shows due to significant community backlash, and a 5000-strong online petition. Earlier this year, the Biennale of Sydney was forced to drop one of its founding sponsors, Transfield, because of artist and community backlash, backed by a multi-signed open letter. A few years ago, then 14 year old Julia Bluhmr gathered an army of 300 00+ signatures to stop Seventeen magazine in the US from airbrushing its models. And it worked.

Who knew a simple signature could mean so much? It is cases like this, whereby the whole world unites towards a single action, achieving a single goal, that I believe really highlights the essence of global citizenship.