Starting with a small group of determined men who met at a print shop in London on May 22, 1787, to begin the campaign against the slave trade, the abolitionist movement is an example of how evil can only be overcome by determination, perseverance, hard work and sacrifice. This movement also demonstrates the truth of a popular saying: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
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I understand that Wilberforce and the others, numbering less than thirty though significant members of influence, went about changing ‘public opinion’ and are seen as one of the early instances of creating public opinion. Now, to change ‘public opinion’ today I suppose is somewhat similar and somewhat different. The public still moves society but its’ opinion may be differently determined. It seems to me that ‘the media’ has become a more significant player in public opinion and that somehow that ‘player’ needs to be utilized if not supportive.