https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etymology_of_ham_radio
At the turn of the 20th century, the terms “ham” and “plug” were used by landline telegraphers to describe an operator “who lacks ability”[2] or who had poor or “ham fisted” skills.
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Even among amateur radio operators, the term was used pejoratively at first by serious experimenters. For example…
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But many other amateurs increasingly adopted the word “ham” to describe their hobby and themselves during this period, embracing the word that was originally an insult…
(Just some quick highlights fromn the wiki. I recommend reading the whole thing.)
On the bright side, everyone can make their own small contribution to make a difference. For example, for people living in a migration corridor, turn off outdoor lighting when not needed to help birds succeed in their migration and to reduce energy waste:
https://travisaudubon.org/lights-out-texas
Find something in your area and start making noise about it. Plenty of people care enough to try.
PS - Reducing light pollution will also help fireflies and help preserve night skies. And that’s another tool to use: align people with different interests behind common actions, and it benefits everyone.