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Okay, so, here’s the thing about “peaceful” protests.
The distinction between a “peaceful” protest and a “violent” protest is not a difference in violence, it’s a difference in POWER.
As long as you’re meek and cowed, you’ll be deemed “peaceful” by cops and mainstream media.
The distinction between a “peaceful” protest and a “violent” protest is not a difference in violence, it’s a difference in POWER.
As long as you’re meek and cowed, you’ll be deemed “peaceful” by cops and mainstream media.
However, once the cops feel the power balance shift—once they realize they’re outnumbered or that the people are no longer willing to just acquiesce to their asinine orders—they immediately begin to escalate in an attempt to provoke a response.
I used to be dogmatically committed to nonviolent resistance. Came outta my Christian upbringing. Not a pacifist (I understood the efficacy of property destruction,) but I was instead opposed to physical altercations with oppressors. Which, fundamentally, makes no sense.
I read too much MLK, Jr. and not enough Malcolm X. I had a sanitized, idealistic vision of what “peaceful” protests entailed. The truth, of course, is that these are artificial distinctions. The ruling class has a vested interest in you believing they’re opposites.
In reality, “peaceful” and “violent” protests are not in conflict with each other. They dialectically inform one another. They’re mutual, collaborative, simultaneous. Violence only ever occurs when cops choose to provoke demonstrstors because they’re afraid of OUR power.
Cops are bullies. But all bullies are secretly cowards. When they begin to realize we have more power than they do, they lash out—violently. Do not accept the pejorative of the “violent” protest. It’s a false dichotomy. A trap.
Instead, recognize that we all have a role to play in these uprisings. We all must rely upon and support one another.
And the righteous community-defense of the masses is NOT violence, no matter what the cops or politicians or media tries to say.
It is POWER.
Never forget it.
And the righteous community-defense of the masses is NOT violence, no matter what the cops or politicians or media tries to say.
It is POWER.
Never forget it.
To be clear: bravery is NOT being a jackass and risking arrest for no reason or endangering marginalized comrades. Bravery is self-sacrificial, yes, but it’s aim is to STAY FREE.
Bravery is organizing brigades to quench tear gas.
Bravery is providing medical work to the injured
Bravery is organizing brigades to quench tear gas.
Bravery is providing medical work to the injured
Bravery is doing mutual aid—bringing snacks and water and distributing it freely to all in need.
Bravery is also throwing bottles, dearresting comrades, and rising up with bricks and fists.
They are scared of our POWER.
Empower one another.
Stay wild out there, comrades...
Bravery is also throwing bottles, dearresting comrades, and rising up with bricks and fists.
They are scared of our POWER.
Empower one another.
Stay wild out there, comrades...
