Nonviolence… for now anyway

Bluesky Protest for the moment

I’ve been personally involved in protests and protest activity since 1968. I’ve been arrested numerous times and spent time under arrest and in jail. As a dedicated anti-fascist (Antifa) I understand that nonviolent protest will not always achieve change in a fascistic government’s policies and actions, but nonviolent methods must always be tried first.

Nonviolent resistance encompasses a wide range of methods aimed at achieving social or political change without the use of violence. Protests and demonstrations are organized public gatherings to express dissent or support for a cause. These can include marches, rallies, and vigils.

A famous example is the Civil Rights March on Washington in 1963.

Sit-ins involve occupying a space in a peaceful manner to draw attention to a cause. The Greensboro sit-ins in 1960, where African American students sat at a segregated lunch counter, are a notable example.

Boycotts involve refusing to buy, use, or participate in something as a form of protest. The Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955-1956, led by Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr., is a classic instance.

Civil disobedience involves deliberately breaking certain laws to protest against those laws or policies. This method was famously employed by Mahatma Gandhi in India's struggle for independence.

Strikes involve workers refusing to work to demand better conditions or protest unjust practices. The 1936-37 Flint Sit-Down Strike by the United Auto Workers is an influential example.

Petitions and advocacy involve collecting signatures and lobbying to influence policymakers or raise public awareness about a cause. Educational campaigns disseminate information through pamphlets, books, websites, and educational programs to raise awareness and support for a cause.

Art and culture use art, music, literature, and theater to convey messages of resistance and inspire change. The protest songs of the 1960s, like Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind," played a significant role in the anti-war and civil rights movements.

Community building strengthens communities to build solidarity and support for the cause. This includes creating support networks, organizing local meetings, and fostering a sense of shared identity and purpose.

Symbolic acts use symbols, gestures, or attire to convey resistance. The use of the raised fist as a symbol of solidarity and resistance is one such example. Nonviolent resistance relies on the moral high ground, aiming to win over public opinion and create pressure on those in power. It's about making a stand while maintaining integrity and peaceful principles.

Nonviolent resistance can have profound psychological effects on communities, fostering a sense of empowerment, solidarity, and resilience. Engaging in nonviolent resistance can empower individuals and communities by giving them a sense of agency and control over their circumstances. This can lead to increased self-esteem and confidence.

Nonviolent movements often bring people together, creating a strong sense of community and shared purpose. This solidarity can provide emotional support and a feeling of belonging. Facing challenges and overcoming obstacles through nonviolent means can build resilience within individuals and communities. This resilience can help them cope with future adversities more effectively. Nonviolent resistance allows communities to maintain a moral high ground, which can lead to greater respect and legitimacy in the eyes of others. This can enhance their ability to influence public opinion and gain support.

Unlike violent resistance, nonviolent methods typically result in less physical harm and trauma. This can lead to better mental health outcomes for participants and bystanders. Successful nonviolent movements can inspire hope and optimism within communities, showing that change is possible without resorting to violence. This can motivate further action and positive change. Nonviolent resistance can create cognitive dissonance in opponents, making them question their own beliefs and actions. This can lead to defections and a weakening of the opposition. The collective action involved in nonviolent resistance can strengthen social bonds and promote a sense of unity and cooperation within the community. These psychological effects can contribute to the overall success and sustainability of nonviolent movements, making them a powerful tool for social and political change.

Tragically, history has taught us well that nonviolence doesn’t always succeed. Many times throughout our history the time has come where violence is required. It can often seem that we are facing overwhelming odds, but giants can be killed too.