I mean no disrespect, but you’re perpetuating a myth.
Revolutionary action relies heavily on benign protest for cover and recruitment. Anyone who wants to see a radical overthrow of the government should be thrilled by the No Kings marches.
I have this conversation often with a very experienced, very radical anarchist frequently. He constantly laments the wastefulness and short-sightedness of radicals who shit on the people who cultivate the recruiting pool and create giant, peaceful crowds for the more extreme element to operate concealed within, because they’re too concerned with gatekeeping and value signaling to learn tactics.
Be radical. But also: understand that peaceful protest has a very important role to play.
I read about this with relation to Malcolm X and Dr. King. Essebtially the point is that you guve the oppressor only two options: violent retaliation, or peaceful pacifyibg granting of rights. Malcolm X was a bigger threat, so the US government chose to go with the less damaging option of Dr. King, abd ultimately the civil rights movement’s goals were achieved (largely, though inperfectly)
I assure you that no one who has ever met him has made that mistake.
Also, I feel sad for you. If you’re this unable to conceive of a person who knows something you don’t know I suspect you’re losing out on every opportunity for growth that passes your way.
I mean no disrespect, but you’re perpetuating a myth.
Revolutionary action relies heavily on benign protest for cover and recruitment. Anyone who wants to see a radical overthrow of the government should be thrilled by the No Kings marches.
I have this conversation often with a very experienced, very radical anarchist frequently. He constantly laments the wastefulness and short-sightedness of radicals who shit on the people who cultivate the recruiting pool and create giant, peaceful crowds for the more extreme element to operate concealed within, because they’re too concerned with gatekeeping and value signaling to learn tactics.
Be radical. But also: understand that peaceful protest has a very important role to play.
I read about this with relation to Malcolm X and Dr. King. Essebtially the point is that you guve the oppressor only two options: violent retaliation, or peaceful pacifyibg granting of rights. Malcolm X was a bigger threat, so the US government chose to go with the less damaging option of Dr. King, abd ultimately the civil rights movement’s goals were achieved (largely, though inperfectly)
Your friend is an ELDERLY LIBERAL
I assure you that no one who has ever met him has made that mistake.
Also, I feel sad for you. If you’re this unable to conceive of a person who knows something you don’t know I suspect you’re losing out on every opportunity for growth that passes your way.
This sounds like wishful thinking to me