The choice of nonviolent action is sometimes ridiculed, often
misunderstood, always in need of explanation. Second in our
popularization series on the core dynamics of nonviolent action, we
offer a basic definition of nonviolent struggle. We are in the process
of putting together a resource that you and anybody will be able to use,
to share with others a basic understanding of what non-military means
of fighting can offer this world in its thirst for justice and the full enjoyment of comprehensive human rights. You can help this project.
Nobody can argue against the proven benefits of using a diversity of well-chosen tactics to wage successful struggles. The sequencing of multiple creative tactics ranging from protests to legislative pressures, from secondary boycotts to civil disobedience, has been a fundamental feature of countless successful campaigns. A wide variety of tactics lies at the core of the emphasis nonviolent activists have put for decades on knowing a repertoire of at least 198 methods of action, and on clever ways to sequence them.
Photo: Diana Jou
On September 1, 2008, several hundred protesters from across mainland USA tried to stop delegates from attending the Republican National Convention at the Xcel Center in the business district of Saint Paul, Minneapolis, where they were going to crown presidential hopeful John McCain.
"Crash the Convention" was the order of the day. But politically and number-wise, whose side really got smashed and crushed?
Over 800 people arrested. Many more detained and released. House raids in the middle of the night. Eight organizers facing "Conspiracy to Commit Riot in Furtherance of Terrorism", a second degree felony charges. Maximum penalty: seven and a half years in prison.
Deep police infiltration. Pre-emptive searches and seizures. Baton rounds. Concussion and Sponge grenades. Tasers. Pepper spray. Tear gas.
The intense brutality of the crackdown in the Twin Cities was an awful, a hydra monster of gross violations. Outrage and indignation. These are healthy, vital reactions.
But once the emotion subsides, what should be the question?
From the video "We were warriors".
From
behind the stools, white men start taunting the mixed row of mostly
black students who had the audacity to sit there. "He's so dark the
whole room is darkened." "Nobody ain't gonna sit beside them dirty
niggers." Those on the swiveling seats at the counter answer only with
an unshakable look of dignity. Frustrated, the men from behind start
pushing and shoving. Still no response from those on the stools. Then
they launch the attack: hurling obscenities, throwing milk shakes and
live cigarette buts, grabbing and punching. Lenses capture the scene.
The whole world watches in shock.
In
the yard behind Christian Peacemaker Teams' headquarters in Chicago,
trainees stage a realistic role-playing exercise to prepare for
nonviolent accompaniment work in Hebron. Photo cc: delayed gratification.
The goal of training in nonviolent conflict is to prepare activists and supporters politically, physically, and psychologically to wage powerful campaigns and actions. Here are nine ways nonviolent action workshops help individuals hone their skills and nurture the courage and resilience they need to withstand the pressures of unarmed struggle.
photo cc: treviño
There's an idea out there that anyone can take to the streets and make themselves heard. You just head out and start demonstrating to confront power. It's a beautiful idea.
Sooner than later, however, any assertive form of mass mobilization will cross path with agents of authority, be they security guards, police, or military. These forces are armed, and trained.
What is going on in Pakistan?
Admittedly, I don’t know much about the politics of Pakistan, but I thought I had a fairly basic idea of it. I’d read about Bhutto in the news lately, and admired her bravery and the positive example she’s setting for women in the country. I also thought I knew the basics about Musharraf: democratic, more stable, and an ally of the U.S.
Columbus Igboanusi did not come to Slovakia from his native Nigeria to
set up an antiracist human rights organization. “I didn't understand
racism then. I hadn't experienced it in my country,” he says. That
changed the day he was assaulted and badly beaten by racist skinheads.
After hearing his experience was not unique among other African
students, he formed an organization of African students against racism.
That's when another reality hit him.
photo: cc Anosmia
"Plan B" describes the tactic that Otpor!, a student movement in Serbia, used to break through the governments reign of fear and encourage activists not to be afraid. They accomplished this by turning government arrests of demonstrators into public spectacles that illustrated the governments repressive regime and turned the arrested into public heroes.
In this notebook we learn about the the process of creating 'briefers' to accompany victims during the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). These 'briefers' aided victims before, during, and after they testified by providing psychosocial support and legal support.
Join New Tactics and other practitioners for an online dialogue on Advancing Children’s Right to Education from February 15 to 21, 2012. Education is a basic human right, enshrined in law all...
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