As authoritarianism advances, our comfortable protests ring hollow — but recognizing this weakness is the first step toward building real, transformative resistance.
For me, the protest was a starting point - to realize how many of us there actually are, and then to go home and *do something*. It was inspiring to see how many millions of people have at least some knowledge of the problems we face, but also distressing to realize how many of them would simply go home afterwards and think that they had “done enough”. I think this huge protest was good - to motivate us all, to show us that we’re not alone. However I do agree with you, that more peaceful protests are not going to create the change that we desperately need.
Totally hear you. Protests can absolutely be a powerful catalyst - a moment of collective awakening where we realize we're not alone. And that matters! My point isn't to criticize people showing up, but to challenge us all to turn that initial spark into sustained, tangible action - that deep, unglamorous work of actually building community infrastructure that meets real needs.
I came to my Hands Off "protest" in St. Paul, MN prepared with anonymous clothes and mask. With safety goggles and a ballistic vest beneath my featureless hoodie.
The response I got was from a woman who told me that I looked like a "bad man."
I left after the crowd started to cheer for my Democratic senator who refuses to deny unanimous consent and continues to vote for appointees.
The senator's biggest gripe in her speech was that she had to catch an early flight out of DC to get here on time.
Much of what you’re saying I sent in a letter to anyone I could think of who might have the power to effect change in early 2017. Things like micro economies, growing and building locally, local currencies, barter etc. No response. Of course I understand now, after decades trying to work within systems to create change, that they will NEVER willingly change. At a (very white) conference on ending racism I pointed out that the system is designed in a never ending loop that blocks real equality. I’ll never forget the faces when I suggested it was time for white folk to lay their power down. Anyway, thanks for this.
Honestly I'm gonna use the next one as an excuse to talk to as many bouncy castle protesters as I can. If anything, it makes for good spots to discuss the quiet things you mentioned like mutual aid, since people that get all cutesy about it probably aren't people who are actively getting into those communities anyway
Might also print off that "we can/can't fight fascism" bit to leave in lending libraries and bulletin boards all over the city, if that's cool.
Thank you! I think April 5 showed that lot of people are sufficiently upset to get out in the street. That's a great start! As we know, the revolution will not be televised. However, I agree that more peaceful marches will change nothing. This has all been building for the last 40 years, so we need to change our definition of normal. None of this is sustainable. Unfortunately, the most difficult thing to change is people's minds.
You're welcome. And yes, totally. People showing up matters - but showing up has to mean so much more than just walking down a street. It HAS to mean creating the infrastructure that actually supports people: mutual aid networks, community gardens, strike funds, alternative care systems. We need to reimagine what solidarity looks like beyond a protest sign.
Your honesty and clarity are a gift in these insane times. I reached out to my neighbors, some are quite shy. And am building community as best I can. Just checked out the book Mutual Aid by David Spade and thinking about attending a progressive church owing to the power of your words. I'm listening.
“We can fight fascism accepting discomfort as a necessary part of meaningful change. Americans love their little treats. You offer no suggestion for changing this. Just that it shouldn’t be that way. You list WHAT should be happening but don’t offer a HOW to get entitled and selfish Americans to be uncomfortable. I understand the point of this post was just to talk about the WHAT (“we need to understand the actual assignment”), but without a HOW none of this is helpful. (I’m sorry being a bit bitchy. I’m frustrated).
I'm confused by the statement that I offer no suggestions. The 'how' is the 'what'. Do the what - all the things I listed - over and over, which shows people how to think beyond their own sphere. We can't tell people HOW to care - but we can show them. I'm showing/doing in my own community (the how), and then sharing these perspectives here (the what). Changing a culture of comfort and individualism = each of us doing the work, having hard conversations, building connections that challenge our comfort.
Yeah this is the issue I keep running up against. We as common people are wondering how to affect change and all the “experts” (politicians and academics) come up empty handed.
Investigating the Cuban and French revolutions it seems vandalism of sacred monuments is the first step to strike at the bourgeoisie. So we’re seeing burning Teslas and possibly burning golf courses. I’d like to also someday see a Rump Tower. Sweet dreams are made of these ✨
Not sure if you mean my suggestions = "coming up empty handed", but if so then I guess I have communicated poorly. My focus and point is to create tangible alternatives: mutual aid networks, community gardens, supporting Land Back, housing people, organizing outside capitalist systems -- not to encourage or focus on symbolic destruction that does nothing to affect long-term change (and are also terrible for the climate). These areas I've suggested aren't just ideals -- they're concrete actions that actually feed communities, support those most marginalized, create infrastructure that meets real needs, etc. Vandalism gets no one fed. Protects no one.
We are learning - many of us have had it easy, and now need to learn how to organize and fight effectively. Don’t necessarily have the protective skills. Yet.
Your feedback is a gift - we need to use it to do a better job.
We are all learning together. I have been to so many protests in the past and thought they were the best way to enact positive change. I now think there are more effective ways to both enact change AND build the future we want.
Good morning. I'm not ambivalent about people showing up — I'm ambivalent about performative actions that don't translate to real change. Yet I'm genuinely hopeful about grassroots organizing happening in smaller spaces. Those sustained efforts of building real community support are proven to challenge authoritarian structures.
I recognize your feelings of inauthenticity, I felt it too. Not wanting to speak for all Americans but we’re trying to balance all out civil war. That’s what will happen. Thank you for listing supplies, but I’d also like to know more about protests that *did work.* At the end of the day we’re all just trying our best. If mimosas and singing lead to soccer moms engaging in a sit-in, I’m fucking for it. Perfectionism gets us no where.
Good morning. There are many protests throughout history that created massive change. Civil rights movements, labor organizing, etc. But my piece is really about expanding our toolkit beyond just protests. Mutual aid, community infrastructure, strategic organizing - all the areas I listed. Yes, we're all doing our best, and this is the approach I believe can actually transform our world. Perfectionism and performativeness both miss the point. We need sustained, tangible work that meets people's actual needs.
Mobilizations are always necessary and aren’t something to scoff at. But mobilization needs to be paired with organization. It’s the organization part that is lacking for many. If folks thought the mobilizations that happened last weekend were weak sauce please remember the 2020 movements were lead by Black and brown youth. Black people told yalll what was going to happen and now it has come to pass.
Good morning. My piece isn't scoffing at mobilization. It is saying that I believe folks need to consider efforts beyond mobilization to go deeper into organization - which as you pointed out was lacking for many. To turn that mobilization and collective energy into sustained, community-centered resistance.
You are 100% correct. We want to be comfortable and entertained while being praised for "taking a stand" against something... Nope... doesn't work... Until the bricks are pulled out of the White House with our bare hands, nothing will change...
I think things can absolutely change -- but not through this type of protest, rather through intentional, ground-level organizing. Local mutual aid networks, community infrastructure, strategic support systems that meet real needs. The persistent work of creating the world we actually want to live in.
For me, the protest was a starting point - to realize how many of us there actually are, and then to go home and *do something*. It was inspiring to see how many millions of people have at least some knowledge of the problems we face, but also distressing to realize how many of them would simply go home afterwards and think that they had “done enough”. I think this huge protest was good - to motivate us all, to show us that we’re not alone. However I do agree with you, that more peaceful protests are not going to create the change that we desperately need.
Totally hear you. Protests can absolutely be a powerful catalyst - a moment of collective awakening where we realize we're not alone. And that matters! My point isn't to criticize people showing up, but to challenge us all to turn that initial spark into sustained, tangible action - that deep, unglamorous work of actually building community infrastructure that meets real needs.
I came to my Hands Off "protest" in St. Paul, MN prepared with anonymous clothes and mask. With safety goggles and a ballistic vest beneath my featureless hoodie.
The response I got was from a woman who told me that I looked like a "bad man."
I left after the crowd started to cheer for my Democratic senator who refuses to deny unanimous consent and continues to vote for appointees.
The senator's biggest gripe in her speech was that she had to catch an early flight out of DC to get here on time.
Because flights being on time is definitely a big priority right now 🙄
Much of what you’re saying I sent in a letter to anyone I could think of who might have the power to effect change in early 2017. Things like micro economies, growing and building locally, local currencies, barter etc. No response. Of course I understand now, after decades trying to work within systems to create change, that they will NEVER willingly change. At a (very white) conference on ending racism I pointed out that the system is designed in a never ending loop that blocks real equality. I’ll never forget the faces when I suggested it was time for white folk to lay their power down. Anyway, thanks for this.
Honestly I'm gonna use the next one as an excuse to talk to as many bouncy castle protesters as I can. If anything, it makes for good spots to discuss the quiet things you mentioned like mutual aid, since people that get all cutesy about it probably aren't people who are actively getting into those communities anyway
Might also print off that "we can/can't fight fascism" bit to leave in lending libraries and bulletin boards all over the city, if that's cool.
Please do!
Thank you! I think April 5 showed that lot of people are sufficiently upset to get out in the street. That's a great start! As we know, the revolution will not be televised. However, I agree that more peaceful marches will change nothing. This has all been building for the last 40 years, so we need to change our definition of normal. None of this is sustainable. Unfortunately, the most difficult thing to change is people's minds.
You're welcome. And yes, totally. People showing up matters - but showing up has to mean so much more than just walking down a street. It HAS to mean creating the infrastructure that actually supports people: mutual aid networks, community gardens, strike funds, alternative care systems. We need to reimagine what solidarity looks like beyond a protest sign.
Your honesty and clarity are a gift in these insane times. I reached out to my neighbors, some are quite shy. And am building community as best I can. Just checked out the book Mutual Aid by David Spade and thinking about attending a progressive church owing to the power of your words. I'm listening.
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Thanks for this!
You're welcome!
So well said!!!
Thanks, Angela!
So well said, Jo!
Thank you, Heath!
Agreed. The ICNC has guides from those who have done it;
https://open.substack.com/pub/peoplespartyus/p/the-path-of-most-resistance?r=2lkf6n&utm_medium=ios
“We can fight fascism accepting discomfort as a necessary part of meaningful change. Americans love their little treats. You offer no suggestion for changing this. Just that it shouldn’t be that way. You list WHAT should be happening but don’t offer a HOW to get entitled and selfish Americans to be uncomfortable. I understand the point of this post was just to talk about the WHAT (“we need to understand the actual assignment”), but without a HOW none of this is helpful. (I’m sorry being a bit bitchy. I’m frustrated).
I'm confused by the statement that I offer no suggestions. The 'how' is the 'what'. Do the what - all the things I listed - over and over, which shows people how to think beyond their own sphere. We can't tell people HOW to care - but we can show them. I'm showing/doing in my own community (the how), and then sharing these perspectives here (the what). Changing a culture of comfort and individualism = each of us doing the work, having hard conversations, building connections that challenge our comfort.
If by "without a HOW none of this is helpful" you mean you don't understand how to do it and need advice at a more granular level - i.e. you don't know where to start on mutual aid - then please read this piece: https://theprogressivists.substack.com/p/sorry-your-bootstraps-wont-save-you
Yeah this is the issue I keep running up against. We as common people are wondering how to affect change and all the “experts” (politicians and academics) come up empty handed.
Investigating the Cuban and French revolutions it seems vandalism of sacred monuments is the first step to strike at the bourgeoisie. So we’re seeing burning Teslas and possibly burning golf courses. I’d like to also someday see a Rump Tower. Sweet dreams are made of these ✨
Not sure if you mean my suggestions = "coming up empty handed", but if so then I guess I have communicated poorly. My focus and point is to create tangible alternatives: mutual aid networks, community gardens, supporting Land Back, housing people, organizing outside capitalist systems -- not to encourage or focus on symbolic destruction that does nothing to affect long-term change (and are also terrible for the climate). These areas I've suggested aren't just ideals -- they're concrete actions that actually feed communities, support those most marginalized, create infrastructure that meets real needs, etc. Vandalism gets no one fed. Protects no one.
We are learning - many of us have had it easy, and now need to learn how to organize and fight effectively. Don’t necessarily have the protective skills. Yet.
Your feedback is a gift - we need to use it to do a better job.
We are all learning together. I have been to so many protests in the past and thought they were the best way to enact positive change. I now think there are more effective ways to both enact change AND build the future we want.
Sounds like you are pretty ambivalent about the protests
I get that
And people showing up is the start of the mutual aid networks/strike funds/community coming together
I get that it is not obvious to you through the pictures but that shit is happening in the smaller protests.
Good morning. I'm not ambivalent about people showing up — I'm ambivalent about performative actions that don't translate to real change. Yet I'm genuinely hopeful about grassroots organizing happening in smaller spaces. Those sustained efforts of building real community support are proven to challenge authoritarian structures.
I recognize your feelings of inauthenticity, I felt it too. Not wanting to speak for all Americans but we’re trying to balance all out civil war. That’s what will happen. Thank you for listing supplies, but I’d also like to know more about protests that *did work.* At the end of the day we’re all just trying our best. If mimosas and singing lead to soccer moms engaging in a sit-in, I’m fucking for it. Perfectionism gets us no where.
Good morning. There are many protests throughout history that created massive change. Civil rights movements, labor organizing, etc. But my piece is really about expanding our toolkit beyond just protests. Mutual aid, community infrastructure, strategic organizing - all the areas I listed. Yes, we're all doing our best, and this is the approach I believe can actually transform our world. Perfectionism and performativeness both miss the point. We need sustained, tangible work that meets people's actual needs.
Mobilizations are always necessary and aren’t something to scoff at. But mobilization needs to be paired with organization. It’s the organization part that is lacking for many. If folks thought the mobilizations that happened last weekend were weak sauce please remember the 2020 movements were lead by Black and brown youth. Black people told yalll what was going to happen and now it has come to pass.
Good morning. My piece isn't scoffing at mobilization. It is saying that I believe folks need to consider efforts beyond mobilization to go deeper into organization - which as you pointed out was lacking for many. To turn that mobilization and collective energy into sustained, community-centered resistance.
You are 100% correct. We want to be comfortable and entertained while being praised for "taking a stand" against something... Nope... doesn't work... Until the bricks are pulled out of the White House with our bare hands, nothing will change...
I think things can absolutely change -- but not through this type of protest, rather through intentional, ground-level organizing. Local mutual aid networks, community infrastructure, strategic support systems that meet real needs. The persistent work of creating the world we actually want to live in.