This is so insightful. In trying to be of support for Humboldt Cal Poly folks, the nuances and complexities you underpin here I’m also seeing unfold in real time. So much to chew on. Especially enlightening is the way you dismantle and pick apart the false dichotomy of violent/non-violent action. Thank you
There's a lot to chew on here, Max, thank you for that.
Those who believe significant social change can come from just peaceful civil disobedience are fooling themselves. Those who resort to destructive methods, even if necessary, risk undermining their cause from providing material that can be easily used against them. The lack of cohesiveness against organized, monolithic corporate and government power weakens any movement.
However, significant societal change doesn't come without exceeding law and order, when law and order are not the same as justice. We're seeing all of this on our college campuses now.
I advocate for as many as possible, doing as much as they can. You put your body in harms away, a necessary element. Not everyone can, not everyone has the courage or physical capability, but everyone can resist in some way. I often emphasize in my articles to pay attention to your money. Boycott fossil fuel sponsoring banks, for instance. Don't buy anything unless it's essential. Like cancer, we need to cut off the blood supply as well. https://www.fossilbanks.org/fossil-banks
I have thought that direct action also needs to have a clear connection to the issue. IMO throwing soup at art does little but provide material for Faux News and late night talk show hosts.
Solidarity, Brother
Thanks, James! Same to you.
This is so insightful. In trying to be of support for Humboldt Cal Poly folks, the nuances and complexities you underpin here I’m also seeing unfold in real time. So much to chew on. Especially enlightening is the way you dismantle and pick apart the false dichotomy of violent/non-violent action. Thank you
I'm glad this is helpful, Erica. Thanks for reading.
There's a lot to chew on here, Max, thank you for that.
Those who believe significant social change can come from just peaceful civil disobedience are fooling themselves. Those who resort to destructive methods, even if necessary, risk undermining their cause from providing material that can be easily used against them. The lack of cohesiveness against organized, monolithic corporate and government power weakens any movement.
However, significant societal change doesn't come without exceeding law and order, when law and order are not the same as justice. We're seeing all of this on our college campuses now.
I advocate for as many as possible, doing as much as they can. You put your body in harms away, a necessary element. Not everyone can, not everyone has the courage or physical capability, but everyone can resist in some way. I often emphasize in my articles to pay attention to your money. Boycott fossil fuel sponsoring banks, for instance. Don't buy anything unless it's essential. Like cancer, we need to cut off the blood supply as well. https://www.fossilbanks.org/fossil-banks
Thanks for the comment, Geoffrey.
Excellent article Max. Re-grounding. Solidarity!
Same to you! Some familiar scenes here.
Absolutely brilliant and inspiring. May I suggest including a link to the English version of the book? Or the website?
Glad to hear.
The book can be read online here for free: https://archive.org/details/direct_action_manual_3
Or bought here: https://www.akpress.org/earth-first-direct-action-manual.html
Perfect. Thanks, Max!
I have thought that direct action also needs to have a clear connection to the issue. IMO throwing soup at art does little but provide material for Faux News and late night talk show hosts.
I agree, Heidi. Action becomes a lot stronger when it's clearly linked to the issues.