Thank you for being an inspiration Diana! I haven't considered myself an 'activist' as I felt I hadn't been doing enough for long enough to deserve that accolade. I've only been 'active' since I was radicalised 😹 by Suella Braverman last November and took to the streets to join the infamous 'hate march' as I happened to be in London that weekend. Better late than never I guess. And yes, I have met so many amazing, intelligent and compassionate people of all ages and backgrounds. I find the solidarity and humanity a solace in these dark times ❤️🕊️,Dx
I think you nailed it, Diana. If we go in with love, even for the oppressor, and with compassion for the oppressor's expression of our darker capacities, it is hard to be in the wrong place. But of course, that may not remove the physical danger present.
I have been involved in a discussion on another list about people who smash windows making it look bad for other protesters who do not smash windows. I have never been a window smasher, but after a lot of thought about the issue, I have decided that it is more important to try to be supportive of other people who are basically on the same side but who have different ideas about tactics. Just something I have been thinking about today.
I've never been a window smasher either, and I get your point. I think it's also important to be aware of those who infiltrate movements and conduct violence to justify police violence. Admittedly, there's a big grey area. Here's a video of an example.
Yes, there is that problem of infiltrators. Sometimes the reasoning is that window smashers make everyone else look bad and they could mean that we will not be successful. But the reality is that peaceful marches, sit ins etc have not been successful to bring about real, ongoing change. I don't know if smashing windows might wake people up, but who knows? It is a problem that has the potential to really divide us as a movement and I don't like that idea. For some, it is a major challenge to their ability to be accepting of others.
Sorry, I didn't find the video I was looking for, but it was someone from the Council of Canadians trying to unmask someone who was trying to turn a peaceful protest violent. He basically outed him.
But I know what you mean. We need solidarity and we need to be less judgemental about tactics we may not use that others use.
I was at a demo in Montebello, Quebec several years ago when a person pretending to be a protester stirring up problems was noticed because the soles of his boots were those of cop boots. He was quickly taken away by his fellow cops. I didn't even realize what I was seeing until it was over.
Given the lack of awareness of many people there will be a tendency to be afraid of window smashers and any protest can thereby lose credibility (especially when spun by the mainstream media parasites) and the uninformed public will run to the protection of state law enforcement which for some reason seems ever ready to get their aggro on (even against peaceful protestors). So that seems like a loss/loss situation. I think it depends a bit on whose windows they are and what's going on behind the glass. Unethical and amoral businesses which profit from bloodshed and suffering have forfeited any right to be protected and could be targeted for disruption of those operations which enable death and destruction (an extension of the BDS movement). If a target has been keeping a low profile, then attacking its infrastructure (not employees) might raise public awareness of evildoing.
Shurkan for being a lifelong warrior Diana ♥️ Am afraid it took me this genocide to understand our pain and to know (and feel) an immense responsibility. I hope to make up for lost time. For Falastin, and this whole world we will set free with her liberation inshallah.
Yes, my parents still shield me from it, and get upset when I discuss some of my attempted activism. They prefer I tell people am Lebanese (no mention of Falastin), and long story short, as much as I would love to share the publication and everything else with them, it would only anger/upset them. So am learning a lot of our history and struggles by myself. And it's my turn to carry out baton of truth to whom all will read it/me.
Beautiful piece!
I would also add its important to look at the root, root causes and to look to root root solutions.
Thanks, Alicia. I count on others to share their observations and opinions.
Thank you for being an inspiration Diana! I haven't considered myself an 'activist' as I felt I hadn't been doing enough for long enough to deserve that accolade. I've only been 'active' since I was radicalised 😹 by Suella Braverman last November and took to the streets to join the infamous 'hate march' as I happened to be in London that weekend. Better late than never I guess. And yes, I have met so many amazing, intelligent and compassionate people of all ages and backgrounds. I find the solidarity and humanity a solace in these dark times ❤️🕊️,Dx
It's great having that support, isn't it? Thanks for commenting.
A love for humanity !
For sure, Finn.
Yes, no matter how "insignificant" each of us is, we can make a difference.
We surely can, Douglas.
Also highly recommend The Palestine Chronicle and Mondoweiss. Great piece Diana!
Thanks for the recommendations, Val. I'm glad you liked this post.
I think you nailed it, Diana. If we go in with love, even for the oppressor, and with compassion for the oppressor's expression of our darker capacities, it is hard to be in the wrong place. But of course, that may not remove the physical danger present.
I think that's why most activists get involved. I feel a deep sense of moral responsibility as do so many others.
I have been involved in a discussion on another list about people who smash windows making it look bad for other protesters who do not smash windows. I have never been a window smasher, but after a lot of thought about the issue, I have decided that it is more important to try to be supportive of other people who are basically on the same side but who have different ideas about tactics. Just something I have been thinking about today.
I've never been a window smasher either, and I get your point. I think it's also important to be aware of those who infiltrate movements and conduct violence to justify police violence. Admittedly, there's a big grey area. Here's a video of an example.
Yes, there is that problem of infiltrators. Sometimes the reasoning is that window smashers make everyone else look bad and they could mean that we will not be successful. But the reality is that peaceful marches, sit ins etc have not been successful to bring about real, ongoing change. I don't know if smashing windows might wake people up, but who knows? It is a problem that has the potential to really divide us as a movement and I don't like that idea. For some, it is a major challenge to their ability to be accepting of others.
Sorry, I didn't find the video I was looking for, but it was someone from the Council of Canadians trying to unmask someone who was trying to turn a peaceful protest violent. He basically outed him.
But I know what you mean. We need solidarity and we need to be less judgemental about tactics we may not use that others use.
And how to be effective? I wish I knew.
I was at a demo in Montebello, Quebec several years ago when a person pretending to be a protester stirring up problems was noticed because the soles of his boots were those of cop boots. He was quickly taken away by his fellow cops. I didn't even realize what I was seeing until it was over.
I wonder if that was the same protest. That was the giveaway for the one I recall too. I don't remember where it was though.
Given the lack of awareness of many people there will be a tendency to be afraid of window smashers and any protest can thereby lose credibility (especially when spun by the mainstream media parasites) and the uninformed public will run to the protection of state law enforcement which for some reason seems ever ready to get their aggro on (even against peaceful protestors). So that seems like a loss/loss situation. I think it depends a bit on whose windows they are and what's going on behind the glass. Unethical and amoral businesses which profit from bloodshed and suffering have forfeited any right to be protected and could be targeted for disruption of those operations which enable death and destruction (an extension of the BDS movement). If a target has been keeping a low profile, then attacking its infrastructure (not employees) might raise public awareness of evildoing.
Shurkan for being a lifelong warrior Diana ♥️ Am afraid it took me this genocide to understand our pain and to know (and feel) an immense responsibility. I hope to make up for lost time. For Falastin, and this whole world we will set free with her liberation inshallah.
Viva la 🇵🇸
Viva la Palestine, Najwan.
I was exposed to it early, and if people weren't then I think it presents differently.
Good for you for wanting to make up for lost time, Najwan. You're already doing a fantastic job with your posts.
Free free Palestine!
Yes, my parents still shield me from it, and get upset when I discuss some of my attempted activism. They prefer I tell people am Lebanese (no mention of Falastin), and long story short, as much as I would love to share the publication and everything else with them, it would only anger/upset them. So am learning a lot of our history and struggles by myself. And it's my turn to carry out baton of truth to whom all will read it/me.
Viva la 🇵🇸
Viva la 🇵🇸, Najwan.
I know your parents are just concerned for your safety, but still it makes the activist journey lonely.
I have my handy dandy laptop by my side, it has become my consistent companion..
I have to think this is how it was meant to be, allowed this emotional space, to dictate to Falastin.
My immediate family resides in the UAE.
Sometimes comfort is where you can get it. I appreciate your support and the support of others online too.
As I do you. ♥️♥️