- Campaigns -

from protests to resistance

In Reply to: Protests posted by Luke Downing on December 14, 1998 at 17:52:17:

I totally agree with the sentiments behind protests, but sometimes- in fact, often- protests are not the best way of solving problems. In my town, we used to have an active anarcho-punk scene, and all our activism amounted to was a bunch of kids with spiky hair and trashed jeans standing in front of McD's all day, chanting slogans. How much does that change? Sure, there were one or two people who read our flyers and then drove to the Subway down the street, but most of the people who saw us were just alienated from us. It's so much more important to discuss these issues intelligently with McD's workers, and customers, and supporters, etc. than to chant slogans and insults at those who don't know enough not to eat there.
Instead of approaching people like they are "evil animal-killers"- which alot of people see them as, approach them as your friends or potential allies. Instead of standing all day in front of a McD's and waving signs, why not spend the time at the local organic Farmer's Market, or on your own organic garden? Supporting the alternatives to existing institutions is always a better strategy than trying to destroy them.

Follow Ups:

• I agree Derek USA August 02 1999 (0)