Re-thinking Protest: Playbooks on How to Change the World

Global Research News Hour Episode 1340

Occupy’s failure was constructive because it demonstrated the limitations of contemporary ideas of Protest. I capitalize p to emphasize that the limitation was not in a particular tactic but rather in our concept of Protest, or our theory of social change, which determines the overall script. Occupy revealed that activists need to revolutionize their approach to revolution.” -Micah White, from the book the end of protest: a new playbook for revolution (P.27)

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In a world plagued by ecological chaos, militarism, and social and economic injustice, the impulse to want to change the world should be wide-spread and leading to global movements.

The United States has seen multiple political movements since its inception. From the movement for the emancipation of American slaves to the Women’s Liberation movement, to the labour movement, to the civil rights movement and anti-Vietnam War protests, to the anti-nuclear mobilizations of the 80s to the anti-globalization movement, to the February 15, 2003 anti-Iraq War demonstrations, to Occupy Wall Street, to the current day climate rallies and demos.

However, those compelled to change the world for the better find themselves frustrated in their pursuits. Police and securities eventually find ways to infiltrate and disrupt even best planned campaigns. Standard strategies fail to truly confront those in a position of authority. Given failure after failure, it is compelling to ask if protest and conventional activism can make a meaningful difference.

On the eve of International Workers Day, the Global research News Hour hears from twO people who have been active in front-line movements.

Derrick Broze is freelance journalist and community activist based in Houston. He appeared on CFUV 101.9FM in Victoria, BC on the Gorilla Radio program to talk about his involvement with independent journalism and its value,  the concept of Conscious Resistance, the patterns of thinking society enables to keep us imprisoned, and the true meaning of anarchism and where it connects with spirituality.

We devote the final half hour to Occupy Wall street founder and author Micah White. Between an interview with the Global Research News Hour, and an evening talk with Winnipeg-based anti-poverty activist Donald Benham, White expands on his views on all aspects of resistance and struggle, from the success and failure of Occupy, to the enabling of ineffective protest, to where the next revolutionary moments are likely to present themselves.

 

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

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Length (59:21)

Click to download the audio (MP3 format)

 

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Articles by: Michael Welch and Derrick Broze

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