There are assholes out here trying to tell you that today’s demonstrations were useless virtue signaling.
Asserting your values and showing up for each other is never an empty gesture.
No circular firing squads. No trolling. No woker than thou sermons.
We build together. We live in truth. We say NO to this administration’s moral contamination.
That’s already something.
Honestly, what’s the difference between a fascist and a “your antifascist demo is pointless” shit poster?
Is there one?
Authoritarians try to paint themselves as having the overwhelming support of the populace, both because they want something like democratic legitimacy and to imply that they are unstoppable. They also try to paint anyone objecting to them as part of a relatively small group of Very Bad People, which in practice means Not Like Us.
The more people turn-out, and the more they resemble Just Folks to the people on the fence, the less the authoritarians can be convincing.
Go back to sleep
What is "virtue signalling" other than stating one's values, in this case a whole society stating it's values. And that is bad because ?
@xankarn I'm already feeling like way fucking better after today. After all the threats and such. It went off without a hitch.
They'll try to make fun, but that's what they do. They're bullies.
@xankarn protests provide myriad benefits. Personally, I think the biggest value is simply its validation that you’re not alone.
Being surrounded by people who are fighting your fight is monumentally comforting. It’s vitamins for mental health. Even if “by people” is only a handful in a small town or community.
We know it accomplishes more. But that alone is mighty powerful.
The protests are not meaningless, they are an important first step. And it’s also true that they are just a baby first step on a long hard road if the goal is real and lasting change. Looking from over the border, I think you all done good, now do gooder!
@xankarn Sorry for linking to substack, but Paul Krugman puts it well, even links to research saying *marching works*. Two quotes:
1) "They are a show of the depth and popularity of a movement, reassuring those who are opposed to a nation’s direction that many, many others share that opposition.
2) "they can induce defections from the ruling regime, because the protestors can’t easily be “othered,” portrayed as strange and alien.
https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/civil-resistance-confronts-the-autocracy
What I appreciate about Krugman's "bubble autocracy" concept is the reminder it provides that anyone with gumption can still repudiate the MAGA platform. Sure, there's pressure, but most will never have to worry about knocks on the door late at night or how to survive the gulag.
Especially for the people and corporations with deep pockets, it's simply a case of principles over profits.
Like I always say, what's the point of having "eff you" money if you never actually say "eff you?"
@xankarn I think showing up helps to build community. Even with the risk of surveillance, or undercover provocateur s.
Meeting folks at these protests means you know other folks are prepared to standup with you. It's a start and can be built on.
Resistance also isn't always protesting, it's supporting the folks doing the direct action.
Alexander Karn
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