Mickey Z

Cool Observer

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

"Far from damaging the system, activists actually legitimize it"

"The only choice we are presented with is the choice between the spectacle of domination and the spectacle of opposition."

The above quotes are from one of Larry Law’s excellent Spectacular Times pamphlet series. I’ve read these mini books maybe 20 times over the past15 years or so and never failed to learn something...so, today, I thought I’d share some Situationist-style thoughts on activism and see what you think:

“In the society of the spectacle, we are not all expected to hold the same views. Indeed, we are encouraged to haves strong opinions about this or that particular issue. All that is required is that we remain passively receptive to the overall design.”

“Far from damaging the system, (activists) actually legitimize it. By their petitioning, they acknowledge the right of those in power to exercise that power as they choose.”

“Anyone working for a saner world will, from time to time, be faced with the choice of caring for present suffering or working to remove the cause of suffering. The choice is always painful. More so because we know that a preoccupation with present suffering—of which there is apparently an inexhaustible supply—is a means of social control. We all know people who have become so involved in caring for present suffering that they have not time and eventually no optimism for the radical changes which would remove the source of the problem.”

And finally:

“Capitalism cannot be reformed piece by tiny piece. Surely it is not our intention to take out bank loans to buy back our world from capitalism. Neither is it our intention to help capitalism run more efficiently.”

(A reader named Faith sent me her idea on how to challenge the system. Click on “more” below to give it a read.)

Faith sez:

Well, for what it’s worth, here is my suggestion for....

THINGS TO DO IN WASHINGTON DC (with thanks and apologies to “V for Vendetta"): Political Passive Aggressive Resistance

MAKE THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE IMPOSSIBLE TO IGNORE

There is no leader, no organization, just individuals, participating in small groups with their friends and traveling companions. Doing things you would do if on vacation in DC. You could just to one thing for a short time, or take a location and work it.

1. All you need is a t-shirt that you can iron on, sharpie on, paint on…
FRONT:  I’ve Had Enough—Have you?
BACK:  Have you Had —ENOUGH?
(Be nice if there were “clear” sky blue...)

2. Get Metro passes, travel to various Metro Stations, during rush hours (morning and evening) to take up every available seat. Make the Washington Workers STAND. Bollux up their day. Make sure to linger staring at the Metro Maps at Union Station, and at the larger stops.

3. Protesters to each of the airports on Thursday afternoons and Monday mornings. This is when Senators and Representatives travel to and from home. Most of them DO fly commercial. Gather in groups no larger than 10 (if you look like a “rally” you’ll be arrested). Stand or sit on EVERY bench at the entrances/exits. Keep riding the escalators. FILL THEM UP. Get on the moving sidewalks and FILL THEM UP. Go to the bars, take a stool at the bar FILL THEM UP. Go ahead and have a beer just take an hour or two to drink it.

4. Protesters to the busiest intersections. Just 3 on each corner would be enough, keep pressing the “Walk” button.

5. Protesters at the lunch hour 5 to a group, walk the sidewalks, SLOWLY. From curb to building fill the sidewalk arm in arm. Most people in Washington walk to lunch. Let’s slow them down. Stand in the lines at the hot dog carts, fill the booths (they can have the tables).

6. Call your Senator or Representative and request a ticket to tour the White House, Capitol Building. Just about every state has a room to meet in. Go in groups of 2 or more but less than 10.

7. Visit any of the Smithsonian Museums in groups of 3 to 10. Take a school classroom, let them make the T-shirt they will wear in DC.

8. Ride the tourist trolley.

9. In small groups go to the Washington Offices of CNN, FOX, etc. Walk through the lobby, ask for a tour.

Don’t talk or engage in political debate.

KEEP MOVING: If you loiter, you WILL be arrested.

Be everywhere.

Answer questions when you are asked. Share any message you want. The only agenda here is the peoples’ agenda and YOU are the PEOPLE. Let me know when you’re ready to go, I’m thinking maybe September? Say the 10th through the 12th???

Posted by Mickey Z on 08/30 at 04:55 AM
(25) Comments • Tell-a-Friend

Copyright © 2005-2007 Mickey Z.