It’s the perennial coordination problem. Consider these truths: 1. Anybody who stands up alone will get viciously hammered down. 2. If a large number of people stand up together, they can make a difference. 3. People have to trust others to stand up with them, otherwise see #1.
How do we organize a large crowd of people that trust each other without the people in power catching wind of it and viciously hammering down the organizers? It sure would help to have some support from people already in positions of power…
This is part of why, as much grief as it gets, the 4B movement is something that can plausibly gain traction. Because it doesn’t really require anyone “outing” themselves and thus putting themselves at risk, it can be done without coordination, leadership, and trust. Boycotts function on a similar premise.
They are a useful tool in some ways, but the issue is the relatively limited scope of what these sorts of efforts can accomplish.
It’s the perennial coordination problem. Consider these truths: 1. Anybody who stands up alone will get viciously hammered down. 2. If a large number of people stand up together, they can make a difference. 3. People have to trust others to stand up with them, otherwise see #1.
How do we organize a large crowd of people that trust each other without the people in power catching wind of it and viciously hammering down the organizers? It sure would help to have some support from people already in positions of power…
This is part of why, as much grief as it gets, the 4B movement is something that can plausibly gain traction. Because it doesn’t really require anyone “outing” themselves and thus putting themselves at risk, it can be done without coordination, leadership, and trust. Boycotts function on a similar premise.
They are a useful tool in some ways, but the issue is the relatively limited scope of what these sorts of efforts can accomplish.
I’m reading a book on this topic right now. It’s called civil resistance. Hope to find the answer soon!