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Suggestions for next steps after the momentum dies down in the streets:
Given that we have leveled critiques at those who would seek to crystallize the energy of "the movement" under their own agenda, we feel somewhat compelled to offer some alternatives to attending
Suggestions for next steps after the momentum dies down in the streets:
Given that we have leveled critiques at those who would seek to crystallize the energy of "the movement" under their own agenda, we feel somewhat compelled to offer some alternatives to attending
endless street marches that accomplish nothing. These are merely suggestions and specific actions should always be tailored to your specific context. What works in Eugene won't necessarily work in Portland/Seattle/Salem/Corvallis, etc etc.
1. Create space for an organic conversation to develop about what occurred in your city these past weeks and how to move forward from there. This can take the form of assemblies, chats on encrypted video messengers, encrypted phone calls, walks in the park, and can be done with
many trusted participants or between 2 people.
There is a lot of discussion of "what's next?" floating around right now, but we think the main issue is that people are asking that question independently of eachother rather than congealing their lessons and asking it together.
There is a lot of discussion of "what's next?" floating around right now, but we think the main issue is that people are asking that question independently of eachother rather than congealing their lessons and asking it together.
Put simply, others will have thought of things you haven't, and the process of collective learning that occurs in discussion is invaluable. With that said, be careful of formalizing this process to the point that you end up with pointless meetings no one wants to go to.
2. Take time to understand your terrain
Can't stress this enough but any strategy or project you develop needs to come with a clear understanding of the context you are operating in. Even reading a wikipedia article about the city you live in can be a good thing to do.
Can't stress this enough but any strategy or project you develop needs to come with a clear understanding of the context you are operating in. Even reading a wikipedia article about the city you live in can be a good thing to do.
Capitalism and the state are not abstract things. There are specific corporations operating in your area, specific people who own those terrible condos, specific people in city government/in the police force, on and on. Take some time to understand the place you live in better
so you can carry that knowledge with you in any future action.
Looking at maps is also a very good way to spend your time and can be done either by yourself, or with a partner. A common thing that holds us back is starting our protests at the same central locations in the heart
Looking at maps is also a very good way to spend your time and can be done either by yourself, or with a partner. A common thing that holds us back is starting our protests at the same central locations in the heart
of the city like we often do, whether those be in financial districts or gentrified districts or whatever. Either way, these places are built for control, with plenty of cameras and streets built in a way to contain the mob and make policing much easier. Taking care to look
at a map will help you determine new places of which to initiate your actions that will be harder for the police to just surround at and you may be able to come up with more creative tours of the city during your marches that way. Look at maps and look for opportunities!
We could go on and on about ways you can deepen your knowledge of your city, but finally we will just say that taking walks around areas that might later see protests is a good idea for many reasons and is good exercise as well.
3. Sharpen your analysis
Folks this isn't the 1960's but based on the way some of these people talk you would think otherwise. Theory and ideas have come a long way since the near monopoly of people droning on about the industrial proletariat back in those days.
Folks this isn't the 1960's but based on the way some of these people talk you would think otherwise. Theory and ideas have come a long way since the near monopoly of people droning on about the industrial proletariat back in those days.
In order to really understand the police, you need to understand capitalism and the state and that necessitates an understanding of how neoliberal economic ideology has completely changed the terrain and necessitates new strategies to fight against. Here is a reading list:
New Ghettos Burning from Ultracom: learn about the new era of the suburban revolt
http://www.ultra-com.org/project/new-ghettos-burning/
highly recommend anything from that outlet!
http://www.ultra-com.org/project/new-ghettos-burning/
highly recommend anything from that outlet!
Carceral Capitalism by @LoneberryWang
https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/carceral-capitalism
This book does a great job explaining the intersection of neoliberal economic policy and contemporary police and prison policy.
https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/carceral-capitalism
This book does a great job explaining the intersection of neoliberal economic policy and contemporary police and prison policy.
"To Our Friends" by the Invisible Committee
https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/the-invisible-committe-to-our-friends
Hard to overstate the sheer amount of good analysis in this book. Topics covered include Crisis Governance and the power of logistic!
https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/the-invisible-committe-to-our-friends
Hard to overstate the sheer amount of good analysis in this book. Topics covered include Crisis Governance and the power of logistic!
"Blessed is the Flame: An introduction to anarcho-nihilism"
https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/serafinski-blessed-is-the-flame
When people tell you that xyz is hopeless you tell them to read this book because climate change may have foreclosed on many possibilities except the possibility of struggling for its own sake.
https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/serafinski-blessed-is-the-flame
When people tell you that xyz is hopeless you tell them to read this book because climate change may have foreclosed on many possibilities except the possibility of struggling for its own sake.
There are plenty more and readers are encouraged to share their own links in the comments. This concludes the suggestions thread.
#Eugene #Eugeneprotest
#Eugene #Eugeneprotest
