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As a sometimes-social movements scholar, I’m struck by how little civilians understand movement politics.
Guys, it’s time for some social movement theory.
#Thread 1/
Guys, it’s time for some social movement theory.
#Thread 1/
First, know that authorities respond to movements in 2 big ways: repression (beat it down) and concessions/co-optation (defuse it/take it over), sometimes simultaneously
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We've seen repression BIG-TIME in #RVA - military gear, the #EGSMZ (or #StoneyHenge), plus lots of fun chemical weapon attacks
3/ https://vpm.org/news/articles/14208/another-tense-standoff-before-police-fire-chemical-agents-at-protesters
3/ https://vpm.org/news/articles/14208/another-tense-standoff-before-police-fire-chemical-agents-at-protesters
(Remember folks: the history of social movements shows that violence often comes from authorities, not protestors, although the latter are often blamed for it)
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But gov't also try to co-opt - harness movement nrg/action for their own interests. Starts with concessions - leaders suddenly become advocates of removing monuments (and act like they were for it all along!) https://wtop.com/virginia/2020/06/northam-orders-removal-of-lee-statue-in-richmond/
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But also commissions or task forces that propose to "study" the issue. Movement organizers might be invited. The goal: look like you're doing something, put off painful but meaningful change. Most important: get people off the street
6/ https://twitter.com/LevarStoney/status/1273659546385485826?s=20
6/ https://twitter.com/LevarStoney/status/1273659546385485826?s=20
So movement actors have to respond - how much to engage or reject? This leads to 2nd key point: movements are INFORMAL and MESSY - while there are leaders and orgs involved, no official org chart or office
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A movement is like a fleet of ships w/ varying crews and motivations Most share anti-authority & anti-status quo vibe, but MIGHT follow direction tactics - or might go off on their own
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Some arguments here in #RVA over this happening publicly. Fascinating for politics nerds to watch play out in real time, but should never lose sight of real costs for actual humans - plus huge stakes for the future of the city
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Speaking of stakes: final point about movements is about electoral politics. Movements don't automatically translate into campaigns. But we're definitely seeing it here in #RVA
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New NRG behind existing #RVACouncil candidates like @amyinthe8th and @MrLegacyJones ; new candidates like @JosephSHRogers and @teevirus ; and, of course, biggest deal: @aerodgers for Mayor
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Rodgers' entry into mayoral race seemed direct response to Kim Gray's conservative responses to the protests. Not sure how this will translate to votes but election DEF looks different from even a few weeks ago
12/ https://twitter.com/_SmithNicholas_/status/1273323224336601089?s=20
12/ https://twitter.com/_SmithNicholas_/status/1273323224336601089?s=20
Of course, election talk is premature in the sense that the movement, qua movement, is far from over: People are still in the streets. Key Q for organizers/actors: how to harness/keep momentum? There’s more to come. And more here: http://www.rvapol.com/blog/2020/6/19/a-few-things-about-social-movements
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