Thoughts on Black Bloc's
posted by Sobey | June 29, 2010
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IcerocketIn the wake of the now subsiding G20 in Toronto with a record breaking number of arrests estimated at 900 protesters and many pieces of footage I am wanting to sort through my thoughts on what is known as "black bloc's".
I first learned about anarchist black bloc's when I participated in one in San Francisco during a Columbus Day protest around 1992. The tactical plan was to join the peaceful protest march and then partition off towards the public Columbus Day parade and seek to actually block the parade route while all masked up and dressed in black. This tactic was "weak" to quote a fellow black bloc member as we witnessed our numbers quickly being whittled down to nothing by police on motorcycles and in cars before we even got to the parade route.
Our group was pretty frail in relation to the number of cops and Columbus Day paraders themselves after leaving the massive organized protest march. Making our way to the parade meant going up steep streets which was tiring. When we got to the parade route there were massive cops waiting with batons swinging wildly. Before I knew what was happening one of the anarchists had lobbed a molotov cocktail at one of the police cruisers barring our way and it was up in flames. Didnt' recall that being part of the plan! That's when they cops declared no quarter and it was game over for us. We were chased down like rodents. I looked for a place to hide but there was no where to go and only steep streets to run on. I was rounded up by a motorcycle cop who first rammed me sending me flying in the air then was riot cuffed and stuffed in a paddy wagon where nearby Columbus Day paraders jeered and asked the cops if they needed any help. I was released a few hours later and am fortunate it hasn't affected my border crossings since though I did have to have an awkward conversation about it once with a border officer.
That anecdotal tale is always in the back of my mind when I look at other people engaging in black bloc's. I saw them again at WTO in much larger numbers. It all makes me flashback not only to my experience in San Francisco but to a whole community of activists I once knew spanning Toronto and Vancouver who have largely evaporated since the early 90's when I knew them. The same people I partied with and protested with, threw conferences with and squatted with. We were an amazing community I thought. Unlike now though we had little means of keeping in touch in that pre-internet era.
So going back to the scenes I've witnessed in Vancouver during the Olympics recently with black bloc and this week's G20 where Starbucks windows and other corporate targets have been vandalized with plenty of balaclava'd black garment wearing anarchists. In both cases the results have largely been license for the cops to use their heavily funded security measure and crush dissent from peaceful protesters alike. On top of that plenty of head shaking by conservative people who can justify their desire to have nothing to do with the underclass. And worst of all a poisonous self-righteousness by anarchists who have gained nothing but something to feel justified about at the expense of others.
As someone who has identified with anarchist concepts of autonomous community I find I have very little to share in common with people who do black bloc actions. I worry that these self-righteous people who jeopardize others right to protest, who are found mixing drinking and protesting, who make anarchists look like scary terrorists, and justify their actions as "non-violent" because they are targeting corporations are going to end up like a lot of people I have loved and lost forever. I see the ghosts of my fallen comrades who gave way to their own hatred against corporations and government, who burned out their heart chakra's by spending so much energy fighting the system, many succumbing to numbing methods like heroin use.
I would love to see a new way for anarchists to promote the ideas of anarchism which remain relevant to today. Der schwarze Block as coined by German media where it was born, were originally squatters who were fighting for their home communities. I think they succeeded to some extent. I can see why people romanticize these movements from Europe which have hit numbers between 50 000 and 80 000 people. Those numbers are not like that in North America. But the use of these tactics which are basically anything goes are volatile and not a usable strategy by any activist considering the fact that anybody (and most especially agents provocateurs planted inside activist ranks) can completely derail things. I do think it's wise to mask ones identity at protests especially since cops are not acting legally and do target organizers, even peaceful ones. But the need for a black garb seems polarizing and needless. It's more likely to get you thrown in a paddy wagon with a scary looking charge like "inciting a riot" (been there) which will limit your travel for life not to mention employability. What comes after you've burned all the bridges? Crime usually. Does that have much to do with fulfilling our values as activists?
The G20 and pretty much all current day events that call upon massive amounts of riot police presence will inevitably bring about a dividing line between those who justify the measures and those who find it Draconian. What is happening behind closed doors by elitist political forces definitely needs to be addressed and should never be ignored. I was certainly glad to see indie media reports of peaceful protests which involved feeding marginalized people, doing outreach and finding out the issues going on, and using celebration to send out a message. I'm all for diversity of means but my bottom line is not to do things that increase the restrictions of freedoms like permanant security cameras everywhere and ever more volatile protest situations in the future. It is such things that perhaps account for why I am resistant to attend protests now having been a part of many in the past. I know if there was no one out there protesting i'd feel really saddened. It is an important right to be able to express disfavor of politics and policies. How we will do this in the future is something I think Evolvers could do some good thinking about. There are no simple answers.
Comments
I appreciate your
— Jun 30, 2010
I appreciate your perspective and experience, but I think it's total bullshit that black blocs and property destruction are continuously blamed for repressive police tactics. The police are violent, that's their job, and they don't need an excuse to be violent against peaceful protesters. So please stop giving validation to this notion that "violent" anarchists are responsible for militarized police tactics.
The fact that they have to spend billions on dollars on security, ship in police from around the country, and dress in the scariest storm trooper uniforms in history is a testament to the fact that they are scared. And if the police aren't scared of you then you probably aren't being effective.
I think it's fucked up that pacifists will but their bodies between a black bloc and corporate property but they won't lift a finger when pigs start snatch-and-grabbing people out of the crowd. I mean, who needs police to quell an uprising when you have pacifists to do the job for them!?
That being said, I definitely think that black bloc actions, especially at summit protests, seem to be a losing strategy, and not much more than a recipe for cracked skulls, PTSD, and new additions onto your arrest record. It seems like the whole thing has become more like theater than revolution.
But at the same time, it's great theater, and when I see video of police abandoning their cruisers which then get set on fire, or turned into a barricade (a la the Oka native uprising), I smile a little bit. And when I see pigs getting beat up by protesters, it gives me hope. The police are not invincible, they can be beaten, and that means that our dreams of making a better world actually stand a chance of succeeding.
I agree that police violence
— Jun 30, 2010
I agree that police violence occurs with or without a justifiable cause. I see that you also agree that black bloc's seem to be a failing tactic. Personally I don't get all that happy seeing cop cars on fire and such.
Another story:
I was at an FTAA Magickal Activism training with Starhawk. It was several days long and free just before the protest in Quebec but held in Vancouver. She talked about how the police are not the real enemy but moreso pawns. To get to the root of the problem is something we need to constantly focus towards. Since we're on Evolver.net I am comfortable saying that using psychic abilities to gain information would be a useful tactic. Not to harm but to identify who is really pulling the strings and expose this. Bad PR is a powerful weakness.
In that same workshop we role-played a confrontation between police and protesters and activists played the role of cops. Afterwards in the debrief we got into how that experience showed that cops are human beyond a doubt and are not inhuman but triggered into animal nature by the level of fear and intensity all around them in those scenarios and by the training they do beforehand to contend with that. It should be remarked that in many cases we've heard that police in these situations have quit their jobs afterwards when their conscience kicks in which is real victory. When there are no cops willing to police us for things they know in their heart are wrong the power structure will truly fall. Having this us vs them mentality will only fuel the war.
Thanks for having read and commented.
I agree that the cops are
— Jun 30, 2010
I agree that the cops are just pawns, but to say that they are not the real enemy is like saying that the fists of the person attacking you are not the problem, but rather the mind of the person attacking you. And while the mind of the attacker should be targeted, the fists need to be restrained as well.
Yes, they are triggered into animal mode by fear and ignorance, and deep down they are human too. But to deal with cops like they are humans is a losing strategy, you have to deal with them like they are a mix between a wild animal and a machine. Don't make sudden movements, they will become dangerous if cornered, they are bounded by certain protocols, and they do exactly what their commanders tell them to do.
When cops engage in these kinds of actions, they've chosen to put their humanity aside. Maybe they will feel guilty and quit later, but that doesn't change what happens right then. There is plenty of footage of cops breaking into tears at the sight of dancing protestors. But you know what they do after that? They straighten up their posture and proceed to beat the shit out of them.
Until they quit, they are the tools of oppression. And after they quit, there is undoubtedly some sadistic asshole ready to take their place. There is no such thing as a good cop.
Being able to "recognize their humanity" and "resist peacefully" is a privilege of somebody who doesn't live under the boot. 98% of the native american population has been either genocided or assimilated. Resistance is a matter of survival for them and they don't have the privilege of being able to show compassion towards their oppressors.
Abusers only stop abusing their victims when they have no other option. First, stop the abuse, then we can treat the mind and soul of the abuser.
Have you read the Fifth
— Jun 30, 2010
Have you read the Fifth Sacred Thing by Starhawk? I think it relates to all this and is a relevant story for our times.
I was at an International Indigenous Leadership Gathering this year and Chief Arvol Looking Horse, pretty much the Dalai Lama of the native people, spoke about his vow to never bear arms and to be a peaceful warrior. Coming from him who has seen so much suffering of his people I could only imagine what that takes. I'm sure that if we were to see a loved one being harmed that things might take on a different meaning but it is the real test of humanity, to not become the monsters we are faced with.
On a completely other level, I am beginning to see the possible truth of the fact that this age we're in is coming to an end and humanity is in such degeneration that it must be cleansed by natures forces. So many prophecies speak to this. It was the same in the time of Atlantis. But amongst the degeneration are those who are eliminating defects and demonstrating what a true evolved human being is. That consciousness will not be erased by the end of this cycle but will contribute to what comes next in the new era. Perhaps it's time to know which battle can be won and not to try to create utopia on a Titanic which is sinking.
Protesting vs Civil Disobedience
— Jul 01, 2010
I've done my fair share in protesting out in the streets in a peaceful way, but the truth is in order to truly make the police pawns back doan ala "V for Vendetta" the numbers MUST be overwhelming...Now as long as people continue to feed this destructive machines and continue paying their taxes ALL the protesting in the world will NOT make a difference especially in relatively small numbers under 200,000 people...therefore STOP feeding this wicked machine...here are some very humble suggestions:
1. Watch as little or no mainstream TV as possible (use this time to educate yourself via research on what is important to you, read up on the subjects that interest you and if you can afford to travel then by all means do so) be open to others opinions and apply what resonates with your core beliefs to your life journey.
2. If you have a child try to home school as much as possible they will be smarter and more evolved than state educated children.
3. Stop consenting to being governed by a spiritually bankrupt corrupt government. Read the declaration of Independence, the constitution, bill of rights, Magna Carta, resist tyranny in all its forms, assert your natural god given rights. Be cautious of kangaroo court systems that are mostly rigged to play into the prison industrial complex.
4. Be pro-active on a local community level, get to know your neighbors and what each person's talent or skills are, in case of emergency work together as FEMA can only make things worse and infringe upon your individual rights.
5. Boycott companies that profit from war, torture , military industrial pollution, a NWO agenda or any company that contradicts common sense and personal liberty in any manner.
6. Withhold the payment of taxes at whatever level as a last resort until your petition of grievances are heard and acted upon, in other words no taxation without honest representation. If you are not supportive in how your government spends your tax dollars (endless wars/police state/corruption/banker bailouts/human rights violations/foreign policy/shredding of the constitution, etc... ) then we as a people have every inalienable GOD given right not to support an un-accountable government that no longer represents the best interest of We the People... Never give up your right to free speech or your personal faith!
7. Demand government transparency at all levels , so all representatives honestly elected are sworn to uphold their oathes of office to protect the constitution for We the People. All political figures should be assessed annually to verify how they voted on key laws/legislation. If they are found to be lining their pockets with public funds or special interest money then they should be forced to immediately repay what they've taken and held legally accountable for their actions.
8. A government that governs less governs best, hold public officials accountable to do their work in an honest and compassionate manner for the common good of the people and not for corporate short term interests. Get rid of career politicians as most of these characters are out for their own advancement. Ask important questions of these officials at public meetings, radio/TV shows to expose their agendas to the public. If you feel you can do a better job than your local officials then by all means run for office so you can make a difference from within the system.
10. Think for yourself, don't believe everything you may read or what the government or the media talking heads tell you to believe, do your own research, come to your own conclusions, always question authority as they rarely have your best interests at heart, you maybe surprised at what you may uncover, knowledge adds to your spiritual evolution.
8. Don’t place trust in organized religion, remove the middle man from your daily communication with our divine creator, and in other words connect with the divine within as often as possible, through meditation, acts of compassion or any other way that spreads positive energies to the world around you.
9. The pursuit of life, liberty and happiness within a free society is crucial for the evolution of humanity, without this we become cattle fodder slaves to a totalitarian fascist system controlled by a handful of insecure egomaniacs. Take that power back, expose police brutality and social injustices by insisting that mainstream media covers these incidents, blogging, twittering, emailing, postering, leaflets etc...Any means available at your disposal can go a long way. If the mainstream media does not cover the "real news" that truly matters , then we each must become the alternative news media journalist to expose deceptions and present the truth in an unbiased manner by any means necessary.
11. Be open minded enough to understand that we are each light beings experiencing the human condition, focus on what your mission on this earth realm is while you are here and try to leave a better world behind because of your personal actions.
12. Help spread positive knowledge and awareness to others that are not "awakened" through conversation, books, discussion groups, film, art and music. Even if you awaken 1 person this year, then you are taking positive steps in spreading the truth and you never know how many others that newly awakened person will wake up through their actions.
13. Stay away from processed foods and junk foods as much as possible, avoid aspartame and fluoridated tap water, exercise your body and mind as much as possible. If you enjoy alcohol or experimenting with entheogens then make sure that you understand your personal level of moderation and act accordingly without trespassing upon others.
14. Respect the earth and its many creatures, don't litter pick up after yourself and do whatever you can to honour the spirit of Gaia in its many forms and life forces.
15. Lastly trust in your intuition and act accordingly, if something does not feel right or resonate with you from an honest perspective then by ALL means follow your guide, you will notice that in over 99% of the times it will serve you right! I am sure there are many other ways to breaking away from the control grid system.
America I pray for your soul everyday your karmic cycle is now upon you.
America your controllers are lost souls themselves trapped in the sea of Samsara.
America your karma is tainted by the evil acts against humanity by your shadow government.
America greatest export are machines of death as they enslave their own people under a police state,
America I know that your citizenry will NOT bow down to these sick minds.
America I know that you will defend yourselves at all costs against the globalist bankers and the industrial military complex.
America I have faith that collectively We the People will rise up against the mechanisms of Evil.
America I know that you will be joined by millions of international resisters that are FED UP with globalist oppressive tyranny and media lies.
America your true potential of LIBERTY will outshine the darkness of tyranny that is trying to consume your soul!
America Now is the time to break free from the chains of tax $lavery and media manipulation, for evil can only succeed if good people do nothing. Remember the power of Truth, Love and Liberty are greater than the love of power!
Evolving Resistance
— Jul 01, 2010
So glad to see this discussion. Thank you Sobey, for your story which
speaks to so many of the experiences of us previously in the protest movement. I have also drifted away, and yet, still have such a strong
desire to be a part of it. Recently watched 'Battle of Seattle' for the
first time, and I haven't cried so much in years...
Whether it is the Black Bloc or the protest movement in general, I agree
it is valuable for Evolvers to take up the discussion of the future of
protest and resistance.
It was one of my first thoughts, seeing the G20 reports, that bringing
these protest actions to the one spot where the authorities are most
heavily prepared to face-off is a poor tactic, considering that with their
resources and numbers, another Seattle where the meeting actually gets shut down is unlikely. And ultimately, continuously shutting down
meetings will not get us where we want to be.
It has me recall the many marches I saw while in Peru, with Quechua people coming down from the hills to blockade roads and shut down their local town for a day or so. What I saw was mostly in protest of water privatization, and the action did little to effect the authorities who are implementing these policies, and yet it did shut down business for their neighbors and community, while seemingly also the major public speaking engagement for municipal politicians. Were they able to take their numbers and tactics to a situation more directly engaging the government and corporate sectors undertaking the privatization, I would think it might be more effective, though likely, it would also attract a more forceful police or military response.
As you say, no simple answers.
"Perhaps it's time to know which battle can be won and not to try to
create utopia on a Titanic which is sinking."
Deep Ecologist John Seed, when asked why he's always preaching to the choir, explains a process for re-establishing native plants in an
ecosystem. One starts with a tiny piece of land, and devotes themselves to removing all invasive species from that small space. Eventually, the native species reappear, and act as a foundation of support for other native plants to re-establish themselves in the area. The native eco-system then continues to grow, all with the initial introduction of intent and care. That we are building communities with the space to explore and develop those aspects of our humanity which have been repressed and eliminated by the culture feels like the big bright light for me.
Perhaps in the future, the days of International Superclass meetings like the G20 can be days focused upon healing our lost selves, networking with International Solidarity groups, and participating in local, neighborhood events that support our community autonomy. Let the streets be deserted, and the gardens, community centers, and front porches be full * * *
Now, that said, the most valuable experiences I have had in protests and direct action is the emotional value. The feelings of justice, solidarity, and empowerment I have felt in those situations are really momentous, life-changing experiences, leading to decisions such as learning how to grow my own food and live without paying taxes. So, the opportunity for people, especially young people, in our society to actually confront and witness the authoritarian forces has its own intrinsic value, as I know the people I witnessed in Peru also had strong emotional responses being involved in their blockades, feelings that likely brought them closer together as a community and unified in their movement.
We see a lot of Black block
— Jul 01, 2010
We see a lot of Black block inspired "protesting" in Olympia Wa. I say "Protesting" but its not protesting at all its rioting. For no other reason then just base self rightous indignation. You dont get tear gassed for protesting... rioting on the other hand will get you tear gassed.
I recall a riot where people where screaming in unision tear it down. Inbetween shouts I would scream "BUILD something new!"
This got me quite a few looks of confusion. I cannot help but feel that there is a lot of confusion and anger in the people acting out in these riots. Lots of misdirrected pain. And LOTS of hate. As some one who is pretty dedicated to creative sollutions and "building something new" I cannot help but feel that much of this is misdirrected energy. It used to be that therapists would encourage people to hit a pillow when they are angery... now they see this as just encouraging people to hit... there are other options that are healthier then hitting. This energy that is spent lashing back in utter futility can be spent wisely creating the changes we seek. There is a place for civil disobedience but civil disobedience is not violent in nature its creative, not destructive. Tear things down? Well things fall down on their own, its up to us to be there when it happens allways looking for the oppertunity to create something new.
I think this highlights the
— Jul 01, 2010
I think this highlights the true meaning of the phrase "diversity of tactics". To create something new, we need to both tear shit down, and then build it back up. People can do one or the other, or both, but they should work in concert.
Burn down the GMO crops and also work on your organic community garden. Riot in the streets and become a lawyer or run for office/become a community organizer. Take your kids out of public school and put them into an education coop.
These different approaches are complimentary, not contradictory. But unfortunately those dedicated to pacifism seem to always denounce more confrontational tactics, thus undermining the effectiveness of their own. (Granted, non-pacifists tend to deride protest as "useless/ineffective" but show me one black blocker who didn't start off holding a sign on a street corner.)
These kinds of division only make the movement weaker.
Tearing things down when it
— Jul 02, 2010
Tearing things down when it consensual on the part of those whos work is being torn down is one thing. When its not its just anarchism as a form of social tyrany.Tearing down say a star bucks when the people who work at star bucks need that job, and the health care program they offer for them and their partners or family how is that in cluding them in their rights to make a choice? By tearing those things down you take away some ones freedom of choice. Are you creating an alternative? how are you helping them?
If instead you encouraged some one and educated them to make a choice that did not infringe on the freedom of others, then you would be really accomplishing something beautiful. Shouting "Tear it down" to some one in a bank whats that going to for them? ah but its not about that, its about forcing yourself onto others... and throwing a brick through their window...
Starhawk is AWESOME
— Jul 01, 2010
I am questioning some of the black bloc stuff.. I understood the original intent. HOwever. I also wonder if SOME of the "black bloc" stuff is psych ops from infiltrators... trying to stir stuff up.. It has been known to happen. Peaceful protests.. and SOME folks want to make them look bad... so they try and incite stuff. I have seen video
I just want to chime in that
— Jul 01, 2010
I just want to chime in that the discussion between Sobey and Vincenz0h was really excellent and summed up a lot of the back and forth I've been having with myself on the subject.
I wasn't sure I would stick around in this community but perhaps I should...
Another blog worth reading
— Jul 01, 2010
Definitely a great
— Jul 02, 2010
Definitely a great discussion and you say things I 'knew' before but, after this experience, am feeling very deeply.
Righteous anger is the other side of love and in these times we should act from both. There is much that must go and so much more that must be protected and tended that it may flourish, in some cases anew and in some, for the first time ever.
Nevertheless violence is not the way, summit-hopping is not the answer, and what is? There are people out there (like us, and like many others) who are figuring that out every day.
The rEvoLution is Within
I haven't had a chance to read this lengthy discussion yet
— Jul 02, 2010
But it's def open in my browser window. Starhawk's "The Fifth Sacred Thing" is a very important book in my lineage of books. And I have some insights to share from my (accidental) first-hand experience of "The Battle of Seattle, 1999."
I relate to the need for a VISIBLE physical action
— Jul 03, 2010
That we can take part in, and from a promotional perspective, we need a great name and great photo to create a group that people want to be a part of, so it will grow.
Maybe something more like shedding light on the NWO darkness.
Everyone dressed in Rainbow colors...
Actually that would look like Gay Pride week!
then again, synergy is what it's all about! (eg Earthdance / Evolver Regionals!)
As long as it's seen as positive, we don't have to worry about satellites taking our face pictures. I don't want any more hassle than I already have crossing the border.
thanks for this (another) really great post Sobey!
In support of Indigenizing activism
— Jul 03, 2010
http://rabble.ca/news/2010/06/support-indigenizing-activism
This article is a very apt reflection for this dialogue worth reading. The end of the article has a story that's very significant of a non-violent spiritually based tactic that worked.
the blac bloc are doing much
— Dec 20, 2010
the blac bloc are doing much more harm than good imo, and i do not support their actions.
