Steal This Blog: Resistance When The Lights Go Out

James Chapman
Aug 8, 2017 · 3 min read

A fictional guide to hypothetically subversive resistance under imaginary tyranny during a pretend, digital blackout in make-believe America.

It is conceivable that a theoretically oppressive regime, even one at the helm of a hypothetical Republic committed to upholding hypothetical Constitutional amendments, could enact media, digital, or electrical blackouts, thus rendering your right to assembly obsolete without ability for your fellow citizens to connect. In America, simply for sake of example (because nothing like that would ever happen here), dissent is a right, but network is a privilege; a privilege ultimately presided over by periodically antithetical federal oversight.

The purpose of this essay is not to prove a case for how widespread protest with lack of impeachment or a false-flag act of terror may be manipulated to coerce greater state control over its people; but instead propose how a hypothetical resistance or protest movement may find ways to operate efficiently under such conditions when commonly employed platforms like Twitter or cellular service are impaired.

If such an edict were to occur in any free society, citizen protestors would encounter greater difficulty (1.) communicating and (2.) assembling. Accounting for modern conditions and historically effective strategies implemented across the globe, we can assume a fictitious manual for resistance would include the following hypothetical text (again using the United States strictly for the sake of example):

COMMUNICATION:

  • Distribute leaflets, posters
  • Write messages of dissent on currency (nothing moves faster)
  • Rustoleum: high-performance, water-proof enamel spray paint with sealant is formulated to withstand the harshest weather conditions and will take several rounds of washing before disappearing from concrete (messages should be large enough to be seen at a distance in areas with high traffic)
  • In dire situations; interrupting live press conferences

ASSEMBLY:

  • Recording the event is vital. Digital cameras from the early 2000s can be powered with disposable batteries found almost anywhere and most lack wifi/bluetooth capabilities which make them susceptible to interference or surveillance. Disposable film cameras found at most drug stores ensure a backup.
  • Bring spray paint and walkie talkies.
  • Attire: without unnecessary elaboration, it has been historically urged that protestors wear clothing that covers as much as the body as possible. Essential items include a bandana and gloves should an item be thrown at you that you need to pick up and throw in another direction. Bicycle, motorcycle, football, and/or hockey helmets may provide extra protection.

FREEDOM OF (PRACTICAL) ASSEMBLY:

Luckily, the actual reality of our current, domestic political climate- while concerning- remains protected by a structure of checks and balances, not to mention large, powerful corporations with vested interest in an efficient consumer market driven by an agreeable public able to Tweet and Instagram their new, favorite products. Capitalism, for all its flaws, protects the “little guy” and the unrestricted flow of information in this sense. Therefore, you don’t need to be a revolutionary in the Red Brigade or revive an Abbie Hoffman-esque way of life to incite clear and present resistance. Instead, you have the opportunity to enter the dark ages- should they come- with the satisifaction of having supported relevant causes when you had the chance in this post-dial-up world where supporting causes is so easy. We can debate the merits of keyboard warriors all we want, but until the above fantasy guide becomes necessary tactic, a keyboard warrior is still a warrior. Additionally, there will never be “too little too late” if we act now, while we can, in all the ways we can. My personal allegiances would advise donating, digital grandtsanding, and offering volunteer support to the following organizations who work so tirelessly to ensure civial equality and the preservation of Constituional rights:

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

Planned Parenthood

The Democrats

Battle For The Net (Net Neutrality Watchdog)

If the revolution comes there are many blueprints to follow, but our Republic’s truly best defense is a practical, informed, engaged and communicative approach… that is, until the lights go out.

Money with a message.
James Chapman

Written by

Literary type; your TV repeats my brain sometimes.

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