I certainly support Nafeez’s basic position, that alliances with all oppressed communities must be a priority for XR. Let me raise some relevant issues. I recently participated in the Shut Down DC events on 9/23/19. There were people of color involved, and we understood we could not expect them to take the legal risks middle class whites took. I would hate to think direct action among whites be postponed until others more oppressed are ready to take parallel risks with the climate struggle. People of color make so many sacrifices in their daily lives that I would like to think whites willing to be put into the arrest and jail system can use that experience to prove our dedication. I also lament a completely different angle on the problem. While I’m pleased when anyone feels strongly enough to risk arrest, Gandhi felt the power of nonviolence had to do with suffering cheerfully in jail to touch hearts. Of course climate crisis activists must attempt to sway minds with science, but any interest in touching hearts is largely suppressed. Nearly all leaders of nonviolence and climate hold that serving time in jail is to be seen as a form of failure to win in court. Gandhi ALWAYS pleaded guilty. I am nearly completely isolated in my efforts to generate discussion on such matters, including the question to which Nafeez’s essay would be an answer. That question is,” What is powerful about nonviolence?” Check out my Gandhian Resistance facebook page for more details. Allow me also to make a very fine point critique. Nafeez used the term “peaceful protest.” I urge protest organizers to only use that term AFTER a protest has concluded if it honestly can be referred to with that term. If you are trying to draw participants to a protest and you give assurances it will be peaceful, you allow police or adversaries to make a liar of you by perpetrating violence. Before an action, better to describe it as a NONVIOLENT protest meaning the participants promise not to be violent rather than to guarantee no violence will occur.
