“The Purge in Providence”
Part One
Over the past week, a “Purge” Inspired poster circled social media claiming “A Purge of Providence” is coming on Halloween Weekend. The poster was created by a group known as Antifa, an anti-fascist group, and left-wing political movement in the United States. They are known for their violent actions and rioting to get their messages across. The poster was a planned attack on the city of Providence, Rhode Island including rioting, arson, the sacrifice of animals, and random acts of violence. This poster was extremely scary to read and an example of harmful propaganda as they are publicizing their political points of view through violence.
Antifa is known for inserting themselves in what was once peaceful protest and turning them into riots that take away from the groups that are trying to solve the issues. This happened with BLM after the murder of George Floyd. There were hundreds of peaceful BLM protesters fighting for justice against police violence until Antifa decided it was a great opportunity to join in and destroy business, neighborhoods, and property. It’s dangerous because individuals start to associate Antifa with the BLM movement when they are totally different groups, with totally different intentions.
When the purge flyer surfaced many were scared and like propaganda does, it wants people to act upon it. The Providence Police were fully prepared for this, closing roads and gearing up for the worst. This poster not only made people feel uneasy but it can also do the complete opposite. It can encourage people to want to join in the “Purge” and contribute to the chaos they wanted to start on Halloween. Groups like Antifa I consider to be hate groups and produce harmful propaganda.
With the use of social media, the Providence Police were able to track down the creator of this poster, 28-year-old Jonas Pierre, and debunk this planned event saving Halloween. Even with Pierre arrested the other members of the group did not act. But, Antifa in a way did get their message across. They were able to feel superior over other individuals and speak out that they are in control and can’t be stopped.
Part Two
When deciding what propaganda I wanted to use I knew immediately I wanted to use the “Purge of Providence” as my example. It was a very scary thing to read especially since I live very close to Providence, Rhode Island and I am also driving through and hanging out on Federal Hill with my friends. This isn’t the first time Antifa has used propaganda encouraging others to join in on violent acts. During the protest of George Floyd, they made countless posts claiming they were going to drop bricks or rocks over bridges hitting random cars from below. Even though both of these events never happened, their words and messages are so strong and scary I’m still convinced they have the power and people to riot at any moment. They have stolen by a sense of safety and the ability to go into a city. I love going shopping, dinner, and walking around with my friends. I feel extra cautious about what day I go out, the streets I am on, and what time of day is most At risk.
During my research, I asked a close friend who’s husband is a Providence cop and they were fully prepared for any rioting and made it very clear that they weren’t going to get very far in their proposed message. Also after researching I have come to the idea that Antifa wants to be known for their power even if they don’t follow through. They want to create a group with a large following to make it clear that they exist and they have a group to back it up to strike whenever they want. My brother had classmates who would wear Antifa patches on their sleeves and for him to be around people who support these violent messages freaked him out and made him feel uneasy in the classroom.
The purge poster also used propaganda to tap into the one thing everyone doesn’t like, the sacrifice of animals. This line was probably the one thing that really freaked people and really got to me as well. Everyone is used to rioting, and destruction of property when protests turn bad. When a group openly decides to sacrifice animals it turns things far worse. Animals have nothing to do with politics. Using a helpless creature as an accessory is disturbing and many fear that if they can do that to animals what can they do to us?
This is how Antifa taps into our heads and uses harmful propaganda to either make us want to join in with them or turn the other cheek and look for others to stop them or avoid them.
Work Cited
“The Antifa Handbook.” 1A, WAMU 88.5 — American University Radio, 21 Jan. 2020
Bogel-Burroughs, Nicholas, and Sandra E. Garcia. “What Is Antifa, the Movement Trump Wants to Declare a Terror Group?” The New York Times, The New York Times, 31 May 2020
Nagle, Kate. “News: Providence ‘Purge’ Organizer Arrested by Police.” GoLocalProv, GoLocalProv, 30 Oct. 2020
TIM SULLIVAN and AMY FORLITI Associated Press. “Minnesota Gov. Activates National Guard after Days of Violence, Riots Following George Floyd’s Death.” KPRC, KPRC Click2Houston, 28 May 2020
