Tag: powerholders

What the powerholders do. Task: Maintain the status quo. Keep the issue out of sight and off the table. Control information. Deny the issue exists. Create myths and threats. Discredit the opposition. Appear to take action. Make minor reforms. Co-opt the opposition. From Bill Moyer’s Movement Action Plan.

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What the powerholders do and what the social movement needs to do.

2024-10-31

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Red Flags for Disruption Perpetual brainstorming Sessions that do not lead to any specific goal or next step. Strategy meetings that merely function as historic type critiques in the contemporary. Lots of “first date” type meetings with people, not a lot of follow-ups. Investing time & energy in actions at the wrong level or directed at inappropriate targets Sending comments to an agency or civil servant, outside a comment period or recognized process. Suggestions to contact elected representatives in a state you don’t live in. Boosting and promoting items and activities that are incongruent with the group’s current goals. Engaging in “food fight” controversy that goes nowhere and may serve to boost opposition framing. Disruptors or chaos agents Ingratiate themselves with leaders, key people, or governing committee members. Disrespectful exchanges with others, including overt verbal abuse or more subtle belittling Engages in gaslighting or tone policing. Disparages the already agreed upon projects of the group or criticizes activism generally. Remains mysterious in relevant ways that raise questions. References grandiose plans or extremely unrealistic goals. Talks of violence

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Red Flags for Disruption

2024-01-19

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