In our put upon society with multiple levels of dysfunction, it’s hard to tell the difference between people who’ve been confused and disrupted who then become disruptive, or the people who are disrupting as their actual day job. I can’t tell you how to know anything for certain. But it’s all very well documented to be a real problem, so don’t let anyone tell you it’s not happening. It is happening. I’ve compiled ample documented evidence that should help shut down the gaslight on that score. (You can thank me later.)
The good news is that all you really need to know is that if something doesn’t make sense, it doesn’t make sense. I refuse to get caught up in emotional manipulation, superficial stuff, strawmanning, or hype, and I choose to focus on practical concerns.
Does it make sense or doesn’t it?
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
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.
What the social movement needs to do. Task: Show that the social movement upholds values and the powerholders violate them. Keep the issue in the spotlight. Counter the myths. Eliminate the threats. Organize and mobilize people. Refuse to compromise too soon. Support grassroots action. Avoid focus on electoral, partisan politics. Reject co-option. from Bill Moyer’s Movement Action Plan.
