In our put upon society with multiple levels of dysfunction, itâs hard to tell the difference between people whoâve been confused and disrupted who then become disruptive, or the people who are disrupting as their actual day job. I canât tell you how to know anything for certain. But itâs all very well documented to be a real problem, so donât let anyone tell you itâs not happening. It is happening. Iâve 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 doesnât make sense, it doesnât 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 doesnât 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 âfirst dateâ 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 donât live in. Boosting and promoting items and activities that are incongruent with the groupâs current goals. Engaging in âfood fightâ 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 Moyerâs 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 Moyerâs Movement Action Plan.
