queeranarchism:

While we’re on the topic of the kind of lawbreaking ‘civil’ society frowns upon, let’s say out loud for a moment that rioting in response to injustice works.

Is it dangerous? yes. Will the media lie about it? yes. Will people in our own communities tell us that we’re ruining it for the good activists? probably.

But when every police shooting is answered with riots, smashed windows, burned trashcans, the direct result is that police departments find themselves under pressure to not create more ‘incidents’ because riots are expensive, cost politicians votes and break through the illusion of total state control.

Riots actually make cops think twice about the consequences of their actions while politely appealing to recognition of our humanity and reforms and  sensitivity trainings generally achieve fuck all.

Further reading:

• How Nonviolence Protects the State
• The Failure of Nonviolence