there was an 80’s style Aerobics class held outside an ice facility a few days ago.
analysis from a redd*tor
some are saying this is a case example of tactical frivolity,
or trying to be charitable but disagreeing with application; the “clown army”
this phenomenon reminds me of the ‘Somebody needs to do it’ video from Taylor Lorenz, if i am to be charitable - there is this hard wall that has been hit with all those in disdain with the USisan government.
I am of the opinion that progressing beyond these current actions such as this ICE “demonstration” would required well built structures that could sustain people, or make them feel confident in their networks for whatever government action thrown against them. All while having a party that exists under the current legal framework that represents their interests - I think of the ETA faction in Spain, with their overground and underground networks, similar things would have to exist for progress to be made.
Losurdo addresses this kind kind of absurdity extensively in his book on non-violence, wherein he points out the liberal domestication of resistance as a kind of religious dogma with no basis in how power relations unfold. At a certain point, we must recognize that elevating non-violence to an absolute principle can serve power rather than challenge it, particularly when it allows state violence to continue uninterrupted while protesters preserve their moral “purity”
As Losurdo argues, this normalization of non-violence as the only legitimate form of resistance creates an asymmetry: it condemns the counter-violence of the weak while legitimizing the violence of the strong. We risk creating a system where only resistance is deemed illegitimate, while the structural violence of the state proceeds without interference
Call for a strike. Organize and withhold labor. Commit to boycotts and structural obstruction of firms that aid and support ICE. But this kind of performative, feel-good action doesn’t merely fail to accomplish anything, it actively risks delegitimizing more serious and practical forms of political resistance
It should go without saying but when the spectacle of protest is increasingly seen as the only substitute for material confrontation with power, its tantamount to us conceding the field entirely
Libs who didn’t give a shit about genocide under
now: “what if we did zone of interest but we present ourselves as antifascist” 
They will do anything but help marginalized groups, won’t they?
I don’t think non-Westerners (no matter how assimilated/integrated into Western cultures & for how many generations) can comprehend the sheer need for the West to celebrate its virtues of “protesting” non-Western misery that West itself causes. Basically Western civilization 101.
you can either protest or do something useful but illegal and last time I argued that protesting just wasted people’s time energy and political space I was talked at about “what are you even doing” and you know what? it’s still not this!
@Clippy@hexbear.net this is the second time today I have seen you setting a new higher standard in reposting twitter/x. I hope all others follow these examples.
An example of harnessing this energy towards non-toxic ends are the ranging grannies
But most people can’t pull it off.
the OP reminds me of other situations I’ve seen, things who’s cuteness boils my fucking blood to consider what was at stake and it is just insulting to be pulling jokes in those times.
somebody could probably do something cool under the cover of a themed flash mob. maybe the next one will be better.
I found a YouTube link in your post. Here are links to the same video on alternative frontends that protect your privacy:
