Rather than fearing polarization, organizers should seek to understand how they can use it most effectively. This involves recognizing that, while collective action undertaken in pursuit of a good cause typically results in positive outcomes, not all protests have identical effects or produce equal benefits.
Central to harnessing the power of polarization is appreciating that, by its nature, it cuts both ways: the same actions that create positive polarization — drawing more active supporters into movements and convincing previously neutral or undecided observers to at least passively sympathize with the cause — will also have negative effects, turning off some people and firing up the opposition. The goal of movement participants is therefore to make sure that the beneficial results of their actions outweigh the counterproductive ones, and that they are shifting the overall spectrum of support in their favor.
So how, then, can movement participants predict how a given protest will polarize? And how can they work to improve their skills in designing effective actions?
It’ll take me a while to respond to this, but it is hilarious you would refer to a voice for decorum and patience as “bully class” in an article/discussion about organizing obstructionists for maximum appeal.
You’re not the “bully class”, you’re defending the Bully Class (i.e. the wealth and power holders). The Bully Class uses force all the time, e.g. cops.
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It’ll take me a while to respond to this, but it is hilarious you would refer to a voice for decorum and patience as “bully class” in an article/discussion about organizing obstructionists for maximum appeal.
You’re not the “bully class”, you’re defending the Bully Class (i.e. the wealth and power holders). The Bully Class uses force all the time, e.g. cops.