In a world where we often feel overwhelmed by injustice and oppression, it’s easy to feel powerless. The issues we face seem insurmountable, and we may wonder if our individual actions can really make a difference. But according to activists Anat Shenker-Osorio and Sunjeev Bery, sustained civil resistance is not only possible, but essential if we want to create real change.
In a recent episode of The Intercept Briefing, Shenker-Osorio and Bery discussed the importance of sustained civil resistance in the fight against systemic injustice. They emphasized the need to move beyond traditional methods of protest, such as marches and demonstrations, and instead focus on long-term strategies that can truly disrupt and dismantle oppressive systems.
One of the key points Shenker-Osorio and Bery made is the importance of framing. How we talk about issues and movements can greatly impact the effectiveness of our resistance. Shenker-Osorio, a communications expert, stressed that language and messaging are powerful tools in shifting public opinion and mobilizing people to action.
Bery, an experienced human rights activist, highlighted the ways in which sustained resistance can create real change. He cited the example of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, which took years of sustained nonviolent action to bring about lasting change. He also discussed the ongoing struggle for justice in places like Palestine, where sustained resistance has been met with violent and oppressive retaliation from the government.
The conversation between Shenker-Osorio and Bery serves as a reminder that sustained civil resistance is not just a strategy for protesting, but a way of life. It requires dedication, perseverance, and a deep belief in the power of collective action. It’s about building relationships, organizing within communities, and challenging the status quo in a sustained and strategic manner.
One of the key takeaways from the discussion is the need to focus on root causes rather than just symptoms. Shenker-Osorio and Bery urged activists to dig deep, identify the underlying problems, and work towards long-term solutions rather than quick fixes. This approach may not garner immediate results, but it is essential for creating real and lasting change.
Another important aspect of sustained civil resistance is the importance of intersectionality. Shenker-Osorio and Bery emphasized the need to recognize and address the multiple forms of oppression that intersect and compound each other. By acknowledging the interconnectedness of different issues and communities, we can build a stronger and more inclusive movement.
The conversation between Shenker-Osorio and Bery could not have come at a better time. We are living in a time of great turmoil, where issues such as racism, inequality, and climate change continue to plague our society. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. But as they highlighted, sustained resistance is not only possible, but necessary if we want to create real and lasting change.
So how can we put this advice into action? Firstly, we can start by educating ourselves on the root causes of the issues we care about and listen to those directly affected by them. Then, we can use our voices and platforms to amplify marginalized voices and demand change from those in power. And most importantly, we must show up, day after day, in whatever ways we can, to continue the fight for justice and equality.
In conclusion, sustained civil resistance is not just a strategy, but a way of life. It requires dedication, perseverance, and the understanding that change does not happen overnight. But as Shenker-Osorio and Bery reminded us, it is possible to create real and lasting change through sustained resistance. So let us heed their advice and continue the fight for justice and equality, together. After all, as the saying goes, “the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends towards justice.”
