Those that destroy property at protests do it because they recognize that the only language capitalism speaks is profit. Protest songs or banners mean nothing to the leaders of capitalism, only the price tag of suppressing protests and fixing the damage registers on their radar. Only when public resistance to their policies becomes so expense that it isn’t worth it do they change their deadly policies. That is what activists mean when they say capitalism values property more than people and that is why activists target property.
mentalisttraceur: Actually I strongly suspect most people who destroy property during protests do it due to poorly controlled and often mis-aimed rage.
Actual activists: *write blogs, zines, websites, comics, pamflets and books about the reasons for property destruction as a specific means of protest.*
You: “Seriously considering this is hard. I’m gonna stick to thinking it’s all uncontrolled emotions so I can feel superior.”
See also: The Myth of the Mindless Activist
And even if commenter was right, have you thought about why that rage exists, and why property destruction is the chosen outlet for it?
Maybe if the legal system was easier to change and the people in charge were more easily held accountable, protests songs and banners would work better. Or if people voted at more local elections for politicians who aligned with their stances, maybe a governmental trickle up effect would work
@queeranarchism are there any books that go into the reasons behind property damage as a protest medium that you could link or name? I’d like to learn more about this
Sure!
QueerAnarchism 