American Liberals: What Is Your Opinion of Antifa?
September 1, 2017
Alex Henderson, Periodista and Technical Writer
Many people who are progressive, liberal or left of center have been critical of the tactics of Antifa, including Noam Chomsky and Chris Hedges. Rev. Al Sharpton has often said that those who condemn non-violent protest are ignorant of the history of non-violent protest and how effective it can be. The notion that Antifa or the Black Bloc Anarchists have widespread support on the American left is a fantasy promoted by the reactionaries of Fox News.
Nonviolence should always be given top priority. That said……. Blacks, gays, Latinos and others threatened by white supremacy and fascism have every right to defend themselves. Malcolm X did not believe in violence for the sake of violence, but he did believe in self-defense and said, “We are nonviolent with people who are nonviolent with us.” And make no mistake: white supremacy has a long history of terrorism in the U.S., from James Chaney, Michael Schwerner and Andrew Goodman in 1964 to Heather D. Heyer in 2017. A far-right prepper who has a large following on YouTube applauded Heyer’s murder and felt that she had it coming.
Having a black president for eight years was deeply disturbing to the far right, and in the Trump era, they feel empowered and are out for revenge. Many whites have been allying themselves with Black Lives Matter because they understand history and realize that if fascists get away with abusing African-Americans today and Mexicans tomorrow, it won’t be long before they’re on the chopping block. Fascism kills. White supremacy kills.
So, to summarize: always make nonviolence a priority. But be loud, vigilant and outspoken and never underestimate the evil that white supremacy is capable of.
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