Strategy and discourse management

I like the idea of a fresh-faced, earnest protest of just folks, but I have yet to meet one in the U.S. that lasted long enough to have the desired impact.  Strategy and attention to things like discourses, structural realities, and social construction, maybe not labeled.as such, were part of the more effective efforts.  And studying history in relevant contects, as opposed to what we would like to be similar circumstances.

I cringe when I read:

"In part because of police brutality, the protest is gaining more notice and notoriety by the mainstream media. Some critique the “vaguery” or “naïve idealism” of the protest’s goals, but many are starting to recognize the legitimacy of starting a public conversation about how these corporations affect our lives and what we can do to prevent them from infringing on our liberties." (Fearless and Loathing blog, self-described alternative newd voice of my ever-liberal alma mater)

Because I hear the voices of diversity/ hegemony management saying what we heard every freaking time we protested at that place, and many times after, even when we had clearly-stated goals: "We'll form a committee." 

It ends there, FYI.  Sh-fizzled.

I'd love to see that conversation, but I'm praying naivete doesn't become a danger or an albatross to these folks.  It's a stance that's difficult to sustain, without disingenuousness that starts to smell.  The problem is the history and use of the discourses that underlie the very appeal of this so-called populist approach.  Populism has been a pecuiar institution in this country.  It comes with heavy baggage.  That kind of game takes skill as well as luck, courage, and the right time and place to not cause unintended unpleasant consequences.  JIMO, of course.

Sincerely yours,

Jaded