punching nazis: a discussion of anti-fascist tactics
TRANSCRIPT
Oh Shit! What Now?The Oh Shit! What now? Collective plans study groups, discussions, and workshops aimed at equipping folks with radical skills to share with
others.
For more information, visit our website:http://ohshitwhatnow.org/
Punching Nazis
A discussion of anti-fascist tactics
Principles of Anti-Fascism
Anti-fascists believe fascism is a real, tangible, modern force.
Striking back at those who advocate racism, white supremacy & ethnic cleansing is self-defense.
Fascists must never be given a platform to spread & normalize their virulent ideas.
Oppressed and endangered communities and people must be defended, at any cost.
Antifa is ideological and physical confrontations with fascism.
Anti-fascism is anti-capitalist.
Modern American Fascism
Neo-liberal policies and the "disruption" of industries create fertile ground for nationalism amid rising poverty & widespread white supremacy.
Trump's fascist populism carries him into power while he provides cover and support for nationalist elements and white supremacists.
Media fawns over "handsome" "fashionable" neo-nazi figureheads like Richard Spencer, Milo Yiannopoulos.
Liberals defend "free speech" rights of bigots, even though they silence the oppressed.
Increasing normalization of fascist messaging emboldens street-level fascists, rapid rise in hate crimes nationwide.
Richard Spencer & the No Platform Punch
IMPORTANT: Spencer was punched as he gave an interview to Australian media.
Masked puncher disrupted his interview and departed, (so far) avoiding legal consequences.
Successfully "no platformed" Spencer.
Disrupts the narrative of inauguration day hopelessness and the inevitable rise to power of fascism.
Reveals surprisingly widespread support for violent self-defense against Nazis.
A Very Brief History of Anti-Fascism
Modern anti-fascists inspired by the anti-fascists of Italy, Austria, France, elsewhere in Europe during and before WWII.
Rekindled in the 1980s in UK and Europe amid growing nationalism supported by neo-Conservative policies.
US anti-fascism sees a rebirth in the aftermath of 1999 "Battle of Seattle."
American anti-fascists successfully "no platform" Matt Hale & his white supremacist "World Church Of The Creator."
Sept. 11 brings new repression, backlash, empowers US nationalism.
Antifa builds over time as a viable bloc, with ebbs and flows caused by political change.
Tactics of Anti-Fascism
Mask wearing, physical and virtual disguise to conceal identity
Physical confrontation with lone fascists or groups/rallies.
Disruption of fascist events with the goal of ending their ability to gather in public.
Targeting racists & fascists homes and property for destruction.
Creating connections with other activist groups & oppressed communities for mutual aid and solidarity.
Join larger protests (related: Black Bloc tactics) & attack the capitalist roots of fascism.
Legal Concerns
Violence is assault and carries jail and prison time.
Property destruction also potentially carries jail & prison time if caught.
Use violence & property destruction strategically and protect your identity.
Cultivate a relationship with sympathetic lawyer, if possible.
Comrades, citizen journalists, friends, family and bystanders:
Don't talk to the cops. Respect diversity of tactics.
Think before you post to social media, or don't post at all.
If you do film, don't film faces/incriminating details.
Other Antifa Tactics
Public humiliation and clowning (see: Loldiers of Odin).
Audio disruption, stink bombs & other unconventional warfare
Getting fascists fired, kicked out of community spaces
Anti-Fascist visual culture, including graffiti and stickers and memes
Art, music, poetry and other forms of writing which promote anti-racism, anti-fascism
AntiFa Support Roles
Legal support including raising fees & legal costs, jail support after arrests and pen pals after imprisonment
Street medics and help with costs of medical care for antifa and victims of fascists
Support with research, sharing tips, and be watchful for fascists
Create articles, zines, and other anti-racist, anti-nationalist culture
Protect antifa in your community from police
Look for everyday ways to oppose the normalization of nazis
Oh Shit! What Now? is Growing Resistance
Class schedule, resources, and calendar at
http://ohshitwhatnow.org
Feedback, class ideas, or other suggestions?
Copyleft 2017 by Oh Shit! What Now? Austin.
PUBLIC DOMAIN. NO RIGHTS RESERVED.