One of my favorite tools for social change is the “short circuit.” Maybe it is because it is so elegant. A “short circuit” is when a protestor applies intellect and creative thinking to “plug” one part of the system into another part of the system and watch them “short themselves out.”
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Ever since there was government oppression there has been public dissent. Though modern media likes to display the actions of protesters who are aggressive and inconsiderate, such news coverage gives the average American citizen an inaccurate portrait of a social dissident. People have been protesting in non-violent, peaceful ways for centuries. Some more common strategies used are mock elections, flags/symbolic colors, destruction of one’s own personal property, wearing symbols, portrait displays and prayer and worship.
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Displaying flags and symbols are an effective method of non-violent protest. Various groups have used a multitude of techniques throughout history to get their points across. Flags are often burnt, and this shows dissatisfaction with the current regime. Countries quickly develop their own flag, and secessionists have used their own symbols to help unify their causes.
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Deputations are a non violent way for individuals to express their opinions in the political realm. A select group of people are elected to be delegates to represent a larger population. They are expected to represent the interests of their constituents, not have agendas of their own. When deputations are used, it is a democratic method that is chosen by the people, for the people. While there are many approaches that can be taken to be an impetus to change, deputations are a peaceful and reasonable method. They can be formed for many purposes such as to discuss budget discussions at a local council, present a presentation concerning an industry that is poised to enter a community, or to express discontent about the current state of government.
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Disclosing identities of secret agents is a modern form of political intervention and non-violent protest. This is a way for individuals and the public to actively participate in the process of government arbitration without legal actions. Since the public is the active participant and served by the agents of the government, then the disclosure of identities is not unethical. It also is a relevant and non-violent way to intervene in national issues with a direct impact on the leadership serving the public interest.
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Overloading of administrative systems is a form of non-violent action or protest. It’s most essential form, administrative overload refers to a disorganization between the resources to commit effectively mobilized by government and the demands being placed upon it. This failure to meet up with the demand from the public and political system to supply administrative solutions, for the social, technological or economic state of affairs creates an overload. This is metaphorically similar to when a computer network crashes and must dump important data, but is unable to resolve the original problem causing the crash.
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Mock elections provide the populace with a non-violent way to express their opinions about government and leadership within a nation. It is a method of group representation that gives people a voice. In a peaceful and orderly environment, participants come together to vote for their leaders or members of a law-making body. Generally, the actual candidates in the running are the topic for the vote. Once the mock election has been completed, the results are publicized to provide the world with solid proof of how the public feels about who should be in charge. Mock elections are often held at the student level in order to encourage youth to participate, have an interest in politics, and get involved when they are of age.
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It’s easy to protest in the street for hours, even days, on end when you’re not physically at work, but did you know that there are ways to politically intervene without leaving your current occupation? It’s important in this economy, especially when you’re fighting for your beliefs, to keep funds coming into your pocket. The best way to do that, of course, is to not get fired.
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