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The Nature of Mass Demonstrations
Berger, John
http://www.counterpunch.org/2017/01/20/the-nature-of-mass-demonstrations/Date Written: 1968-05-23 Publisher: Counterpunch Year First Published: {48034 The Nature of Mass Demonstrations NATURE OF MASS DEMONSTRATIONS Berger, John http://www.counterpunch.org/2017/01/20/the-nature-of-mass-demonstrations/ Counterpunch John Berger analyses the social dynamics and strengths of mass demonstrations. 1968-05-23 1968 2017 ART Article -- <br> <br>Excerpts: <br> <br>Mass demonstrations should be distinguished from riots or revolutionary uprisings although, under certain (now rare) circumstances, they may develop into either of the latter. The aims of a riot are usually immediate (the immediacy matching the desperation they express): the seizing of food, the release of prisoners, the destruction of property. The aims of a revolutionary uprising are long-term and comprehensive: they culminate in the taking over of State power. The aims of a demonstration, however, are symbolic: it demonstrates a force that is scarcely used. <br> <br>... <br> <br>It is in the nature of a demonstration to provoke violence upon itself. Its provocation may also be violent. But in the end it is bound to suffer more than it inflicts. This is a tactical truth and an historical one. The historical role of demonstrations is to show the injustice, cruelty, irrationality of the existing State authority. Demonstrations are protests of innocence. CX20293 0 false true false CX20293.htm [0xc0020539b0] Cx} Year Published: 2017 Resource Type: Article Cx Number: CX20293 John Berger analyses the social dynamics and strengths of mass demonstrations. Abstract: -- Excerpts: Mass demonstrations should be distinguished from riots or revolutionary uprisings although, under certain (now rare) circumstances, they may develop into either of the latter. The aims of a riot are usually immediate (the immediacy matching the desperation they express): the seizing of food, the release of prisoners, the destruction of property. The aims of a revolutionary uprising are long-term and comprehensive: they culminate in the taking over of State power. The aims of a demonstration, however, are symbolic: it demonstrates a force that is scarcely used. ... It is in the nature of a demonstration to provoke violence upon itself. Its provocation may also be violent. But in the end it is bound to suffer more than it inflicts. This is a tactical truth and an historical one. The historical role of demonstrations is to show the injustice, cruelty, irrationality of the existing State authority. Demonstrations are protests of innocence. Subject Headings |