#hopepunk

[reasonsforhope]

"With Donald Trump set to take office after a fear-mongering campaign that reignited concerns about his desire to become a dictator, a reasonable question comes up: Can nonviolent struggle defeat a tyrant?

There are many great resources that answer this question, but the one that’s been on my mind lately is the Global Nonviolent Action Database, or GNAD, built by the Peace Studies department at Swarthmore College. Freely accessible to the public, this database — which launched under my direction in 2011 — contains over 1,400 cases of nonviolent struggle from over a hundred countries, with more cases continually being added by student researchers.  

At quick glance, the database details at least 40 cases of dictators who were overthrown by the use of nonviolent struggle, dating back to 1920. These cases — which include some of the largest nations in the world, spanning Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America — contradict the widespread assumption that a dictator can only be overcome by violence. What’s more, in each of these cases, the dictator had the desire to stay, and possessed violent means for defense. Ultimately, though, they just couldn’t overcome the power of mass nonviolent struggle.  

In a number of countries, the dictator had been embedded for years at the time they were pushed out. Egypt’s Hosni Mubarak, for example, had ruled for over 29 years. In the 1990s, citizens usually whispered his name for fear of reprisal. Mubarak legalized a “state of emergency,” which meant censorship, expanded police powers and limits on the news media. Later, he “loosened” his rule, putting only 10 times as many police as the number of protesters at each demonstration.  

The GNAD case study describes how Egyptians grew their democracy movement despite repression, and finally won in 2011. However, gaining a measure of freedom doesn’t guarantee keeping it. As Egypt has shown in the years since, continued vigilance is needed, as is pro-active campaigning to deepen the degree of freedom won.  

Some countries repeated the feat of nonviolently deposing a ruler: In Chile, the people nonviolently threw out a dictator in 1931 and then deposed a new dictator in 1988. South Koreans also did it twice, once in 1960 and again in 1987. (They also just stopped their current president from seizing dictatorial powers, but that’s not yet in the database.)  

In each case people had to act without knowing what the reprisals would be...

It’s striking that in many of the cases I looked at, the movement avoided merely symbolic marches and rallies and instead focused on tactics that impose a cost on the regime. As Donald Trump wrestles to bring the armed forces under his control, for example, I can imagine picketing army recruiting offices with signs, “Don’t join a dictator’s army.”  

Another important takeaway: Occasional actions that simply protest a particular policy or egregious action aren’t enough. They may relieve an individual’s conscience for a moment, but, ultimately, episodic actions, even large ones, don’t assert enough power. Over and over, the Global Nonviolent Action Database shows that positive results come from a series of escalating, connected actions called a campaign...

-via Waging Nonviolence, January 8, 2025. Article continues below.

East Germany’s peaceful revolution

When East Germans began their revolt against the German Democratic Republic in 1988, they knew that their dictatorship of 43 years was backed by the Soviet Union, which might stage a deadly invasion. They nevertheless acted for freedom, which they gained and kept.

Researcher Hanna King tells us that East Germans began their successful campaign in January 1988 by taking a traditional annual memorial march and turning it into a full-scale demonstration for human rights and democracy. They followed up by taking advantage of a weekly prayer for peace at a church in Leipzig to organize rallies and protests. Lutheran pastors helped protect the organizers from retaliation and groups in other cities began to stage their own “Monday night demonstrations.”  

The few hundred initial protesters quickly became 70,000, then 120,000, then 320,000, all participating in the weekly demonstrations. Organizers published a pamphlet outlining their vision for a unified German democracy and turned it into a petition. Prisoners of conscience began hunger strikes in solidarity.

By November 1988, a million people gathered in East Berlin, chanting, singing and waving banners calling for the dictatorship’s end. The government, hoping to ease the pressure, announced the opening of the border to West Germany. Citizens took sledgehammers to the hated Berlin Wall and broke it down. Political officials resigned to protest the continued rigidity of the ruling party and the party itself disintegrated. By March 1990 — a bit over two years after the campaign was launched — the first multi-party, democratic elections were held.

Students lead the way in Pakistan

In Pakistan, it was university students (rather than religious clerics) who launched the 1968-69 uprising that forced Ayub Khan out of office after his decade as a dictator. Case researcher Aileen Eisenberg tells us that the campaign later required multiple sectors of society to join together to achieve critical mass, especially workers. 

It was the students, though, who took the initiative — and the initial risks. In 1968, they declared that the government’s declaration of a “decade of development” was a fraud, protesting nonviolently in major cities. They sang and marched to their own song called “The Decade of Sadness.” 

Police opened fire on one of the demonstrations, killing several students. In reaction the movement expanded, in numbers and demands. Boycotts grew, with masses of people refusing to pay the bus and railway fares on the government-run transportation system. Industrial workers joined the movement and practiced encirclement of factories and mills. An escalation of government repression followed, including more killings. 

As the campaign expanded from urban to rural parts of Pakistan, the movement’s songs and political theater thrived. Khan responded with more violence, which intensified the determination among a critical mass of Pakistanis that it was time for him to go.

After months of growing direct action met by repressive violence, the army decided its own reputation was being degraded by their orders from the president, and they demanded his resignation. He complied and an election was scheduled for 1970 — the first since Pakistan’s independence in 1947.

Why use nonviolent struggle?

The campaigns in East Germany and Pakistan are typical of all 40 cases in their lack of a pacifist ideology, although some individuals active in the movements had that foundation. What the cases do seem to have in common is that the organizers saw the strategic value of nonviolent action, since they were up against an opponent likely to use violent repression. Their commitment to nonviolence would then rally the masses to their side. 

That encourages me. There’s hardly time in the U.S. during Trump’s regime to convert enough people to an ideological commitment to nonviolence, but there is time to persuade people of the strategic value of a nonviolent discipline. 

It’s striking that in many of the cases I looked at, the movement avoided merely symbolic marches and rallies and instead focused on tactics that impose a cost on the regime. As Donald Trump wrestles to bring the armed forces under his control, for example, I can imagine picketing army recruiting offices with signs, “Don’t join a dictator’s army.”  

Another important takeaway: Occasional actions that simply protest a particular policy or egregious action aren’t enough. They may relieve an individual’s conscience for a moment, but, ultimately, episodic actions, even large ones, don’t assert enough power. Over and over, the Global Nonviolent Action Database shows that positive results come from a series of escalating, connected actions called a campaign — the importance of which is also outlined in my book “How We Win.”  

As research seminar students at Swarthmore continue to wade through history finding new cases, they are digging up details on struggles that go beyond democracy. The 1,400 already-published cases include campaigns for furthering environmental justice, racial and economic justice, and more. They are a resource for tactical ideas and strategy considerations, encouraging us to remember that even long-established dictators have been stopped by the power of nonviolent campaigns.

-via Waging Nonviolence, January 8, 2025.

[pinkangelinternet]

i say this like a prayer

[crispyanonart]

Quick reminder, especially (but definitely not exclusively) for the younger folks: think with your own head, study history and the way it repeats itself, keep fighting, seek community, stay informed, stay safe, stay rebel and stay hopeful ♡

[solar-sunnyside-up]

Listen, yes you need to fight tooth and nail. You need to show up, you need to steel yourself to resist and be there for each other.

But I cannot understate this, you need more then Bread you need Rose's too.

You need beauty and art and rest.

You need friends and loved ones and good food.

You need flowers and sunrises and sweet treats and fun mugs and dancing.

You need to enjoy yourself somewhere in there.

[totem654]

If we stand altogether, there's not any fucking dollar able to protect them

BE MAD BE SAD BUT DONT U DARE GIVE UP

[jasperthehatchet]

I saw this cool leg chain on pinterest, it was on an ad for pants that cost way too much money so I said fuck it I'm just gonna make my own

This was hell on my hands because the chain is way more difficult to work with than it looks but it was worth it

The belts and pants were thrifted, as well as the boots and the flower chain I made makes an appearance :)

[Image ID: four images of me outside with cement, dead grass and snow in the background, my head and upper body out of view. The images are focused on my big baggy black pants that are covered in pockets and straps. There are two black belts with silver gromets and buckles, one is sitting up on the waistband holding the pants up and the other is sitting much looser below it, drooping to the side with the end of the belt handing down my left side. My soda tab flower belt chain (described in another one of my posts) is hanging from the top belt on my left side and my leg chain is on my right leg attached to the top belt. The piece of the chain that is clasped onto the belt keeps the rest of the chain up, the rest of the chain being two equal sized lengths of thick chain wrapped around my legs and held closed by two o-shaped rings. One of the rings is large, nearly the size of a bangle bracelet and the other is about half that size. The rings are about an inch and a half apart from each other, sitting vertically on my leg. All components are silver. End ID]

[dandelionsresilience]

Dandelion News - January 15-21

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735 or check out my Dandelion Doodles!

1. Landmark debt swap to protect Indonesia’s coral reefs

“The government of Indonesia announced this week a deal to redirect more than US$ 35 million it owes to the United States into the conservation of coral reefs in the most biodiverse ocean area on Earth.”

2. [FWS] Provides Over $1.3 Billion to Support Fish and Wildlife Conservation and Outdoor Access

“Through these combined funds, agencies have supported monitoring and management of over 500 species of wild mammals and birds, annual stocking of over 1 billion fish, operations of fish and wildlife disease laboratories around the country, and provided hunter and aquatic education to millions of students.”

3. Philippine Indigenous communities restore a mountain forest to prevent urban flooding

“Indigenous knowledge systems and practices are considered in the project design, and its leaders and members have been involved throughout the process, from agreeing to participate to identifying suitable land and selecting plant species that naturally grow in the area.”

4. Responsible Offshore Wind Development is a Clear Win for Birds, the U.S. Economy, and our Climate

“[T]he total feasible offshore wind capacity along U.S. coasts is more than three times the total electricity generated nationwide in 2023. […] Proven strategies, such as reducing visible lights on turbines and using perching deterrents on turbines, have been effective in addressing bird impacts.”

5. Illinois awards $100M for electric truck charging corridor, Tesla to get $40M

“The project will facilitate the construction of 345 electric truck charging ports and pull-through truck charging stalls across 14 sites throughout Illinois[…. E]lectrifying [the 30,000 daily long-haul] trucks would make a huge impact in the public health and quality of life along the heavily populated roadways.”

6. Reinventing the South Florida seawall to help marine life, buffer rising seas

“[The new seawall] features raised areas inspired by mangrove roots that are intended to both provide nooks and crannies for fish and crabs and other marine creatures and also better absorb some of the impact from waves and storm surges.”

7. Long Beach Commits to 100% All-Electric Garbage Trucks

“[Diesel garbage trucks] produce around a quarter of all diesel pollution in California and contribute to 1,400 premature deaths every year. Electric options, on the other hand, are quieter than their diesel counterparts and produce zero tailpipe emissions.”

8. ‘This Is a Victory': Biden Affirms ERA Has Been 'Ratified' and Law of the Land

“President Joe Biden on Friday announced his administration's official opinion that the amendment is ratified and its protections against sex-based discrimination are enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.”

9. A Little-Known Clean Energy Solution Could Soon Reach ‘Liftoff’

“Ground source heat pumps could heat and cool the equivalent of 7 million homes by 2035—up from just over 1 million today[…. G]eothermal energy is generally considered to be more popular among Republicans than other forms of clean energy, such as wind and solar.”

10. Researchers combine citizens' help and cutting-edge tech to track biodiversity

“Researchers in the project, which runs from 2022 to 2026, are experimenting with tools like drones, cameras and sensors to collect detailed data on different species, [… and] Observation.org, a global biodiversity platform where people submit pictures of animals and plants, helping to identify and monitor them.”

January 8-14 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[queertranshappiness]

There will always be more to this world than the people who want us dead. Somewhere on this world today, someone accepted themselves. Someone found a new name that finally speaks to them, someone came out to a friend, or a family member, or a partner. Someone found love, whether that be platonic, romantic, queerplatonic or beyond.

Someone found representation today. Someone saw a supportive post, or comment, or sticker, and it made their day. Someone chose to keep living despite it all, and that choice has helped someone realise they, too, can find hope.

It is... so overwhelming at the moment, we know, but take your time with it all. Keep on fighting in all the ways you can: be yourself, volunteer, be as unapologetically you as you can be, get involved in mutual aid, write to your representatives at local/devolved/national levels, donate, protest, and most of all... check on those you love, especially if you're an ally, and never stop finding joy where you can. That's how we made it through Thatcher, Reagan, and the hate of the 80s, and fascism before that. In the words of Erin Reed/Erin In The Morning: 'When future generations look back at these times, I want them to see what I see in those old photographs... people who despite everything, found joy and connection in the midst of struggle.'

[two-bees-poetry]

This is Bella! She is not a dog. She is a visiting emissary from the planet Belltron, home of the Bellas. She likes nuffles, and dislikes the shi tzus who live down the street, because they’re actually wicked aliens in disguise, and they make fun of her butt floofs when they’re uneven.

Unfortunately, Bella’s time on planet earth is coming to a close, but that’s only because she is almost done with her mission, and she needs to report her findings to the mothership.

Reblog Bella for love and hope in these trying times—let me know if you would like to hear more Bella lore, or receive more documentation of her species :))

[i-fucked-your-milkshake]

Guys, gals, genderless beings of divine origin, share your fuckin joys. You’re gonna feel weird about it because of The Horrors but it’s important I’m actually so fucking serious right now. Wear your joy like armor against the onslaught of bullshit. Don’t let them take that from you, they don’t deserve it. They need you sapped of joy and the joie de vivre that’s makes you so fucking incredible and loveable and amazing. They need you utterly hopeless. A hopeless and joyless soul is a compliant soul. Your joy is an act of rebellion. Read your fuckin books, listen to your fuckin music, watch your fuckin shows, play your fuckin games, write your fuckin stores, learn a new synth, figure out how to skip rocks, get a used camera, learn something new….AND FUCKING TELL ME ABOUT IT. I AM COMPLETELY SERIOUS. I WANT TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR JOY. I WANT TO SEE THE IMAGE THAT BRINGS YOU HOPE. I WANT TO HEAR THE SONG THAT GIVES YOU LIFE. PUT IT IN MY ASKS. REBLOG THIS WITH IT. The Horrors exist but your joy is a counter attack.

[front-yard-dandelion]

Yes, but we have to work for it.

does anyone know if anything will ever be okay again

[neuroticboyfriend]

reminder: you might just look back on this time in your life a year from now with love and pride. all the pain, suffering, fear, and doubt of today can turn into tomorrow's fulfillment and hopefulness - even if bittersweet and tinged with sorrow.

you've done it before and you can do it again. the circumstances may be different, maybe very much so. but all the feelings inside you? you've probably felt them before. just in another time, another place, another version of you. that's not so unusual in life, even though it hurts to deal with it again.

and despite the hardship, it's pretty beautiful if you think about it. time may not heal all wounds, but your future self can be there for you, not just if you're lucky, but if you let them.

[pooltoyboy]

For anyone who needs to hear: Love and hope always win in the end: keep going, there is good things waiting for you in the future

[ixi-rrriots]

I know you're hearing this a lot and I know that this may sound empty, but now is seriously not a time to give in. Things are getting hard, so we have to hold on tighter. If we let go then who's going to stand up and be able to change things?

Those executive orders aren't in place yet. Look towards hope in communities, towards hope in some of the more decent politicians, towards hope in activists. Don't let your hope be taken from you, don't let them beat you down. It's hard to hold on to hope. It is. But don't be tricked by the government. Don't let their propaganda and shit get you. If tiktok is banned, find new communities on different apps or in person if you can. It feels hopeless, but that's the point. They want us to give up and stop fighting. If we do that, then what?

My blog is a safe space for women, poc, queer people, and anybody else put in danger by all the bullshit going on right now. I'm holding your guys' hands. I'm here for you guys. We'll get through this, somehow. We'll find a way.

[nicolletheloverofbooks]

"Não Desista" Bracelete

remember: you are loved 💗