I’ve heard some stories recently of people complying with fascists’ demands after they were threatened.
As a violence researcher (and someone who has received a good deal of threats), everyone should know that complying will not save you. It only teaches the threatener that threats work.
As a violence researcher (and someone who has received a good deal of threats), everyone should know that complying will not save you. It only teaches the threatener that threats work.
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― Henry David Thoreau, Civil Disobedience
It’s not possible to harm reduce with Nazis. They just break you down until you’ve abandoned all your values, until you collaborate without thought.
They clearly did not read the memo
Or any history.
We want to stop the spread of fascism. Not accelerate its spread.
As with a toddler, all attention is positive attention to a harasser. And if threats give them that, there’s a good chance you—and others around you—will see the harasser looking to you to do more of their work.
The rules of living in fascism:
-do what fascists can’t do (be kind and accepting and help others)
-don’t do what fascists want you to (don’t sit down and shut up; stand up and be heard)
-NEVER ACCEPT THE FASCIST OFFER
https://www.the-reframe.com/fighting-in-the-dark/
And that’s the thing you *can* do—make it harder for them to get the information they need to escalate their violence. Digital privacy is the best shield any of us have.
A big part of managing threats is recognizing that harm is already done—and that might mean there is no need for escalation.
I know it was an excruciating decision. I’m sure it involved do we continue to do cancer research or do we let people die of cancer? They choose research. It was the correct decision.