https://blog.p2pfoundation.net/tahrir-square-as-a-meme-uniting-the-new-cycle-of-struggles/2011/06/05 Researching, documenting and promoting peer to peer practices Sun, 05 Jun 2011 20:13:42 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.5.15 https://blog.p2pfoundation.net/tahrir-square-as-a-meme-uniting-the-new-cycle-of-struggles/2011/06/05/comment-page-1#comment-485081 Sun, 05 Jun 2011 20:13:42 +0000 http://blog.p2pfoundation.net/?p=16659#comment-485081 I think what a lot of critical views (most of them calling for direct and radical action) are not realising is that you cannot go from stupor to hardcore revolution in a matter of hours/days. At this moment in time calls for direct and radical action against “capital” would not be joined by the masses. I believe these square-occupying actions are fulfilling a much needed role, they provide visibility for the movement and allow for people who are still feeling hopeless to gradually shake off the apathy. It seems to me a lot of people are quick to judge and project their misgivings onto others, which to me feels like a massive disservice, especially when they come from people or organisations who share a common view or goal with those protesting. I also think the author does not seem to realise the power of being repressed and attacked whilst staying peaceful (which is bound to happen at one point or another to anyone who challenges power) and the level of credibility it provides, making those who might not be tempted to join at first shake off the apathy and join in large numbers. Only then, once critical mass has been achieved, direct action against capital could be considered. A few thousand boycotting the financial system will never challenge the system enough.

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