As a non-american, I used to think they're the good guys. It's literally in their name, right? But it seems that they don't have a great reputation with even the Democrats. Noam Chomsky apparently called them 'a major gift to the right', presumably because their violent activities help right-wingers paint all of the left as dangerous militants.
I'm rather conflicted. While I'm a Gandhian and believe in non-violence, even Gandhi advocated for violent resistance against the nazis. The question of course is — are antifa activists hurting their own cause by their chosen methods of protest? Are their activities helping the right-wing recruit more people to the fascist cause?
At the moment, I'm tilting towards the thought that America is at a dangerous tipping point, and one must fight fire with fire. But I would appreciate more nuanced opinions.
Edit: my thoughts were sparked by this tweet-
Initially I dismissed her as another right wing trans-hating person, but apparently she's followed by Natalie Wynn (ContraPoints), so now I'm confused. EDIT 2: I found out that Natalie follows her for opposition research, which makes sense.
I'm rather conflicted. While I'm a Gandhian and believe in non-violence, even Gandhi advocated for violent resistance against the nazis. The question of course is — are antifa activists hurting their own cause by their chosen methods of protest? Are their activities helping the right-wing recruit more people to the fascist cause?
At the moment, I'm tilting towards the thought that America is at a dangerous tipping point, and one must fight fire with fire. But I would appreciate more nuanced opinions.
Edit: my thoughts were sparked by this tweet-
Initially I dismissed her as another right wing trans-hating person, but apparently she's followed by Natalie Wynn (ContraPoints), so now I'm confused. EDIT 2: I found out that Natalie follows her for opposition research, which makes sense.
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