Media Free Diaspora: Methods of Nonviolent Action Revisited for 2025

Have courage--be kind

In 1973 Gene Sharp's three volume work The Politics of Nonviolent Action was published. The most influential part of these books was his list of 198 methods of nonviolent action. This was re-published in his even more influential book From Dictatorship to Democracy. Various movements credit that book for inspiring their means to overcome oppression.

Current affairs have brought Sharp's list back into the foreground. I have seen it posted on a number of websites, and mentioned in articles. It's great to know that we have so many means to resist. Having personally been involved in protests, I found that most people have a narrow view on what they can do.

In order to use Sharp's 198 methods, you have to read and consider them. Reading through them makes it clear that this is an old document. Some of the methods listed are dated. Other methods that could be added did not exist in the author's time. A few items we might want to reconsider their ethics. Some are hard to understand at this time: what does Sharp even mean by "camouflaged meetings of protest". Do protesters dress in camouflage? Do they disguise themselves as legislators and sneak into the halls of power? People parrot this from his list without ever explaining it.

So, we need to consider: is this a document set in stone? Is what it says immutable and eternal? Honestly, this list frequently repeats itself and Sharp on more than one occasion throws in terms that are opaque to today's protestors like: hartal, satyagrahic, and Lysistratic. Sure, they can look them up, but that alienates the audience. Why should they listen to a high-status white man, who can't make an effort to speak directly to them? Sorry Gene, don't spin too fast in your grave. You too were a product of your era, and still did amazing work.

If I were Gene, and I'm not but please go with this thought experiment, I would feel that my list of nonviolent actions is meant to inspire, and not be the final word. I would hope I can hear him saying, "Please make changes to suit the needs and make use of the tools of this era--expand on this to ensure we live in a just and democratic society."

So, I am going to go through 198 Methods of Nonviolent Action and create a personal revised edition. I would like to hear from others what changes and, most especially, additions they would like to make.

Keep your eyes open for my next installment!

Here is where you can read the original:

198 Methods of Nonviolent Action

#MediaFreeDiaspora #nonviolence #courage #kindness #mfd

https://www.patreon.com/posts/media-free-of-122095001