SubcomandanteJames
6th August 2009, 02:07
This thread is just to layout some basic tips and suggestions regarding activism precaution and practice! Here I would love for people to post any new ideas about STAYING SAFE, BEING EFFECTIVE in the riot/protest scene. Speak from EXPERIENCE if you can. :thumbup1:
BLACK BLOC
Originally, this was a tactic, not an "organization" of sorts, however, you'll often hear about "The Black Bloc" referring to the group of activists. The point of it is to remain anonymous if you find yourself, or others, engaging in activity which may be disapproved by The State, or it's agents. Wear Black. Often times, a black hooded sweatshirt, or black hooded zip up jacket will do just fine. Cover your skin against gaseous irritants. Black pants are recommended as well, but blue jeans (darker the better) are not uncommon at black bloc events as well. As for your face, cover your mouth with a bandana, a black rag, or a gas mask (warning: the wearing of gas masks is ILLEGAL in some areas and may be harmful to your cause). Eye protection is recommended, but something that will not hinder your vision. If you are aware of gas in the air, ensure that your bandana is soaked with vinegar/lime juice. This will help filter what you inhale. Remove all patches, and identifiable items. The more unidentifiable you are, the less identifiable someone else is as well. I've seen a video of a young activist being swung to the ground by an officer, and a fellow activist (using black bloc) promptly liberated the fellow activist and ran into the crowd without punishment. Though steel-toed boots are sometimes recommended, I personally say agile shoes that allow you to move. Fast.
THE BACKPACK
A dark colored, preferably black, backpack can be picked up for cheap nowadays, and many of you already have one (please buy from responsible companies or even better, resale). The backpack should remain light if you are taking on an aggressive role in the scene, but also, there is also a need for medics. If you wish to be a medic, identify yourself with a flag of sorts, and tend to wounded activists. The backpack will come in handy to carry BANDAGES, TAPE, ALCOHOL, SWABS, and etc.
As for you aggressors, leave all incriminating substances at home, and if there is ANYTHING (which shall remain unnamed in this forum) that MAY CONSTITUTE ILLEGALITY, keep the materials separate if you can, and coordinate with other members to keep the other materials in THEIR BACKPACK as well. When ready to use the material, meet up, and combine.
THE AMAZING BENEFITS OF THE BLACK ZIP-UP.
Finding myself in a sticky situation with the police, I found that I has been correct in choosing to wear citizen clothing under my black zip-up, as appose to a sweater or anything that may be hard to move. After engaging in an activity, I soon found myself singled out. Rather than risk myself leaving the scene and being identified as a black-bloc member (as many were being detained), a quick change (UNZIP!) and suddenly I was wearing a button up shirt, red tie, and I left all my materials (they were cheap, I bought it all from Salvation Army, Goodwill...) behind me, dumped out my in the nearest can (leave bag behind if possible) and proceeded out of the crowd. Acting as if I was a mere civilian, the police assisted me out of the wreckage as activists were getting arrested for the disruption of the KKK Rally in Austin, TEXAS. They did check my backpack (previously dumped) only to find a copy of Animal Farm.
ACTIVISTS. BEST PLACE TO PURCHASE CHEAP, DISPOSABLE CLOTHING IS NONE OTHER THAN YOUR LOCAL RESALE STORE.
-James :thumbup1:
BLACK BLOC
Originally, this was a tactic, not an "organization" of sorts, however, you'll often hear about "The Black Bloc" referring to the group of activists. The point of it is to remain anonymous if you find yourself, or others, engaging in activity which may be disapproved by The State, or it's agents. Wear Black. Often times, a black hooded sweatshirt, or black hooded zip up jacket will do just fine. Cover your skin against gaseous irritants. Black pants are recommended as well, but blue jeans (darker the better) are not uncommon at black bloc events as well. As for your face, cover your mouth with a bandana, a black rag, or a gas mask (warning: the wearing of gas masks is ILLEGAL in some areas and may be harmful to your cause). Eye protection is recommended, but something that will not hinder your vision. If you are aware of gas in the air, ensure that your bandana is soaked with vinegar/lime juice. This will help filter what you inhale. Remove all patches, and identifiable items. The more unidentifiable you are, the less identifiable someone else is as well. I've seen a video of a young activist being swung to the ground by an officer, and a fellow activist (using black bloc) promptly liberated the fellow activist and ran into the crowd without punishment. Though steel-toed boots are sometimes recommended, I personally say agile shoes that allow you to move. Fast.
THE BACKPACK
A dark colored, preferably black, backpack can be picked up for cheap nowadays, and many of you already have one (please buy from responsible companies or even better, resale). The backpack should remain light if you are taking on an aggressive role in the scene, but also, there is also a need for medics. If you wish to be a medic, identify yourself with a flag of sorts, and tend to wounded activists. The backpack will come in handy to carry BANDAGES, TAPE, ALCOHOL, SWABS, and etc.
As for you aggressors, leave all incriminating substances at home, and if there is ANYTHING (which shall remain unnamed in this forum) that MAY CONSTITUTE ILLEGALITY, keep the materials separate if you can, and coordinate with other members to keep the other materials in THEIR BACKPACK as well. When ready to use the material, meet up, and combine.
THE AMAZING BENEFITS OF THE BLACK ZIP-UP.
Finding myself in a sticky situation with the police, I found that I has been correct in choosing to wear citizen clothing under my black zip-up, as appose to a sweater or anything that may be hard to move. After engaging in an activity, I soon found myself singled out. Rather than risk myself leaving the scene and being identified as a black-bloc member (as many were being detained), a quick change (UNZIP!) and suddenly I was wearing a button up shirt, red tie, and I left all my materials (they were cheap, I bought it all from Salvation Army, Goodwill...) behind me, dumped out my in the nearest can (leave bag behind if possible) and proceeded out of the crowd. Acting as if I was a mere civilian, the police assisted me out of the wreckage as activists were getting arrested for the disruption of the KKK Rally in Austin, TEXAS. They did check my backpack (previously dumped) only to find a copy of Animal Farm.
ACTIVISTS. BEST PLACE TO PURCHASE CHEAP, DISPOSABLE CLOTHING IS NONE OTHER THAN YOUR LOCAL RESALE STORE.
-James :thumbup1: