Critical Mass

[enigma2517]

What do you guys think of Critical Mass?

http://www.critical-mass.org

Effective vehicle for change or just a bunch of hippies avoiding directed class warfare?

[bombeverything]

It is a good tactic. This is an assumption, but I feel that most people involved would also be involved in other [class struggle focused] action. What do you think?

[enigma2517]

On one hand we want to avoid reformist tactics and beliefs.

However, critical mass is a direct action (just thought of that) so it does embody the spirit of anarchism pretty well.

Is it possible that those concerned about the environment, or the homeless, or something other social ill can be made to see that capitalism is at the root of all these problems? Is this an effective tool to "get it out there" and further radicalize the proletarian population?

Quite possibly. Perhaps anybody with real life examples or history can say something about this to confirm/disaffirm this.

[Organic Revolution]

in my experiances with critical mass it is a very good thing... chicago started with 20 members and is now up to 300.. with many on yellow bikes. for all who dont know the yellow bike program is an alternative taxi cab thing... we just leave yellow bikes everywhere for people to use... but yes... its effective.

[Jesus Christ!]

I think it's a very good thing and any action shouldn't be detered by people. My bro has done it many times and I plan on doin gthe one in september in NYC.

[Organic Revolution]

from cnn:Consumers have been absorbing the sticker shock at the pump for months already without greatly altering their spending habits. However, analysts cautioned that if gas prices reach $3 a gallon, it could force consumers to make noticeable changes to their budgets.

And if spending slows, that in turn threatens to dampen economic growth since consumer spending fuels two-thirds of the economy.

so riding bikes and not buying oil hurts the economy, slowly dwindling away capitalism.

[papi]

pipe dream, oil does not fuel the market, it is just the flavor of the century.

[enigma2517]

yeah I'd agree.

if you actually get enough people organized to bring down oil by BOYCOTTING then u might as well just go for the revolution ;)

I'd have to also agree that Critical Mass is a very good starting point where u can meet and radicalize others.