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November 4, 2020 - Anarchists and antifascists marched in several cities in the US after the presidential elections, chanting slogans like “Trump or Biden, no retreat! Keep your ass out in the street!“, ”Fuck Biden! Fuck Trump! No more presidents! No more fascists! “ and “No borders! No wall! No USA at all!“. [video]/[video]/[video]/[video]

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Portland fucking rules

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queer pride

so, in honor of pride month: please remember that ‘queer’ has been a fully reclaimed, non-slur identity for decades now, and queer studies is a legitimate academic term, and it’s only been in the last decade that TERFs have pushed to reclassify it as a ‘slur’ starting in online spaces. 

because ‘queer’ is such a broad and flexible term, it’s much harder for bigoted, trans-exclusive, bi-phobic, a-phobic people to interrogate the queer community and try to divide it into who deserves respect and who deserves to be expelled. the queer community is extremely diverse, extremely accepting, and it’s entirely opt-in. no one can say you’re not really queer, because if you say you’re queer, you are. 

this is extremely frustrating to terfs, who want a very narrow and rigidly policed LGB community (minus the T, A, and Q+, of course), so they have been working to reclassify queer as a slur. they target young isolated girls online, and take advantage of their earnest desire to be helpful and unproblematic, and they get them to repeat ‘queer is a slur’, and it’s incredibly sad and frustrating for us queers to deal with.

lesbian, gay, and queer are all slurs. they’ve all been used to insult us. and they’re all reclaimed. people that don’t want to be called queer don’t have to be, but tagging posts with q*slur is an insult to everyone who identifies as queer. breaking into posts where queer people call themselves and each other queer and refer to the queer community of queers who call themselves that to let us know that ‘queer is a slur’ is itself bigoted, TERF-aligned behavior. 

please reblog this post, and accept that queer is a valid term with decades of history and millions of proudly self-identified people. the next time you see someone say ‘queer is a slur’, let them know that phrase is manufactured and propagated by TERFs as an attack on the queer community. we’ll all have a much happier pride month if we stand up for each other against the real sources of hatred, rather than letting them get us to chew on each other for another year. 

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It’s time to dive into the week! Water you waiting for?

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ur cute

no u

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Non-Native fishermen have destroyed and stolen thousands of dollars worth of fishing equipment owned by fishermen of Sipekne'katik First Nation. (You know I’d really like to know where are all the people crying over how vandalism in protest might as well be cold-blooded murder now.) This comes in addition to forming blockades and threatening to ram boats. Business across the province denying services to Mi’kmaq in support of these terrorizing acts. Online, people are sharing horrible threats. It is blatant racist violence and discrimination, and the fishermen/media continues to call our people the lawbreakers.

“The gear that we were collecting was what was in violation of the law,“ Sproul said. “There’s nothing more to show that fishermen have the true, just, lawful position here than the fact that we conducted that activity yesterday and nobody stopped us.”

The fact that the RCMP have done jack shit to stop the non-native fishermen destroying Mi’kmaw lobster traps has painted a very clear picture. It’s the same picture that’s been hanging on the wall for centuries, and surprise surprise, flowery talk of #reconciliation doesn’t change that. And the quote above is a perfect example of how fully aware these fuckers are of their privilege.

Anyway someone should tell Sproul that a) the Mi’kmaq have the legal treaty right to hunt, fish and gather for a moderate livelihood, b) the traditional lobster season for our people is in September and October, and c) that the only people breaking the law here is his ignorant ass and his cronies.

Sharing this link again, as it is a very well compiled doc: Ways to support Sipekne’katik First Nation, and resources to educate yourself and share with others. Financial support for supplies is especially helpful right now.

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‘Antifa Soup’ stickers seen around Newark, New Jersey, referencing Trump’s claim that anarchists are distributing cans of soup at protests to be used as projectiles against the police

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September 17, Baiona

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what's the first step in being an antifascist? i mean, what can i do to make a change? i'm a minor, i don't have any money, and i can't drive- is there anything i can do?

Dear Anon,  You have no idea how many times someone around your age has asked us this question & how much we love it when people ask us this!  The first step for anyone in being an antifascist is to a) oppose fascism and b) do something - ANYTHING - about it.

We have good news for you: THERE IS A TON OF STUFF YOU CAN DO!!!  Pretty much every one of us in this here social media collective started doing antifa stuff as minors.  Here are some general tips we have if you’re starting your Antifa Career at a young age.  Are you in school?  What about starting a student club?  Here’s a list of 30 antifa actions we think pretty much anyone could pull off, maybe with the help of some friends.  Don’t like any of those?  Here’s a list of 40 other things you can do to fight fascism. Do us a favor?  Let us know what you get up to!

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"Vote blue or accept responsibility for the actions of the republican party" is not a coherent political message, it's the democrats creating a hostage situation to stop you demanding things like healthcare in the middle of a pandemic.

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For some reason people stopped talking about autonomous zones after the CHAZ was shut down, so most people don’t realize that both George Floyd Square in Minneapolis and the James Talib-Dean Memorial Encampment in Philadelphia are still autonomous 3 months later

They’re also both facing regular threats of invasion and could really use visibility and support. The cops are expecting to be able to clear these places out without anyone else noticing

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How to disagree

Just saw this post about “intellectual” men debating you to death by talking over you in a monotone voice and if anyone shows emotion they lose. Just to be clear: if you want to be mildly successful as a workplace or community organizer of any kind you need to drop this habit FAST.

80% of organizing is empathy and emotion.

You’re not trying to having an argument. You’re trying to understand where the other person is coming from, and trying to get them to see your vision from their perspective.

Good arguments are important, and we have loads of them. But you’re not in a debate. Too much rationality will lead you nowhere in an organizing conversation with a coworker or neighbor.

Most people don’t enjoy disagreements. Especially with strangers.

Male AND female trade union organizers especially with backgrounds in higher education blow hundreds of chances for people to get involved with this dumbass habit. Check yourself. For many of us, arguments can mean danger.

If you’re disagreeing with the person you’re talking to, use this tactic instead of starting a debate:

1) Acknowledge their opinion or concern about getting involved. Show them you’re not dismissing them. Say something like:

“I hear this a lot”, “I used to think the same” or just “I understand”

2) Pick ONE counterargument. It doesn’t have to be good. Convey why you don’t share their belief or why you are involved in what you’re doing (for example, building a union).

Say something like:

“I understand where you’re coming from. Personally, I think a union is a tool for us to achieve better things that can last.”

3) Share your vision. Try to get them to understand what you’re trying to achieve with what you’re doing. Maybe tell a story about what got you involved Be enthusiastic about it. It’s catching on.

“You see, I used to think we couldn’t change anything either. But when I walked out on strike with everyone for the first time, it was just incredible. We all went back to work after with more confidence, like we fought and won our own dignity back.”

4) Ask them the question again. Take No for an answer this time, but leave on friendly terms anyway - they might change their mind later.

“So, how’s it looking. Can we count on you?”

“Ah, right. It’s okay you can’t be there. How about I call you right after and tell you what happened? ”

“Okay, great talking to you anyway. See you around, I hope?”

“Awesome! See you Thursday and good luck!”

This stuff actually works. And also, it’s a great way to disagree with each other without shit getting out of hand. Works wonders at family meetings, too.

Disclaimer: I mean concerns like “union fees are too expensive” or “I’m afraid to get fired” not stuff like “it’s the immigrants”. There’s limits, okay.

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Here is a guide to helmets, reposted from Black Powder Press's instagram.

the militant demonstrator's guide to helmets

• helmets are risk mitigation, not risk nullification! there is no such thing as a concussion-proof helmet. but any helmet is better than no helmet! the best helmet is the one you wear.

• if no one else is wearing helmets, and you don’t want to be singled out, consider a concealable or inconspicuous helmet, like: a “bump cap” baseball cap; a bike helmet; or a skate or motorcycle helmet concealed under your hood

• if lots of people are wearing helmets, wear the best helmet you can get your hands on

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THE BUMP CAP

(low key)

A baseball cap with some hard plastic and padding inside. The ultimate in better than nothing. Inconspicuous. It protects you, a little bit. Way better than nothing. Way less than a dedicated helmet.

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HARD HATS

(not the best)

Most hard hats are designed to absorb impact only from above. They also lack any kind of chin strap and fall off easily.

Better than nothing!

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BIKE HELMETS

(also not the best)

Use crushable foam to protect from impact, meaning they are destroyed by impact. They usually have very thin shells that barely protect from projectiles and can themselves shatter and hurt people!

They’re nonthreatening and inconspicuous and way better than nothing! Also cheap as hell: because of certification systems, cheap bike helmets are as good as expensive ones at impact protection.

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SKATE and SNOW HELMETS

(now we’re getting somewhere)

Skate helmets ALSO use crushable foam, which still isn’t the best for repeated impact! But skate helmets that meet certifications (unlike bike helmets, not all do!) are rated to resist multiple impacts. They tend to have a thicker plastic shell than bike helmets. They also protect more of your head, and are low profile enough that they can (awkwardly) be concealed under a hood.

Snowboard helmets are basically the same thing but without ventilation.

This might be the best dirt cheap option.

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MOTORCYCLE HELMETS

(mixed bag!)

Motorcycle helmets are rated even tougher still! But they still use crushable foam, making them less suitable for repeated impact (like a baton on your head). They’re also more expensive. A full-face helmet (with a chin bar) limits visibility and mobility without any real advantage and limits the ability to wear goggles and respirators.

Half-helmets and 3/4 helmets are useful if you have one lying around! 1/2 helmets are cheaper than 3/4 or full.

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SPORTS HELMETS

(is good)

Unlike other helmets, sports helmets are designed assuming the wearer will be hit. Instead of crushable foam, most use multilayered padding: one layer for impact absorption and one layer to fit better.

Lacrosse helmets without a chin bar and with the mask removed, and hockey helmets without the mask, are the most traditional for protesters. Football helmets can work without the mask (makes wearing respirators harder, gives opponents something to grab). Batting helmets lack a chin strap but are rated against pretty serious impacts. Whitewater helmets are built this way too!

Many sports helmets might be hard to pair with respirators because of their cut but this is conjecture.

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TACTICAL/BALLISTIC HELMETS

(the best probably)

If you want to attach cameras or comms units or noise-gated headphones, you need a tactical helmet. If you want to have a chance of surviving handgun fire to your head, you need a ballistic version.

Airsoft/paintball helmets are cheap clones ($40+), not certified at all, probably terrible. If you go this route, replace the padding with real ballistic padding (another $40+).

Bump helmets ($150+) are certified against impact but not bullets. Make sure the padding is good.

Ballistic helmets are certified against handgun (not rifle) bullets. Very expensive ($350+). Some can be found on the surplus market. Again, make sure the padding is good. Not all come with side rails or the mount on the front.

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OTHER HELMETS

Equestrian helmets are designed like skate helmets, with crushable foam, but are also rated to protect against a sharp blow from a hoof, so that’s cool. Only wear if you own one already.

Rock climbing helmets come in all types! All are probably pretty good. Many use suspension systems like hard hats but also a lot of foam or padding.

If medieval helms can survive impact weapons without serious deformation (unknown), and they are paired with appropriate padding (not just a suspension harness) they would be perfectly good! But we’re not sure yet what a baton round does to a various gauges of steel hat so we cannot yet recommend. Try 14ga or thicker.

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Final Notes!

This information has been gathered through extensive research and from talking with frontlines demonstrators, but it has not been rigorously tested and should not be taken as the last word on the subject.

Very, very few helmet certifications take “shot in the head with a tear gas canister by a cop drunk on power” into account in their testing systems.

A helmet has two purposes: to prevent penetration and to absorb impact. The shell prevents penetration, the padding (or suspension) absorbs impact. You need both.

Be water. No bad protesters, no good cops.

We keep us safe.

Black lives matter.

(brought to you by some anarchists)

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in these uncertain times... these indescribably eldritch times... these times beyond our mere mortal comprehension, the attempting to understand of which is forbidden, for within them lie horrors unknown that would drive us to madness...

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HELP A FAMILY AVOID HOMELESSNESS

one of my best friends and her family have recently fallen on hard times due to covid, and her high-risk, disabled mother's workplace is refusing to allow her to work from home (even though they have allowed pretty much everyone else). i know i'm inactive on here and not a huge account, so if you could help by sharing this it would really mean the world to me. thank you!

edit: 😔 i'm stupid and didn't add the link. here it is!

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-johnsons-get-a-home

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