Yeah, the spectacle doesn't really work if it isn't being contrasted against the brutality of the state. The thing that is striking about these other images is how much they project unity. Though, I'm sure you can find images of these protests that project unity in some way as well.

[–] InexplicableLunchFiend@hexbear.net 21 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

These protests are very Reddit, in that everyone there seems to be performing to try and 'stand out' with some funny costume or sign or dance that will go viral. It's entirely individualistic and goes against the unity and solidarity that makes a protest an effective tactic in the first place. A "protest" is only effective insofar as it's a threat, a militantly organized mass group of people demonstrating that they can all get together and coordinate an action. There's an implication there, a threat of further action if demands are not met.

These "protests" have no demands and have no coordination or militancy. There is no implied threat because they strictly have made that off limits. There are defined by their being "within bounds" and permitted.

[–] CthulhusIntern@hexbear.net 9 points 1 day ago

If the protest is effective, you shouldn't WANT to stand out, because then, you'd become a target.