askchapo

goad people into throwing a punch and getting arrested.

Oh yeah, this is good advice. Remember anyone trying to piss you off is doing it because they aren't shit unless you throw the first punch. Just laugh at them. Don't engage with their arguments, don't try to convince them or anything. They're not interested. I like to make fun of their clothes, or be achingly polite and talk to them about things that are totally unrelated. Makes them look foolish and it's confusing

. Help your comrades if it looks like they're getting close to letting their anger get to them. Having a calming voice can help people step back. Be sympathetic - I try to remind people that beating this one guy up might feel good, but it's not going to help the cause. I also tell people that if they get arrested they won't be able to help their comrades. The emphasis is not "You're causing a problem" but rather "Bro we need you out here so you can help people. We need your passion and drive, and you can do the most good on the outside." Appealing to people's desire to help and defend their comrades can help them get some perspective and cool down.

I find a lot of the time it's better to mock the enemy and make them look foolish instead of engaging with them. If your team is jeering at them and making fun of them it's easier to stay cool and not get goaded in to a fight the fash can use for propaganda value.

That said, if you have to fight, fight.