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The Black Bloc - How to Avoid Negative Press and reveal Agent Provocateurs?

radical | 29.03.2011 15:29

Following the widespread slander of Black Bloc tactics across the board in the mainstream media, and throughout liberal protest groups, and in the light of recent evidence of agent provocateurs being among us, it seems like it is the right time for a debate on how to distance the black bloc from negative media attention, or at least to attempt to carve a distinction between those who wish to target specific symbolic targets of global capitalism, and those who are just looking for a ruck with the cops. Debate?

After widespread condemnation of the Black Bloc, with mainstream media blaming the bloc for escalating the "riot" in Piccadilly, while ignoring the real full story of tactical attacks on banks and symbols of the rich, and conflating 'thugs' with the excellent action by UK Uncut and committed anarchists, should the Black Bloc be more (politically) concretely defined in the public eye so they can make a distinction between effective direct action on global capital, and so called violent attacks on police?

I have nothing but admiration for the black bloc who rampaged through the streets on saturday taking out banks, anne summers, and symbols of the rich in the centre of London and believe that to be a effective and enjoyable political action, and despite one arrest, relatively safe due to sheer force of numbers and the general chaos in the centre of town. But the liberal press are now continuing their same old divisive tactics of distancing themselves from the "dangerous anarchists". This word is a battleground and needs to be fought by the black bloc. Do you think that mass flyer drops at targets and well written press releases in advance would assist in giving the black bloc a better name? Or be pointless?

I think this is worth talking about, even if nothing is done.

radical

Comments

Display the following 16 comments

  1. workshop at this year's bookfair on this? — red-rag
  2. Decent Black Bloc Guide for young and not-so-young people: — anarchist rioter
  3. Wordpress? WTF? — s
  4. kick the coppers — blockless
  5. Bull in a china shop and other euphemisms! — Lord Maastricht of the Vale of Thesaurus.
  6. Sainted BB — Road Runner
  7. The black block are not police provecuteurs! — Greek anarchist
  8. Errr.... no. — Anarchist
  9. Time for pause & reflection. — Tin Can Alley
  10. evidence? — pedant
  11. A — A
  12. Political posturing and intrigue behind the scenes! — Tin Can Alley.
  13. Be careful — anti-mace
  14. Greek Anarchist — anon
  15. A — A
  16. How to create positive Press and reject disruptive agents! — R