Contrary to their image of strength, authoritarian figures often rely on bluff and "anticipatory obedience." When confronted with direct, organized resistance, they frequently lack a follow-up plan and retreat, revealing their inherent fragility and dependence on their opposition's inaction.
The primary value of protests isn't just cinematic outrage; it's serving as a gateway for deeper organizing. Demonstrations allow individuals to connect with the groups that form the backbone of sustained political action, creating lasting, though often unseen, infrastructure.
Unlike historical fascism which co-opted business, today's authoritarianism is arguably a product of finance capitalism. The concentration of wealth creates oligarchs who merge with the state, trading democratic norms for deregulation and profit in a speculative, symbol-driven economy.
As children become independent adults, showing vulnerability and asking for parental comfort is a profound gift. This act reaffirms a parent's purpose and sense of value in a way that material success cannot, strengthening the family bond across generations.
Modern administrations, immune to moral outrage but sensitive to market fluctuations, can be influenced by targeted economic strikes. Mass unsubscriptions from major tech platforms can directly impact the stock market, forcing a political response where traditional protests fail.
The Trump administration uses ICE not just for immigration enforcement, but to create a de facto national police force. By framing immigration as a ubiquitous issue, they justify a federal presence anywhere, effectively turning the entire country into a "border zone" where exceptional laws can apply.
In times of crisis, expecting an opposition party to lead the charge is a mistake. Real political movements are initiated by citizens who set the moral terms and take risks. The political party then becomes just one part of a larger coalition that it doesn't necessarily lead.
Historically, anti-Semites have supported Israel's existence as a place to send Jews. A government can be staunchly pro-Israel while fostering antisemitism domestically. Conflating support for Israel's government with support for Jewish people is a dangerous trap that can obscure genuine threats.
Authoritarian regimes rely on 'big lies' to control the narrative. The modern counter is the camera phone, which allows citizens to create many small, verifiable records from multiple angles. This flood of 'little truths' can dissolve or push back against state-sponsored propaganda.