Anat Shenker-Osorio and Sunjeev Bery recently sat down on The Intercept Briefing to discuss the topic of sustained civil resistance. In light of recent events and movements such as the Women’s March and the ongoing fight against racial injustice, the conversation could not have been more timely.
The discussion revolved around the question of how to truly resist and bring about lasting change in our society. As Shenker-Osorio and Bery pointed out, resistance is not just about one-time protests or acts of defiance, but rather a sustained effort to challenge and dismantle systems of oppression.
One of the key takeaways from the conversation was the importance of messaging in any resistance movement. As Shenker-Osorio, a communication expert, highlighted, the language we use is crucial in shaping public perception and gaining support for our cause. She emphasized the need for a clear and powerful message that resonates with people and motivates them to take action.
Bery, a human rights activist, also stressed the importance of inclusivity in resistance movements. He noted that in order to truly bring about change, we must recognize and address the intersecting issues of race, gender, class, and more. This means centering the voices and experiences of marginalized communities and ensuring that their needs are not overlooked.
The conversation also delved into the role of the media in resistance movements. Both Shenker-Osorio and Bery agreed that the mainstream media often fails to accurately portray the goals and motivations of resistance movements. As a result, it is crucial for activists to use alternative forms of media, such as social media and independent news outlets like The Intercept, to amplify their message and reach a wider audience.
But perhaps the most important aspect of sustained resistance is the need for persistence and resilience. As Shenker-Osorio pointed out, change does not happen overnight and it takes time and effort to bring about real progress. This means not giving up when faced with setbacks or obstacles, but rather finding new ways to keep the momentum going.
In the end, the conversation on The Intercept Briefing left us with a clear message: sustained civil resistance is not easy, but it is necessary for creating lasting change. It requires strategic messaging, inclusivity, and persistence, but most importantly, it requires a collective effort from all of us.
So how can we as individuals contribute to sustained resistance? It starts with educating ourselves on the issues at hand and actively supporting and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. It also means actively engaging in our communities and using our platforms to spread awareness and mobilize others.
But most importantly, it means never giving up. As Shenker-Osorio and Bery reminded us, resistance is a marathon, not a sprint. It is up to each and every one of us to keep the fire burning and continue the fight for a more just and equitable society.
In a time where the world seems to be in constant turmoil, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless. But as the discussion on The Intercept Briefing showed us, there is power in sustained civil resistance. Let us all join in this effort and work towards a better future for all.
