The good fight
Dave Cieslewicz’s latest column dismissing the Women’s March is misguided (“Nothing’s Happening Here,” 2/2/2017). Writing about preservation of rule of law under authoritarians, political scientist Paul Gowder articulates why demonstrations such as those seen so far are critically important: “A visible and loud opposition is self-reinforcing. By communicating anti-regime preferences, opponents signal that other people who might oppose the regime will have allies, and also signal that those who would engage in antisocial behavior in support of the regime cannot rely on the silent support or acquiescence of their communities. In this vein, the sudden mass protests at airports as well as aggressive widespread action by volunteer lawyers in defense of executive order detainees is very heartening.” More and more people participate in resistance “when they think that they have a critical mass of people who agree with them.” Erica Chenoweth’s research shows that civil resistance campaigns with sustained participation of at least 3.5 percent of the population virtually always succeed. The Women’s March was key. I do agree with Cieslewicz on the need for “building a broad-based movement” that includes focus on “jobs, wages and fairness for everyone.” And diverse nonviolent resistance methods will need to be deployed, beyond demonstrations.
Gregory Gelembiuk (via email)
Something is happening here, Dave, and what it is, despite your caution, is pretty damn clear. The Women’s March in D.C. and the march here in Madison were both part of the largest national protest in our nation’s history, harbingers of the incipient worldwide resistance to President Trump.
In dismissing the march, you mentioned nothing of the follow-up efforts to channel enthusiasm into concrete action. From the “Next-Up Huddles” suggested by the organizers of the nationwide women’s marches to the Leading Locally group organized by Ald. Maurice Cheeks, the groundwork is in place for sustained resistance, not the solipsistic self-soothing you rightly fear.
History shows protests can galvanize change. Dr. King called for marches in Selma and D.C., and these led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. And regarding Vietnam, you’re wrong to suggest the protests did nothing to shorten the war.
As one white guy to another, I wouldn’t dismiss the Women’s March as muddled identity politics. Women across this country are “grabbing back,” and we men do best to stand with them. The imaginary white couple in Racine you proffer as a political litmus test can be reached with a message of “jobs, wages and fairness for everyone,” but our message must be inclusive.
After all, Tammy Baldwin didn’t deny her sexual identity in her successful bid for the U.S. Senate, nor should we define our politics too narrowly in order to win back Trump voters.
Tag Evers (via email)