'Nonviolent, peaceful civil disobedience is sufficient to raise awareness. But on its own it’s not enough to bring about needed change.' Photo: by Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona on Unsplash.
‘Climate change affects everyone. So what is getting in the way of doing the right thing?’
Rub of the green: Roland Carn joins EarthQuakers
A few Quakers took part in Extinction Rebellion’s actions on climate change in Cambridge. Many Friends (and others) are critical of this behaviour. Disrupting traffic is dangerous and can interfere with people who need to get to hospital. It affects the jobs and income of vulnerable people. It causes delays that make people very angry. Damaging buildings is criminal. Policing demonstrations is expensive and prevents the police from combating crime and terrorism. These Friends see no reason to anger anyone or to encourage aggression, much less defy the law themselves. There must be a better, Quaker way.
I’m impressed with these objections and misgivings. They are valid and they are sincerely held. But to me these interests conflict with our principle of doing the right thing, which in our jargon is discernment.
What’s ‘right’ about Extinction Rebellion’s street protests? As a scientist I was educated to test assumptions. Protest organisers take great pains to ensure emergency vehicles have alternative routes. They work with the police as far as possible. They care for the people who are arrested for civil disobedience and provide ‘deescalating’ for responding to people’s anger. Spray paint is easily-washed-off chalk spray. Banners are secured so they don’t fall down and endanger traffic. Importantly, XR holds training, debriefing and mental health sessions to support the protesters – protests are intense and exhausting.
I understand why someone would choose not to be civilly disobedient on the streets. At the same time I can honour those who make the commitment and endure the consequences. My mission lies in a different direction – but that is only acceptable if I actually take off-street actions. Nonviolent, peaceful civil disobedience is sufficient to raise awareness. But on its own it’s not enough to bring about needed change.
Climate change affects everyone. So wat is getting in the way of doing the right thing?
Screaming demands at decision-makers from the street only makes them angry and entrenched in self-defence. ‘Wrestling with the Angel’, Tony Stoller’s Swarthmore Lecture (2001), points the way: make your demonstrations in the streets but work with the decision-makers in their organisations; help them make the right decisions.
EarthQuakers hope to support Friends taking action on climate change, biodiversity and a sustainable future. Some support is prosaic, like writing letters and turning off lights. Some support might be campaigning in the media and on the streets. Some action gets your hands dirty and engages with the decision-makers. I joined to help decision-makers understand what threatens our survival and what they can do about it, so they can make the right decisions. Do join us.
