Feeling philosophical

This is a view of the UEA library, just opposite the lecture theatre block where I went to a lecture about Gandhi and non-violent direct action given by Dr Shahriar Ali, Deputy Leader of the Green Party as part of a series along the theme of 'Philosopher Kings' and  it  took me back a bit to the screaming rows we used to have about the effectiveness - or otherwise - of non violent direct action back in the days when I was active in the women's movement.

But tonight it also got me thinking about what non violent direct action looks and feels like today and where and when it might be most effective.  On an individual level it's quite easy, there's only yourself to think about, but when a group or mass of people are involved I think it's rather different.  You would need consensus, and also I would suggest better coordination.  Like when a mass of people in the Ukraine faced up to riot police and held up shields with reflective surfaces toward the riot police with the message "see what you have become". 

Maybe it's time to change the manner in which we voice our displeasure at the government and become a bit less shouty - silent protest can be incredibly powerful - let banners speak instead of shouting messages; perhaps give a round of slow handclapping to greet the arrival of unpopular politicians instead of yelling and screaming at them or chasing after them. 

These were just some thoughts that went through my mind as I listened to the speaker, the respondent (Dr Marina Prentoulis, academic and active supporter of Syriza) and the questions from the floor.