Direct actions, from the Occupy London Stock Exchange protest at St Paul's and anti-war protests outside Parliament to the vigils at Kensal Green and Preston libraries, are sometimes criticised as not being very 'nice' because they look untidy, embarrass passers-by and may involve inconvenience or even confrontation.
Malvina Reynolds, an activist in the US who wrote many well-known children's songs such as 'Magic Penny' and 'Morning Town Ride', looked like a sweet old lady but defied stereotypes with her powerful political songs. This song of hers, about direct action during the civil rights struggle seems particularly appropriate and has been sung at some of the American anti-capitalist demonstrations:
It takes courage to go out on the streets and expose yourself to derogatory comments and ridicule, but if the alternative is acquiescing to injustice, then I know where I stand. Thankfully, on the ground, whether at St Paul's or Preston library there is plenty of support.
Keep on keeping on!
Malvina Reynolds, an activist in the US who wrote many well-known children's songs such as 'Magic Penny' and 'Morning Town Ride', looked like a sweet old lady but defied stereotypes with her powerful political songs. This song of hers, about direct action during the civil rights struggle seems particularly appropriate and has been sung at some of the American anti-capitalist demonstrations:
The theme of 'niceness' was taken up by anti-nuclear activist and paediatrician Dr Helen Caldicott at a recent demonstration in New York when she accused people of being "too damn polite" about the nuclear industry. The following video starts with her passionate speech and includes footage of other demonstrations often accompanied by protest songs, including at 12 minutes a children's choir singing "It isn't nice".
It takes courage to go out on the streets and expose yourself to derogatory comments and ridicule, but if the alternative is acquiescing to injustice, then I know where I stand. Thankfully, on the ground, whether at St Paul's or Preston library there is plenty of support.
Keep on keeping on!
