Protest Tactics

Just Stop Oil activists jailed for throwing soup over Van Gogh’s Sunflowers

It’s truly disheartening to see the Just Stop Oil activists being jailed for throwing soup over Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. While I understand the frustration and urgency behind their actions in highlighting the dire need for climate action, attacking valuable cultural artifacts is not the way to go about it. The artwork itself may have been unharmed, hidden safely behind glass, but the implications of their protest are far-reaching.

The discussion around political activism, both past and present, needs to evolve beyond these extreme measures that can easily turn public opinion against the cause. Yes, the suffragettes and other historical movements employed drastic tactics to be heard, but we must adapt to the times and find more effective ways to garner support without alienating the masses.… Continue reading