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Clowning As De-Escalation Tactic
- Clowning at protests originated as a de-escalation and morale tactic used by activists like Clandestine Insurgent Rebel Clown Army (CIRCA).
- Organized clown blocks aimed to distract, soothe activists, and humiliate fascists rather than directly disable them.
Olympia Nazi Clowns Outshined Marchers
- In 2005 Olympia protesters dressed as Nazi clowns and effectively stole the spotlight from a National Socialist Movement march.
- David Neiwert called it "the most striking defeat" he'd seen against neo-Nazis on the street.
Flowers Trumped Nazi Chants In Knoxville
- In Knoxville 2007, anti-racist activists mocked Vinlanders with a clown block shouting "white flower" and throwing flowers.
- The organizer Alex Linder attempted assault and was promptly arrested.