Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford A Deadly Day at the Races: What Radical Protest Can and Cannot Do
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Sep 19, 2025 Explore the daring tactics of the Suffragettes as they fought for women's rights, including firebombing and hunger strikes. Delve into the chaotic moment when Emily Davison stormed the Epsom racetrack and the mixed reactions that followed. Unpack the complexities of radical protest and its impact on broader movements. Was Davison's final act a calculated protest or a tragic mistake? The podcast challenges the narratives around her actions and raises important questions about intent and consequences.
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Early Radical Commitment
- Emily Davison quit her job to join the WSPU and repeatedly got arrested for direct action like disrupting David Lloyd George's speech.
- She endured solitary prison, sang hymns, and used hunger strikes to win early release.
Harrowing Force-Feeding And Resistance
- Emily described force-feeding as barbaric, with gags, tubes and foul liquid forced into her throat.
- She barricaded a cell door and endured a high-pressure hose when wardens tried to remove her blockade.
Weigh Disruption Before Acting
- Consider how disruptive actions shape public perception before acting; they may backfire even if well-intentioned.
- Weigh whether radical tactics will highlight moderates or simply alienate potential supporters.
