Neon Liberalism The State of the Resistance
Jan 24, 2026
Omar Wasow, scholar of protest movements who studies civil rights-era tactics, reflects on a year of resistance. He discusses nonviolence, tactical adaptation, and creative repertoires like strikes and boycotts. He explains how spectacle, media frames, and citizen journalism shape public opinion. He explores movement organization, coalition-building, and why disciplined nonviolent action can persuade broader audiences.
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How Nonviolence Shapes Public Opinion
- Nonviolent protest changes public opinion by generating sympathetic media narratives that shift voting and policy.
- Violent tactics often trigger law-and-order coverage that strengthens opponents and undermines movement goals.
Make Yourself The Target, Not The Aggressor
- Make protestors the target of state force to produce sympathetic images rather than being the agents of violence.
- Use disciplined nonviolent confrontation to expose state brutality and win broader public support.
The Cascade Model Of Mobilization
- Movements use a cascade dynamic where visible early participants encourage neighbors and elites to join.
- Small institutional refusals to cooperate can signal safety and widen the coalition beyond activists.
