

Part Two: The Black Bloc: It’s a Tactic, Not an Organization
18 snips Jun 18, 2025
Molly Conger, the host of the Weird Little Guys podcast, dives into the history and evolution of the Black Bloc tactic in activism. They discuss its origins in the 1980s, stemming from the Dutch squatters' movement, and how tragic events shifted tactics toward more militant expressions. The conversation mixes humor with reflections on activism, the media's portrayal of protests, and the importance of community solidarity. Molly and Margaret also explore the complexities of Black Bloc strategies and the ethical implications of media representations in shaping public narratives.
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Hans Koch's Death Sparks Escalation
- In 1985, Dutch squatter Hans Koch was found dead in police custody, widely believed to be police murder or neglect.
- This incident escalated the Dutch squatters' protests, including use of Molotov cocktails.
Militant Action Shifts Perceptions
- The 1999 WTO protests' militant actions attracted media attention, helping shut down the meeting.
- Direct action was less polarizing than presidential candidates, showing public support for radical tactics.
Media's Role and Radical Responses
- Mainstream media is part of state control, manufacturing consent rather than controlling everything by force.
- Radical movements built independent media, a precursor to citizen journalism and platforms like Twitter.