In June, Florida’s appeals court upheld Gov. Ron DeSantis’s anti-rioting law, which aims to deter disruptive and violent protests. The law, passed in response to the 2020 George Floyd rebellion, faced legal challenges but was deemed acceptable by the court. This trend of enhancing criminalization of protest tactics is growing in the US, with new laws targeting various activities.
However, discussions on resistance and repression need to evolve to foster solidarity and avoid harmful divisions. Terms like “peaceful” and “nonviolent” can inadvertently perpetuate harmful ideologies and undermine the collective struggle. When talking about repression, it’s crucial to avoid legitimizing repressive institutions like the police and to recognize the historical context behind current efforts to criminalize dissent.
By reframing our language and narratives surrounding resistance and repression, we can build a stronger, more united movement. It’s essential to highlight the long history of repression, avoid divisive language, and educate others on the interconnected struggles for freedom. These steps can help combat systemic criminalization and promote a more inclusive approach to resistance.
