When we're out in the streets, non-violent action training helps, and so does music. Here are some observations from a tense day at Occupy from one of the song-leaders in Occupella, Betsy Rose:
Sunday, November 20, 2011
A group had reoccupied a street area they were evicted from the day before, pitching two tents in the middle of the street. A large crowd gathered, with media, a bullhorn, and speakers from labor, from the occupation, from the clergy, and from the Council of Elders, who had come to support and dialogue with the occupiers.
So there we all were—the elders and clergy, the assorted occupiers, folks who came to sing with Singing For Peace/Occupella, and the police. The police, who were in riot gear, formed a tight boundary line at one end of the circle of 100 or so people, with many other police further away, milling about.
Amongst the speeches, we peppered in songs that all could sing—"We Shall Not be Moved," "This Little Light," "Down By The Riverside," and more—all with new words for the focus of this movement.
No matter how many times I lead this kind of singing, I am still moved and astonished all over again by the effect it has on a crowd. It has a way of pulling people together, unifying, energizing, calming, and focusing—especially when the police are close by. As we circled closer around the tents to protect them, there was a familiar feeling of restless and perhaps nervous energy (What will the cops do? Do I want to get arrested tonight? Will I or anyone get hurt? Can I really be nonviolent under pressure?).
But as we sing, we feel the strength of ourselves and each other. We feel the power of the deep roots of these songs, sung through so many movements that changed our society over the last century or more, and there’s a palpable shift in the crowd. Plus, I feel that the police are subtly calmed and reassured by our singing. A crowd that is singing positive, hopeful songs isn’t likely to also be throwing bottles, yelling angry taunts, or breaking windows. Singing takes all that energy, anger, fear, hope, and determination, and gives it a focus with breath and heart behind it.
Can I copy the actions comment. I am very elderly a paid subscriber and an a progressive attorney. I can't do much any more (including memorizing the action suggestions). I need to be able to copy and use a large font as I am almost blind. Please let me know if it can be done or a place where my purchase can be copied. Thanks. Judy
And I'll add...stop the factional infighting. There must never be any time for that nonsense.
When we're out in the streets, non-violent action training helps, and so does music. Here are some observations from a tense day at Occupy from one of the song-leaders in Occupella, Betsy Rose:
Sunday, November 20, 2011
A group had reoccupied a street area they were evicted from the day before, pitching two tents in the middle of the street. A large crowd gathered, with media, a bullhorn, and speakers from labor, from the occupation, from the clergy, and from the Council of Elders, who had come to support and dialogue with the occupiers.
So there we all were—the elders and clergy, the assorted occupiers, folks who came to sing with Singing For Peace/Occupella, and the police. The police, who were in riot gear, formed a tight boundary line at one end of the circle of 100 or so people, with many other police further away, milling about.
Amongst the speeches, we peppered in songs that all could sing—"We Shall Not be Moved," "This Little Light," "Down By The Riverside," and more—all with new words for the focus of this movement.
No matter how many times I lead this kind of singing, I am still moved and astonished all over again by the effect it has on a crowd. It has a way of pulling people together, unifying, energizing, calming, and focusing—especially when the police are close by. As we circled closer around the tents to protect them, there was a familiar feeling of restless and perhaps nervous energy (What will the cops do? Do I want to get arrested tonight? Will I or anyone get hurt? Can I really be nonviolent under pressure?).
But as we sing, we feel the strength of ourselves and each other. We feel the power of the deep roots of these songs, sung through so many movements that changed our society over the last century or more, and there’s a palpable shift in the crowd. Plus, I feel that the police are subtly calmed and reassured by our singing. A crowd that is singing positive, hopeful songs isn’t likely to also be throwing bottles, yelling angry taunts, or breaking windows. Singing takes all that energy, anger, fear, hope, and determination, and gives it a focus with breath and heart behind it.
I love this!!! Thank you for sharing it so eloquently, Nancy.
Thanks, but it's Betsy Rose's eloquence, not mine.
Question if I may, Elizabeth. What is the best way to determine who offers pro bono legal aid in a specific geographic area?
I would like a copy of the arrival I can post on my Refrig to consult during the day to make sure I complete one action each day,
Can I copy the actions comment. I am very elderly a paid subscriber and an a progressive attorney. I can't do much any more (including memorizing the action suggestions). I need to be able to copy and use a large font as I am almost blind. Please let me know if it can be done or a place where my purchase can be copied. Thanks. Judy