Free Liberal

Coordinating towards higher values

Polarized Too Extreme

by Kevin D. Rollins

At a recent rally, Isis caught this image of non-transpartisan signage:

This is quite apparently the wrong message for anyone who wants Israel to withdraw from Palestine because the ultimate audience is Israel -- which has the power to implement the policy the protesters desire. This sign articulates an "us vs. them" mindset which is not at all useful if the purpose of the rally is to win hearts and minds. The willingness to be offensive and to immediately compare the opposing side to mass-murderers is reckless. This further cements my view that protest marches and rallies in general are tribal and non-rational.

Question for Free Liberal editors and bloggers: Does activism itself, by the nature of the discipline, tend toward an illiberal, partisan worldview?