Trump Survival Tip No. 7: Black Bloc, Part 1

yinzblindhund:

apocalyptic-mailman:

If you’ve been to an action recently, you’ve probably seen a group of folks dressed entirely in black, masked up, marching under black flags. These folks were using a tactic known as black bloc. Black bloc was first developed by European anarchists in the 1980s; for that reason, and because of my own politics, this tip will be written with an anarchist’s perspective and praxis, but black bloc is a tactic, not an ideology, and can be used by anyone. This tip will describe what a black bloc is; the next will describe how to do it.

In a black bloc, participants wear plain black clothing with few identifying markers, as well as some kind of face mask, such that all participants look the same. This is to protect marchers’ identities by providing anonymity and solidarity. It also provides limited protection against chemical weapons, although you should have a proper respirator on hand if you’re expecting to get gassed.

The primary goal of a black bloc is anonymity. The idea is to make it hard to identify any one member of the bloc, to prevent capitalists, the state, or fascists from targeting them. This allows participants to march in safety, as well as partake in direct action without fear of reprisal. Once you’ve smashed that bank window or laid out that Klansman, you can disappear into a crowd of folks who look identical to you, making it impossible for the cops, fascists, or your boss to target you for arrest, assault, or termination later.

Black is the chosen color for a bloc primarily to facilitate anonymity. First off, there’s only one shade of black; a “red bloc” would run into the difficulty of everyone wearing a different shade of red, which kinda defeats the purpose of a bloc. Secondly, since facial recognition software depends on shadow, wearing dark clothing actively disrupts that. Black also achieves the secondary goal of a bloc: psychological impact.

Black blocs present a highly-visible and psychologically striking anarchist presence. They demonstrate our solidarity, organizational capacity, and stance. From within, being in a bloc makes you feel invincible; the first time I marched in bloc, looking intimidating as hell and surrounded by my comrades, I was bulletproof. From outside, a bloc can be terrifying; they demonstrate that there are a lot of anarchists here, they’re standing together as one, they have the organization to pull this off, and they’re fucking angry.

Anonymity is important. It’s impossible to protect yourself without it, and it’s impossible to target you if you have it. Black blocs are the best way to get it at a demo or an action; spread the word, and bring the bloc to your next action.

Black shirt, black pants and any kind of face cover (Vandetta Mask ok?)

There’s a Part 2 to this post, but for the love of Christ don’t wear a V for Vendetta mask, it makes you look like a shitass