Brooke Tillman, Week 5, Beautiful Trouble

Principle: Anger works best when you have the higher moral ground.

Anger is the most impactful when it's contained. For example, when President Trump continually lashes out on a new person or group of peoples every day, it has no impact. I watch his outbursts on the news or hear one of his tantrums on twitter, and I just shake my head. On the contrary, well-contained anger is focused and terrifying. It has more power because the power is being repressed but is still bubbling underneath it. In addition, restraining oneself can prolong your cause. Movements that begin loudly and violently and only serve to wreak havoc are quick to be shut down. Movements that are quiet, focused, and determined will find a way.

Tactic: Human Banner

A human banner is what it sounds like. Large groups of people form letters or words that express a movement's message. It is clear and visually striking. If donee correctly, it could easily attract attention and media coverage. Alternatively, I could see many ways it could go wrong. Though registration would help conserve numbers, there is really no way to ensure that the right amount of people would show up to actually form the banner. In addition, the talk of helicopters being a necessity to get the "striking visual image" means that there must be extensive funding that many movements may not possess. Though it would be beautiful, it may not be the most easily accessible option.

Theory: Framing

Until reading this post, I didn't realize how vital the framing of a position is for it to be accepted. Framing itself is neither good nor bad, but can be used for both. The article gave an example of scientist that backed fossil fuel using companies called themselves "climate skeptics" because all scientists should be skeptical. In turn, political activists called them "climate deniers" to ensure the public understood these scientists are making the active choice to deny the terrible consequences endorsing fossil fuel will have on the planet. Framing can be used as a way to oppress or support.