direct action
"Direct action" is a category of activism in which participants act directly, ignoring established (or institutionalized) political and social procedures. Operating within the boundaries of laws and demonstrating peacefulness are not elements of direct action. Examples of direct action are strikes, boycotts, sabotage, blockades, tree-sits, Black Bloc, obtaining secret footage, lock-on’s and riots or a combination of methods like a planned march + lock-on etc.
Direct action can have nonviolent and/or violent elements. Some activists may only participate in nonviolent forms of direct action, and others may choose to participate in more violent actions. Many activists may engage in both nonviolent and violent forms of activism at different times, and an individual’s perception of whether an action is nonviolent or violent is subjective and may be heavily influenced by their own unique experiences (perspective).
In a world where war, rape, famine, poverty, systemic incarceration, genocide and other inhumane acts exist (and even worse, these deplorable acts and occurrences are often done intentionally), violence could possibly be viewed as an offensive tactic/self-defence and a normal & acceptable response by some, especially if directed at a government, military or corporate body or at inanimate objects (i.e.: destruction of property).
Direct action originated as a political activist term for economic and political acts in which the actors use their (e. g. economic or physical) power to directly reach certain goals of interest, in contrast to those actions that appeal to others (e. g. authorities) by, for instance, revealing an existing problem, using physical violence, highlighting an alternative, or demonstrating a possible solution.
Nonviolent direct action
Nonviolent direct action (NVDA) is, at least loosely, based on MLK Jr.’s Principles and Steps of Nonviolence (more info on pages 19 & 20), however, NVDA can, and often will, look a lot different to civil disobedience. Nonviolent direct action is organised and strategic, much like civil disobedience, however, with direct action there is a vast range of tactics & strategies that an activist or AG can choose to engage in, each having the potential for a range of degrees of nonviolence/violence. This essentially means that there are a multitude of options in methods between peaceful/passive civil disobedience and violent direct action. Some NVDA actions, particularly ones that fall on the extreme ends of the aforementioned ranges, may seem ‘violent’ to members of the public and even to other activists.
While violence is, for the most part, subjective to one’s own perspective, it is also a defined term, both generally and legally. The general definition of violence is:
‘behaviour involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something.’
Violence must not be used during actions if you/your AG members want to be nonviolent and have your activism remain nonviolent, too.
Examples of NVDA are tree-sits, lock-on’s, sit-ins (occupations), boycotts and strikes. If marches and certain other types of protests are done without permits/permission they may be considered direct action, rather than institutionalised forms of activism, and would most likely be classified as NVDA.
If you/your AG find MLK Jr.’s Steps and Principles of Nonviolence too restrictive or passive, you will need to reflect on this and have discussions to determine what nonviolence means to each group member and if nonviolent direct action is the category of activism that suits you/your AG best (a mix may suit you better or you may find NVDA is just right, or another category of activism may be best suited for you/your AG). There is more information in this guide to assist people when dealing with this complex topic.
Why is nonviolence important?
Nonviolence is a way of living and a system of politics that depends on people actively creating justice and peace in their lives, and within their communities. Simply put, nonviolence is being kind to one another, lending a helping hand and creating equity within your daily life and your community by addressing injustice and wrongdoings, and ensuring there is rehabilitation, education and growth so that injustices do not repeat. Nonviolence requires us to be honest with ourselves about what type of person we are and how we can become better versions of ourselves. We must address the injustice that we perpetuate as well as the injustice that occurs within our communities.
The real causes of oppression that we all want to fight against are the economic and political institutions, policies and practices which support and encourage injustice. When it comes down to it, the majority of us are victims of these oppressive practices, policies and institutions on some level. This mentality is crucial to understanding, and being able to effectively engage in, nonviolence.
It is very important to note that ‘nonviolence’ is not the same for everyone. For some, a philosophical approach of loving their enemies, often including pacifism, is what nonviolence means. For others, nonviolence is a tactical approach only. They can and will feel however they want to about their enemies/opponents, but they commit to nonviolent tactics and methods during actions.
Violent Direct Action
While violence is, for the most part, subjective to one’s own perspective, it is also a defined term, both generally and legally. The general definition of violence is:
‘behaviour involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something.’
The legal definition for this term and what constitutes violence, and to what degree punishment should extend to, will be different depending on where you live. You need to do your own research on what the law (legislation) says about violence and potential consequences.
No matter what our own views on violence/nonviolence may be, there are some tactics and actions used for activism that are violent, per definition. While nonviolent direct action is strictly strategic and organised, and calls for activists to consider the many potential outcomes for their actions, violent direct action may not be as organised and activists using violent direct action will most likely be much less concerned with the consequences of their actions for others.
An act of sabotage could be spontaneous or it could be a very well-planned and well-executed plan from an affinity group, but violent forms of direct action like riots, even if well-organised to begin with, can easily become chaotic and snowball out of control. If affinity groups or activists plan to be a part of a larger event with other activists/AG’s, it is best to have a plan of action to deal with emergencies or to have a Plan B if things go badly or if police respond and begin making arrests. There is more information throughout this website to assist with learning what to do in these types of situations and further information can be found here:
If you are new to activism, the D.A.M crew recommends you visit the Activist Centre to learn more about activism and to gain the knowledge and skills in order to unite and organise with others to fight against injustice.