Nonviolent Action Method #130: Removal of Signs and Placemarks

Removal of Signs and Placemarks

This technique involves removing, altering or replacing street signs, public transportation signs, and other placemarkers. Doing so can temporarily mislead, hinder or delay the movement of troops or foreign policemen, with both practical and psychological impacts.

In 1968, in response to reforms within the Czech Communist Party, the Soviet Union invaded Czechoslovakia—prompting mass nonviolent resistance. One of the tactics used by demonstrators was to create confusion by “removing” (in this case, painting over) their own street signs.

(You can read more about the different methods of nonviolent protest in Gene Sharp’s book The Politics of Nonviolent Action. Access CSA’s catalogue of Sharp’s methods here, or download the full list of 198 methods here.)

 

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Nonviolent Action Method #11: Records, Radio and Television

From Gene Sharp

During the 2012 elections in Mexico, many youth felt that Enrique Peña Nieto, the eventual winner, was given an unfair advantage by the television monopolies of TVAzteca and Televisa. So they took to the Internet, using Youtube and other websites as means of communicating their dissent.

Nonviolent Action Method #18: Displays of Flags and Symbols

From Gene Sharp

Displays of Flags and Symbols
This technique showcases the flag or colors of a national, religious, social or political group, in a form of nonviolent protest that draws on the existence of deep emotions or from the intention to stir them.