The Southern Poverty Law Center, a longtime organization in Montgomery, Alabama dedicated to exposing hate groups and countering them through education and legal action, has published a 10-point guide to action in the wake of the white supremacist riot in Charlottesville this weekend.
Point number 6 in this "Ten Ways to Fight Hate" guide is especially instructive right now. It encourages people to not engage armed hate groups, and especially not to engage them with weapons. Such hate groups have stated that they want physical fights. Don't give them what they want. Coming armed with chemical sprays or any kind of weapon to a rally heightens fear for everyone, even one's allies, and increases the risk that people will get hurt. Resist the temptation to yell obscenities back at anyone. Name-calling can tip someone who is already spoiling for a fight over the edge. Peace-making is a discipline. It shows personal strength and discipline when you maintain your own dignity by not repeating the ugly behavior of someone else.
Instead of yelling or fighting directly back at hate groups, the SPLC advises us to hold alternative events in separate locations that focus on upholding the civil rights, equality and dignity of all people, countering the messages of the hate groups. Many such events were held around the country following the killing in Charlottesville, showing how much power there is in people coming together nonviolently to express their feelings and values.
Check out the complete 10-point guide at this link.
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