Do you think non violent protest, specifically against a govern buried in corruption, works?

Right now, in Brazil, protests with much more than 100k+ ppl (100K+in Rio only, the focus is on Sao Paulo, theres in Porto Alegre too, I cant find concrete numbers) are happening . It started due a rise in the price of public bus transport. Now the motive is bigger, ppl are tired of all the shit Brazilians have to face.

As always, the midia in Brazil is against and always try to show ppl the wrong thing, saying who is protesting is wrong, unjustifyed and stuff..But now thanks god theres the internet.

Something that is poping up all arround the subject is that "acts of violence are not necessary and makes the protest look bad" vs "with no violence, the protest is useless, as just asking the govern to change is what ppl is doing forever".

By "Violence" I mean burning buses, invading /depredating public buildings, etc. (violence against the "guilts")

Im on the opinion that a pacific protest is the same as showing the govern a letter saying ppl are unsatisfied: Something that is OBVIOUS for EVERYONE in Brazil since I was born (cant say about before it). With means its useless. Violence shows that ppl arent able to take more shit down theyr troats. And that they will react to any shit against them. Its pure and simple payback...

Sorry my shit english, or my lack of clearness, my speech skill is on negative.

As a side note, I think Brazil is passing trough one of the most important moments in its history, and I think the manifestation may grow to the point they will put the military against ppl...and them lots of shit may happen.

Rioters burning busses, buildings, and other property is wrong. It doesn't matter if that property belonged to one individual or belonged to the public. Destruction of property is an actual crime and should be punished.

Peaceful protests can work. They need to hit critical mass and the media can either boost or hinder the cause.

It may take one or two or five or ten or more years, but if the issue is kept in the public spotlight long enough by enough people, it can change.

Rioters burning busses, buildings, and other property is wrong. It doesn't matter if that property belonged to one individual or belonged to the public. Destruction of property is an actual crime and should be punished

Not to mention the fact that you're likely to kill innocent people by setting large objects on fire.

Short answer, like most short answers in life, is "it depends".

Slightly longer answer: violent action against an oppressor can and has been both successful and justifiable. Examples include the American War of Independence, the Irish risings in the early 20th century, and the French resistance to the Nazi occupation.

Essentially, it boils down to whether the system is so inherently broken that violence is the only option. Most modern democracies have mechanisms in place to allow for change, even if it is slow, even if it is against the interests of the powerful.

I can't really comment on the situation in Brazil, as I don't really know enough about it, but the very fact that you can protest peacefully suggests that violence in your case will only be counter-productive.

Just be mindful that the international media tends to ignore peaceful protests.

It doesn't matter any way, since a lot of countries are getting very good at squashing protests ( France ) peaceful or not.

On a side note: Brazil has quite a history of civil strife.

Short answer, like most short answers in life, is "it depends".

Slightly longer answer: violent action against an oppressor can and has been both successful and justifiable. Examples include the American War of Independence, the Irish risings in the early 20th century, and the French resistance to the Nazi occupation.

Essentially, it boils down to whether the system is so inherently broken that violence is the only option. Most modern democracies have mechanisms in place to allow for change, even if it is slow, even if it is against the interests of the powerful.

I can't really comment on the situation in Brazil, as I don't really know enough about it, but the very fact that you can protest peacefully suggests that violence in your case will only be counter-productive.

Give me an example of a situation where you cant protest peacefully. Thats way too subjective.

See, in my opinion you cant, cause it will not result in anything, its been like this forever. Brazil its a hell of a rich country, and it doesnt reflect in anything: worst education in the world (theres only a country in africa who beats it. teachers salary are a joke(house cleaners do more money in lots of situations)), crappy public services (transport, hospitals(ppls die due lack of infrastructure)). Everyone know our representatives are corrupt and steal lots of money, but you cant do anything, cause they also creates the laws. They decide theyr salary, theyr working hours, is like shiting on ppls face. From my point of view they should be arrested as genocidals, since all ppl who dies due poor conditions is they fault, since Brazil have more than enough resources to be a decent place to live.

Theres politician on Brazil who can only NOT be arrested on Brazil.

Have anyone idea of what is living with crappy salaries, and still paying more taxes than most other countries (taxes that goes to nowhere, they arent reflect in our quality of live).

Than imagine living on that, and protesting peacefully..seriously, why a corrupt govern would do anything if ppl do nothing either. Is like asking for their compassion. I dont want to sound as rebel, but I dont see a motive to it work... Ppl here are way too religious and too easy manipulated due lack of proper education and media manipulation, so the shit got accumulated for too long.

It may take one or two or five or ten or more years, but if the issue is kept in the public spotlight long enough by enough people, it can change.

Its happening now because ppl finally got full of it..I dont think ppl should aim long terms changes.

In the Gandhi's example, even if the people of India were protesting peacefully, the British government were the ones that turn violent. Certain things won't change unless there's blood spilled, or violence is involved. That's just how human nature works.

It's not just your country Brazil, this is happening everywhere, including America.

Give me an example of a situation where you cant protest peacefully. Thats way too subjective.

There are plenty of examples throughout history. The arab spring or tiananmen square are two recent examples that spring to mind immediately. In both cases, the protests were suppressed by the government.

Give me an example of a situation where you cant protest peacefully. Thats way too subjective.

There are plenty of examples throughout history. The arab spring or tiananmen square are two recent examples that spring to mind immediately. In both cases, the protests were suppressed by the government.

Well, theres plenty of vids showing the police "shock squad" (dont know how to translate) beating protestants out of no reason

One of the biggest problems with Brazil's protests is that it is unfocused.

It is a problem shared with most protesters, including the Occupy Wall Street or 99% protesters.

What SPECIFICALLY do the people want changed?

When I look at the news stories, I see bus prices (the issue that sparked the common people), I also see cries about the tax rate, public services, healthcare reform, educational reform, police reform, corruption in government, unemployment, and even protests on the availability of World Cup tickets.

What I do not see is a specific thing that needs to change. I do not see a clear and specific goal that can be met.

Usually this takes some articulate public speakers, not raging mobs.


Let's assume all the politicians got together and found a way to solve one, and only one, of the issues presented. Which one should that be? Should they raise taxes to drop the bus fare? Focus on one very specific aspect of government corruption? Should they get larger facilities for the World Cup? Should they implement a national healthcare mandate?

This is the problem with the protests today.

Abstract protests without a clear and precise goal does not get very far.

People are upset. We get that. There are a lot of problems in government. Everyone knows that. Now some smart people and charismatic leaders (not just angry people) need to sit down and figure out exactly what needs to change, exactly how to do it. They need to paint a picture that everyone can see. This is why protests don't work unless they have speakers like Martin Luther King Jr. and Ghandi who can communicate specifically what needs to change, communicate specifically how to enact the change, and rally the people from mindless mobs into a series needle-sharp protests on specific concrete issues.

Protesters must establish a clear articulation of the problem they want fixed.