#11 - Protest and Progress?

Chris Heron · #11 - Protest and Progress

A Pillar To Post

One of these days am ganna write aboot something happy and fun - I promise. But chances are, if yi one of the people who've stuck with my nonsense in recent months, you're probably just as auld (if not aulder) and nee doubt just as cynical aboot the world as I am.

In this edition, I want to talk about the topic on the tongues and TV's of much of the Western world; protest.

I tend to find protest is one thing that can divide a relatively close-knit group of people. Not just in half, but like a fracture in the ice as you take that first step upon it.

Our friendship groups often align on many subjects, and hence, this is why we're so close to these people. We share the same views, hobbies and desires. Most likely, the same or similar backgrounds, and similar or shared experiences. Yet, when the topic of protest is brought forward - everyone has their own, fine-tuned definition of what is, and is not, acceptable to generate change.

Of course, acceptable and unacceptable are largely defined by what it is you're protesting.

And so, to return to that simile of fractured ice, the cracks represent the direction you and your closest take. They represent the pressure you're all willing to apply before the "ice" shatters, and just what risk or sacrifice you're all willing to take. Or, if you tread carefully enough, you may cross the ice and leave it behind you. Possibly leaving it for someone else to worry about.

I've learned this through personal experience, albeit relating to subjects that many would feel are unworthy of protest. My Dad picked a battle fighting for his regiment and for it to be retained in the British Army. It was when the Tories made cuts, if I remember correctly.

Collectively friends and family rallied behind him, but all of us to varying degrees. Some for politics, some for the regiment, but all for him. This experience, was the first in more to come for me, but now when I look back and think about it, I probably could have helped more, if I knew what I know now.

Would I have done more? Would it have mattered? I don't know. The regiment is his passion more than that of my own, but maybe we could have identified more spots to apply our pressure and help change the unwanted outcome. Ultimately, the protest was either targeting the wrong areas, not stating its case well enough or was simply too peaceful.

The same has applied in later years, and to some degree to this day.

Over the last 6 years, I've been part of two protest groups for Newcastle United. (Not against as some may have you believe.) Firstly, with SackPardew - a motion I wasn't particularly keen on, in all honesty. I have always found Mike Ashley to be the issue and the ultimate cancer of the club, and so, Pardew was just a pawn in the game. This was debated frequently and at great length with people I'd never met, and initially thought was never going to meet. 

A network of dedicated cyber-protesters, keen to make a difference, from all over the globe. Who'd have thought for that little old North-Eastern club...

With the rise of social media, the group became strong in "membership". A somewhat handpicked group of individuals who were given access to a more private platform. Handpicked became hand-fulls, and fundraising came from within for flags, banners and "promotional" material which included leaflets, posters and even advertising on members' companies' vans; that's the ones with wheels, hipsters 😅! Yet of around 100 members there were only around 6 or 7 who could regularly participate in the "boots on the ground" stuff. More because of locality than the desire to do so.

I recall one day, arriving at St James' Park in my fairly knackered Ford Focus when it was pissing down. I had thousands of flyers in the boot (that's the trunk for anyone reading stateside) but wasn't sure on who I was meeting to distribute them, and so I left them stored underneath my car for them to go back to and collect as and when required. It was a risk, a small one, but a risk nonetheless.

Could I trust these people?

We decided to keep as much anonymity as possible, as you may sense from my explanation thus far. It was about the motion, not the people driving it. It was about achieving something for the good of the club, not for the good of the groups members. Something that some egotistical bell-ends didn't seem to comprehend at the time, as was evidenced when the Cardiff walkout protest was re-arranged. A story my pals are sick of hearing nowadays.

Nonetheless, with sustained pressure and with the persistent peppering of both the mainstream and social media, Pardew couldn't escape the abuse, other than to escape the role as Newcastle United manager. Eventually, he left, and SackPardew.Com had arguably contributed to this. A moral victory you may argue for the group, but ultimately it was both he, and his bosses that had backed him into a corner and persuaded him to go.

[Tin hat on...] Alan Pardew was arguably the most successful manager for Mike Ashley. He got us into Europe and we had a good run with a (relatively) small amount of expenditure. Perhaps more importantly for both himself and Ashley, he deflected all the attention away from our unpopular owner. However, with Ashley's pawn removed, it was decided to go to the route-source of all the Toon's issues and go after the owner himself.

Following tried and tested methods of protest, and again maintaining anonymity wherever possible, we would once again use leaflets, posters, banners, etc. that were all self-funded. Except this time we had to consider a more rounded approach (pardon the pun). It's one thing going after a man that spends his life in the media. A man managing a team on a touchline every Saturday, who, actually gave us one of the best seasons in recent memory - cheers Pardz! 😏 But it's an entirely different entity going after a multi-billion pound retail store owner. (That wasn't reference to his wealth by the way...)

Actively campaigning on both Facebook and Twitter, and in many newspapers with statements and reaction to anything and everything controversial, we became the drum-beat of discontent at Newcastle United (for a short while).

We had become somewhat well versed in our media interaction and had gained confidence in our ability to counteract any media spin. Frequently, group members would write formally to the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), requesting articles be edited, apologised for, and statements retracted. Hours upon hours of self-teaching, discussing, and developing our very own PR team. Voting, re-voting, discussing, debating, arguing and making up. We sacrificed a lot of time and effort trying to make a difference for our club.

Yet, with every fuck-up made by our club, there was sufficient media spin to simply get it lost in a whirlwind and blown away until the next tornado of turmoil hit. As Newcastle fans, we're used to a rollercoaster, but this one was like the 'Ultimate' at Lightwater Valley. Disappearing into the woodland, forgotten about - only to reappear for low-level ups and downs and never really reaching dizzying heights - maybe once, before turning the corner and hitting the big dip.

We understandably became increasingly apathetic, as the fan base did. It is difficult for 100 average Joe's to stand up to a multi-billionaire whilst they continue in their attempts to keep bread on the table during normal hours. This ultimately led us to consist of around half-a-dozen 'active' members and in desperate need of either larger balls-ups (to drag the fans back into anger) or an actual buyer.

Time rolled on and hope was re-instilled by the arrival of Rafael Benitez. It was in a season where we were all but relegated upon his arrival and the fans pleaded for him to stay at the end. It shows the difference people can make when they truly unite. His relative success on a shoe-string (don't let Mike's PR pricks tell you otherwise) had turned the fans, and relative peace was found on Tyneside. That was, until he only had 12-months left on his contract, and was having to play politics with those above him.

A new group formed - The Magpie Group (TMG) - but not specifically for protest, for the betterment of Newcastle United. Albeit, its first test would be an attempt to oust Ashley. The remainders of AshleyOut would be absorbed into this group, that was made up of factors from multiple Newcastle United fan groups and social media accounts. The idea was to make an umbrella group that would be both long-lasting and multi-pronged - drawing on various skills, experience and knowledge from across the fan base.

We would need this to attack Ashley from multiple directions and in this instance, we'd begin to go after his sportswear company and other retail outlets he had shares in. We needed more numbers, we needed to be heard, and we needed to change the narrative about Mike Ashley's ownership of any company, but specifically ours.

We'd have numerous meetings amongst "members" and attempt to strategize with our minimal resource. Everything had to be relatively cost free and ideally efficiently timed. Once you combined this with keeping it within the confines of the law and having few people, you weren't really left with many options.

We had to attempt to mobilise more folk and increase our resource, and so we began to hold open meetings for the general public. We took on board their ideas and decided which were the best to act upon. We each chipped in with what we could afford to pay for the promotional materials, banners, flags, pencils, anything and everything. Where we couldn't we'd put the time and effort in to offset the financial contributions of others, including the general public at times. Lads even laid out personal money for a deposit, to put a bus on to protest at the main Sports Direct warehouse which was ultimately lost as a result of a bit of poor communication, but more so due to lack of interest.

There was a lot of time, financial effort and responsibility that many didn't see.

Over time, amongst other ideas TMG attempted to facilitate, the group would advise those on social media to chase down any offers advertised by Mike Ashley's companies'. This was done by attempting to educate potential customers on why they shouldn't use the respective companies. It occasionally resulted in anger being pointed at the retail store (and probably some poor bastard on the opposite end just making a living). Yet, it was relatively peaceful, impersonal and effective. At least in the outset. They reduced advertising (and I'd like to think sales) but whilst this form of protest was impersonal, accessible and somewhat successful - it lacked control. As a result board members and high-level employees of these companies began to be "verbally" attacked by random accounts.

This wasn't the intention, but was a direct consequence of the lack of control we had.

Protest moved to the stadium and to his shops, where we would join forces with Unite and political movements. A type of unity that would hopefully see us all achieve separate goals. Overcoming Ashley's neglect and abuse of staff and customers for his own financial gain.

On the first public meeting (if I recall correctly), I helped host it. I had to speak to around 400 people who were 99% furious with Ashley and wanted him gone. You didn't know what you'd be hit with at the Q and A stage. I was shiteing meself in all honesty, but collectively we managed. We grew into it, we had to. At one stage we had someone explain how his daughter was on a 0-hours-contract, fucked about and released. The upset that it had caused had this gadgy threatening to kick the shit out of Ashley (and more), and he wasn't joking. Amidst the roar of laughter and cheers, the reality was that some of us had to step in and a responsibility to quash this notion, irrespective of our individual thoughts.

This (level of responsibility) was further evidenced on a cold night in October 2018. When the news that the "fat cockney bastard" was in Ponteland whilst TMG hosted an open meeting for protests. The news was kept to a tight-knit group of us, in order to maintain control and we went up there to chant and to a degree intimidate, albeit peacefully.

Image Courtesy of The Evening Chronicle

Let me tell yi, the desire in me to give someone a clip following zero personal interaction has never been so higher. Part of me wishes I did, but what would I have achieved? He'd still have been our bastard of an owner. I'd be in the knick, skint and probably single, but - I may have got a lifetime supply of beers on Tyneside. 👌

So, just what is good protest?

In short - achieving increased awareness and significant change through peaceful means.

SackPardew, AshleyOut and The Magpie Group always attempted to protest peacefully, and we did so. But where did that get us?! Neewhere. The reality is that peaceful protest rarely gets you anywhere, not unless you're extremely innovative, imaginative and influential. 

That's why (for me) it's been somewhat intriguing to see events unroll in recent days both in the United States and across major cities in Europe, as peaceful protest in many instances have turned into riotous behaviour from both civilians and police forces alike.

The issue being protested, as I'm sure you aal kna is the unjustifiable murder of the below fella;

Image courtesy of National Geographic

which has sparked a fresh and intense focus on just how much #BlackLivesMatter, and has rightly brought it to the forefront of global news.

Let us not forget, racism has been a far more deadly virus than any other.

That is why, when people question the social distancing at such demonstrations, they must consider which is the greater evil that must be overcome. One has a somewhat cohesive global team working to eradicate it, and the other, well...ask the 'leader of the free world'.

I suspect that you, the reader (or listener), are one of my friends or family. Either that, or you have me on Facebook or Twitter. Subsequently, you're likely to be a Newcastle United fan, and so to make the far-fetched and somewhat stretched link from the above (sorry Sean 😘); just think of the apathy you have felt towards your club for little over a decade. Think about how just one of those Mike Ashley fuck-ups has sparked a burning rage inside of you. Think about how the miscalculated and destructive actions of just one individual have left you wondering what's the point anymore and how it's been ingrained in your match day community to a point of acceptance.

Some of us protested that. Some of us didn't. That's each individuals prerogative. I know many who didn't and they still supported me and my actions. It's not that they care less, because they don't, they care the same as me - if not more. I'm not here to criticise those who didn't get involved. I'm here to criticise those who just don't get "it".

That apathy and anger as Newcastle supporters is how we have all felt (some more strongly than others) and christ aalmighty man, we've protested that and that's just footbaal. So how must the poor buggers feel who see their own people denied work, denied equal opportunity and murdered by the authorities who are supposed to be protecting them in their own communities?!

So now to define "those who just don't get 'it'":

Those who don't get 'it' are those who criticise virtually all forms of protest, especially ones who actually agree with the subject being demonstrated against. We've faced abuse off multiple people for protesting the ownership of a football club that was both unprovoked and unwarranted. We've faced criticism of our form of protesting for being both too peaceful and not peaceful enough. We've faced the laughter and embarrassment of walking into bars soaking fucking wet and people thinking - but more importantly - saying, things like "look at this tit.", "call yourself a fan?" etc. etc. when actually, they're stood whinging to their pals about exactly what we've been protesting.

To these very people - if you can do a better job and achieve these things peacefully, or are willing to throw away your lifestyle for it then be my fucking guest. You have my support, for what it's worth. Arsewipes.

Likewise, with regards to #BlackLivesMatter it's easy to criticise the anger, the trouble, the chaos and make suggestions that "they're behaving exactly how they were stereotyped", but frankly - how the fuck are you supposed to act when centuries of oppression, speaking out, and protesting still haven't worked?

I think sometimes people just expect things to change. Well, nowt changes if you do nowt to make it.
If you don't give enough of a shit about something as important as racial inequality don't berate those who do, and if you yourself are racist, well there's a larger issue at play and you need to educate yourself.

It is absolutely no surprise that communities in a period of economic downturn become more fractured and tense, and it is also no surprise that a coppa 'taking the knee' on a Black man's throat is the catalyst for riotous behaviour.

If Geordies had centuries of oppression and someone had knelt firmly on the neck of a fellow Geordie on Oxford Street as he screamed "I can't breath" and blood poured out his head, and you found out the reason was that he'd used a counterfeit 20 quid note, would ye aal not be gannin' radge and bootin' off too?

I have previously wrote about Corona Virus and how, ignorantly, when it was on the other side of the world (in China) I had paid little attention to it. It's not because the Chinese matter any less. It just hadn't yet became a "me" problem. I think the issue of racial inequality has been similar to some degree. Living in Newcastle, England, there are few Black folk or folk of different ethnicity or race. So racism is thankfully not an issue we often experience people being subjected to. Yet, that inequality probably still exists to some degree in the UK, and also needs eradicating here, as it does anywhere.

That's exactly why I was proud to see both Liverpool FC and Newcastle United demonstrate their support by taking a knee. Likewise the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Civic Centre staff did the same, and the building was lit purple in support. A clear message that was echoed by the likes of Google and Netflix, which frankly shows the severity of this issue. It was also good to see the people of London (and surrounding areas) gather together in solidarity for such a good cause, as they did around other areas of Europe.

However, it does concern me that the "All Cops Are Bastards (ACAB)" / "Fuck tha police" culture has seemingly crept in. Whoever the arseholes were climbing on WW2 memorials and launching shit at our police need a slap, like. Our police had fuck all to do with it and were actually facilitating the freedoms that American folk are supposed to be allowing their citizens to have.

Conversely, I've seen on countless occasions President Chump accuse the demonstrators of being nothing but looters and thugs. It's no coincidence that Donald uses further inaccurate stereotyping to further perpetuate the issue of stereotyping. The tit.

That being said, this is the thing with stereotyping though, it's never entirely wrong is it? Just 90% in this instance.

"Reality is wrong. Dreams are for real."

These "looters" are absolute wankers. Not only are they stealing from 'normal' people, they're undermining the efforts of those demonstrating and for how much gain? All I can assume is that poverty has driven these people to be opportunists and take whatever they can get.  Or maybe they are just, simply...tosspots. Again, possibly part of a bigger picture that they are too blind (metaphorically) to see.

"Thugs" is partially accurate but a bit more hypocritical. Thugs are those who exert their force to achieve something through physical violence. So given you've sanctioned the use of force, despite excessive force sparking the issue in the first place, who's the real "thug", Donald?

Roll in the national guard and the military.

The difference is, one has access to a worldwide platform, a message that can reach every corner of the planet in seconds. The other hasn't been heard for centuries. So much for the 1st amendment and the freedom of speech ay?

That nicely brings us to the 2nd amendment which defends an individuals' right to bear arms, and is also defined as being "necessary to the security of a free State" that "shall not be infringed". An amendment that President Trumpet should know well, given that his support for the NRA, etc. is what assisted him in his rise to power. So, if you're state-side, feel free to walk down the street with your AR-15 but no disagreeing with Donald, or you'll be twatted. "Democracy rules. Fuck China." 🙊

Another term that the POTUS has used, is the use of the term "terrorists" for people whom he defines as ANTIFA, a mobilised set of individuals campaigning against Fascism. Well, given that the Minneapolis State Police shouted "Light 'em up" and shot paint at peoples porches I think that'd somewhat class as instilling terror in your general public. Mind so does tearing shit up and burning stuff down.

Mr Trump needs to take a (theoretical) bus trip with Rosa Parks, to see the funeral of George Floyd, and remind himself that "injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly." 
[Martin Luther King Jr]

Yet, I am advised the POTUS has reduced unemployment for Black Americans. So he's not a complete prick. Something people maybe need to consider before they burn businesses to the ground. Good luck with your re-employment...

Unfortunately though, the marvellous work with regards to equality done by Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Barack Obama et al has been somewhat reversed under Trump and this will overshadow any progress he has made with the economy and getting Black folk jobs.

Admittedly, I thought the world would turn a corner when America got it's first Black President in Obama. A beacon of light towards a positive future. Granted, he wasn't perfect either, but it represented an overdue rise to equality, or so we thought, and yet here we are.

Peaceful protest always has to be the way, in an ideal world. A world where people use their two eyes and two ears proportionately with their one gob. Where a President seeks to understand why a large proportion of his population is willing to tear the country to the ground for major reform and whom acts upon the injustice appropriately, not exacerbating an already escalated issue.

We complain aboot a lot in the UK but Christ, we're miles ahead of many other countries in many regards. Now we just need Boris to condemn Trump's actions...but don't hold your breath folks - money is king, not Martin Luther.

Finally

The next time you consider calling a random Black man (or woman) a n***** or a random coppa a pig, ask yourself why these people are so different to you. Chances are (but not always) - if you're doing that, you're actually worse than what you perceive them to be.

Because, with a want to not sound too biblical (cause that's not my thing), there are "good" people and "bad" people in all walks of life. Sometimes, "good" people do "bad" things and vice-versa. Yet, thankfully the "good" always outweighs the "bad".

So with an open mind, attempt to educate yourself as best as you possibly can on what you believe in. Once you've convinced yourself you are right, stand tall, push your shoulders back, hold your chin up and attempt to drag the "bad" or "wrong" people from the darkness and into the light.

Don't be overcome by the shadows other people cast, and be the man or woman who you want and can be.

Ciao for now... 😉