October 16 in Toronto. November 16 in Ottawa. These days will be remembered in history as moments when hooligans and barbarians attacked Canadian civil society. The important issues conveyed by the majority of anti-globalization protestors have been insidiously undermined. The tactics utilized by the anarchists and vigilantes in these riots are reminiscent of those utilized by the Nazis as they rose to power before the Second World War.

They attack the institutions that provide stability to a still fragile multicultural society, a society that still teems with those interested in racism and other bigoted ideals rather than multiculturalism. They attack journalists and other media outlets that ensure neither the elite nor power-hungry individuals and organizations can cloak themselves in the appearance of “helping society.”

Whether the anarchists and their supporters believe it or not, they are contributing to the downfall of the fragile and complex multicultural society that humanity is attempting to build. They do so by encouraging violence rather then peaceful dialogue, by refusing to utilize existing avenues of political debate and by developing new means of influencing political debate when old avenues don’t work for them. They are causing humanity to revert back to more primitive forms of social interaction. The message of anti-globalization activists is the direct opposite. From concerns about third world debt to the acknowledgement of multiculturalism and diversity to unnecessary environmental and social damage, anti-globalization activists do bring valid concerns to the table. Unfortunately, these issues are being clouded by the violent and offensive tactics used by the anarchists they tactfully support. Many anti-globalization activists would state that these “new” tactics are the only way that their message can be heard. History would disagree with them. History would turn to the 1960s civil rights movement in the United States or the abolishment of apartheid in South Africa as examples of how relatively peaceful movements have managed to make a significant difference in our globalizing society. Indeed, the day after the anarchists and vigilantes had dispersed from Ottawa, the Canadian government, on behalf of all Canadians, presented former South African President Nelson Mandela with an honourary Canadian citizenship for his efforts to end apartheid in South Africa. Mandela is proof that peaceful social movements have changed society in the past and continue to be an effective tool today.

The failure of anti-globalization activists to see how hurtful it is to support anarchists and vigilantes will have long-lasting repercussions.

The anti-globalization activists who use violent tactics make it acceptable for individuals to justify their isolationism and intellectual stagnation as a means to protect themselves from harm. Thankfully, there are signs anti-globalization activists who believe in the message, rather than the violence, are definitely listening. In the violent chaos of Ottawa’s November 16th riots, honourable individuals tried to repair the damage that the anarchists and vigilantes had wreaked amongst the innocent civilians of Ottawa. As an individual who sees the merit of the ideals and concerns of anti-globalization activists, I just hope it isn’t too late to spread their message in a peaceful manner and make a lasting difference to our society.

Non-violent Protest Cheat Sheet

“People try nonviolence for a week, and when it ‘doesn’t work,’ they go back to violence, which hasn’t worked for centuries.”

Theodore Roszak

Mohandas Gandhi:

Gandhi helped free the Indian people from British rule through nonviolent resistance, and is honoured by his people as the father of the Indian nation. He developed a method of direct social action based upon the principles of courage, nonviolence and truth. Gandhi promoted nonviolence and civil disobedience as the best methods for obtaining political and social goals.

India was granted independence in 1947, and partitioned into India and Pakistan.

Martin Luther King:

King promoted non-violent means to achieve civil rights reform and was awarded the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. King was acquainted with Mohandas Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolent social protest. He was convinced that nonviolent resistance was the most potent weapon available to oppressed people.

“In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds,” said King, “Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.”

(Live by the sword…uhmm…of course, it wouldn’t be fair to entirely omit the fact that both Gandhi and King were assasinated.)