In 1960 John Lewis was one of the leaders of the movement to desegregate lunch counters in Nashville, TN. As the movement started to expand people joined who hadn’t been trained by James Lawson in the techniques of nonviolence. John Lewis wrote the following rules for the newcomers. While the rules are specific to lunch counter protests, overall they are things can be adapted and adopted by all of us who peacefully stand in opposition to Trump, to MAGA, to hate.
Do Not:
1. Strike back or curse if so abused.
2. Laugh out.
3. Hold conversations with floor walker.
4. Leave your seat until your leader has given permission to do so.
5. Block entrances to stores outside; nor the aisles inside.
Do:
1. Show yourself courteous and friendly at all times.
2. Sit straight; always face the counter.
3. Report all serious incidents to your leader.
4. Refer information seekers to your leader in a polite manner.
5. Remember the teachings of Jesus Christ, Mahatma Gandhi, and Martin Luther King. Love and non-violence is the way.
The Ugliness is the Hope.
Resist. Persist. Oppose. Propose. Be the opposition with a proposition.