Guide to the black bloc #1:
Since in previous posts we’ve gone into some detail about application of the black bloc tactic, I thought a post should be dedicated to it. So here is a rough guide to the purpose of the tactic, how to do it, when it should be used, its perks and dangers.
The black bloc is a protest tactic that is meant to provide anonymity to activists wanting to participate in street action, by making everyone look very similar and close to identical, it becomes harder for authorities and other opponents to track the actions of individuals.
So the goal is to have everyone look as similar as possible, so individuals can act and not be singled out easily out of a crowd. Because they are one of many in all black with a face covering. Its like a uniform.
The goal is to be difficult to single out and hard to be recognized as an individual. So it is essential to have no identifiable features, your mask can’t be a bright colour or covered in patterns, your jacket/shirt can’t have a massive logo on it, your jeans can’t be ripped to shit making it obvious who you are. It isn’t a style its a tactic, dress in as plain clothing as possible, cover as much of your body as possible, hat and glasses/goggles as well, the less of your face and body visible the better. The aim is to blend into a sea of black, not look edgy. There is no point having a mask if its easy to single you out, you will be singled out easily if you stick out. Style gets you no points at all.
Now this is where the discussion was mostly based, and this is probably one of the most important points. NOT EVERY SITUATION JUSTIFIES THE BLACK BLOC! It depends heavily on what your intentions are and the purpose of the protest/action. I’ll run through how to identify when it should be used.
Consider who you’re opposing / the event you’re attending: Some groups should be opposed but opposing them in black bloc is counterproductive and stupid. One such example you can read about here is when the fascists dressed head to toe in black, and organizers said to turn up in work clothes and a red mask. Some anti-fascists ignored this and turned up in black, being mistaken for fascists and sticking out among the majority not in black bloc. By not considering the situation they were confused for fascists, and because MORE obvious than if they were not in bloc. Also there are times when fascists or provokers say “antifa will turn up in masks and attack our free-speech event” so if you turn up in masks looking for a fight, you will prove them right and give them support. Sometimes turning up in black looking to brawl severely proves their points against you, consider whats the best tactic to deal with your opponent.
Also some events simply don’t need a bloc. If you’re at an animal rights march you Don’t need to be in black bloc, you’re going to stick out, any action you take will be pinned directly on you. If your event will involve direct action, or will be under threat from others (i.e: fascists or authorities), consider the bloc tactic, but also consider it casual wear would be better, if there are and critical downsides to it (like the fascists looking IDENTICAL, or it being a non-bloc event).
Just wearing all black isn’t enough, this tactic requires specific behaviour. Theres no point wearing bloc if you’re parading in front of cameras for photos, or running around on your own. Stay with the bloc and only divert when necessary, police will happily pick off stragglers and fascists will pounce on you if you’re alone, if you smash something or vandalize something return to the bloc ASAP as to limit ability to capture and identify you. Collectively be aware of the police if there is a big bloc in their streets they’ll be quick to try and trap you, move as a group, keep an eye on streets around you and police, don’t scramble and break up but move as a group. Keep your bloc tight, don’t spread yourself out too thin or police will easily break you up and divide the bloc in half. Assist your comrades and come to their aid, help in de-arrests, clear media from areas of action, when a comrade cries out come to their aid. Blocs must be organized and disciplined, if you’re disorganized you’re all FUCKED. Organization of a bloc protects everyone involved.
If properly applied the black bloc can aid activists phenomenally. The first is obvious that if all look similar it makes being identified much harder, wearing a mask isn’t enough it only protects your identity so much. If you are all the same looking then fed’s search is for a needle in a haystack, it may save you from arrest and charges if done right. A good example of this is “The battle of Dover” when Nazis and antifa faced off in the port town of Dover, fascists were ragtag, disorganized, whilst antifa had a tight black bloc where everyone looked very similar. About 80 have been arrested for that day and about 60 of them are fascists, if it wasn’t for the black bloc a great many more of us may be in prison.
Not only is being identified harder, taking direct action can be easier with a black bloc tactic in some cases. If you have a strong bloc with large numbers it becomes harder and harder to tell who smashed that, who broke that, who threw that, who was that guy doing that thing? It is a tactic that makes resistance against fascists and the state much easier and less dangerous for those involved (IF DONE RIGHT AND IN THE RIGHT SITUATION).
Limits and disadvantages of the bloc:
If done wrong or applied at the wrong time being in black bloc can badly fuck you over big time. Firstly is if you are blocced up when only a few others are, you don’t have enough people to blend into so you end up sticking out more than if you were dressed normally. If in a crowd of hundreds there are 20 in masks and all black, authorities have a small minority they can focus on so if you’re bloccing up in those conditions there better be a damn good reason. Otherwise you’ve put yourself on police radars all day for no reason.
If you don’t assess the situation properly and end up being a minority in bloc, then direct action may actually become harder. Again if theres 20 of you and one of you punches a fascist, the police only have to single you our of that 20 and chances are they’ll identify you off some feature, the more of you the are the less small details can be used to pick you out. Also fascists may have an easier time targeting antifa and if they get the upper hand on a few of you thats massive propaganda points for them. If the situation doesn’t call for bloc, DON’T turn up in bloc or you’ll tie your own hands and put a target on your own back.
The black bloc may be effective on the street at the time but sometimes it can backfire in the long run, and corrupt the ideology and reason behind an action. The bloc can make us all look bad if used wrongly on the wrong people. If the fascists you’re countering aren’t thuggish hooligans on the street, but sophisticated, suit-wearing, calm types. Attacking them in bloc makes it look like you’re attacking peaceful people cos you disagree with them, when in reality they aren’t peaceful at all. You may shut down their talk but you’ll look like a fascist thug after. If you’re opposing skinheads and street movements like National Front then black bloc might be better in some cases, but know your enemy and don’t play into their hands.
The black bloc is a tactic that at times is essential to combating fascism, the state, and capitalism. If done right it can limit arrests, aid action, organize activists to be effective at countering threats, if done wrong it can single people out, put targets on all involved, damage our image to outsiders, and cost us support. It isn’t a trend, it isn’t a style, it isn’t a look, it isn’t a game, it isn’t for fun, its a tool that only works in certain situations. It takes organization, planning, and consideration.
If you think I missed anything or you have anything to add please do! Check the reblogs for any additional tips or guides. There may be a V2 of this with additional tips and guides.
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