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In Defense of Looting

A Riotous History of Uncivil Action

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In Defense of Looting

By: Vicky Osterweil
Narrated by: Caroline Hewitt
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About this listen

 A fresh argument for rioting and looting as our most powerful tools for dismantling white supremacy.

Looting -- a crowd of people publicly, openly, and directly seizing goods -- is one of the more extreme actions that can take place in the midst of social unrest. Even self-identified radicals distance themselves from looters, fearing that violent tactics reflect badly on the broader movement.
But Vicky Osterweil argues that stealing goods and destroying property are direct, pragmatic strategies of wealth redistribution and improving life for the working class -- not to mention the brazen messages these methods send to the police and the state. All our beliefs about the innate righteousness of property and ownership, Osterweil explains, are built on the history of anti-Black, anti-Indigenous oppression.
From slave revolts to labor strikes to the modern-day movements for climate change, Black lives, and police abolition, Osterweil makes a convincing case for rioting and looting as weapons that bludgeon the status quo while uplifting the poor and marginalized. In Defense of Looting is a history of violent protest sparking social change, a compelling reframing of revolutionary activism, and a practical vision for a dramatically restructured society. African American Studies Americas Civics & Citizenship Freedom & Security Politics & Government Social Sciences Specific Demographics United States Social justice Africa Socialism Capitalism Human Rights Middle East Discrimination Iran Latin America Feel-Good Social change War Military
All stars
Most relevant
A brilliant read, informative, educational, and poignant. Well worth multiple listens it contains so many insights and accounts of the ongoing struggle for justice around the world.

Excellent.

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To summarise: this book argues the moral case for a societal return to tribalistic barbarism & savagery. You raise the standard of living of individuals by walking away from such primitive practices -- not embracing them.

Utter rubbish

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.