America’s authoritarians operate with impunity. It’s time to take action
If Democrats won’t ensure accountability, Americans should look to the example of Argentina’s escraches
TL;DR
- Former officials and extremists are enjoying impunity, with no contrition or accountability for past actions.
- Argentina's "escraches," a form of public shaming protests against perpetrators of atrocities, are presented as a model for citizen action.
- Such protests, rooted in historical practices like "rough music" and charivari, aim to remind individuals of community moral commitments.
- Potential dangers include uncontrolled vigilantism, tit-for-tat escalation, and the risk of civil war, especially given the prevalence of guns.
- Government intimidation tactics and laws against "doxing" and "civil terrorism" can be used to suppress dissent.
- Despite fears, court wins for activists and the arbitrary nature of official repression suggest that protests can be effective.
- Peaceful but unquiet public shaming is proposed as an appropriate response to those who act without shame.