Ep 342 The Measurement Problem and June 14th, July 7th, and Beyond

RevolutionZ

Episode 342 of RevolutionZ reconsiders how to evaluate success in our struggles against Trumpian fascism.
When someone asks how a protest went, what are we really measuring? Our feelings? Media coverage? Participation numbers? Or something more substantive? Being vague about what matters is our movement measurement problem.
This episode proposes four essential metrics that truly matter: Did our actions inspire continued involvement? Did we raise consciousness among those who witnessed our efforts? Did we grow commitment and strengthen the movement? And did we communicate to power-holders that we won't back down?
Via reflections on experiences during Vietnam War protests, the episode illustrates how unrealistic expectations can demoralize rather than empower. He offers practical suggestions for the upcoming July 17th demonstrations—from coordinated clothing colors to unified messaging—as possible ways to enhance movement solidarity and impact.
The episode goes beyond tactics to strategy including assessing the counterproductive dismissal of Trump supporters as simply "stupid," the strategic limitations of violence, and the false dichotomy between electoral work and direct action. The message is that diverse approaches can coexist within a unified framework if we judge each by its contribution to movement growth and effectiveness.
The episode moves beyond subjective feelings toward strategic thinking to advance progressive goals. The struggle against fascism, all kinds of inequity and injustice, and ecological collapse demands nothing less than our clearest thinking about what works, what doesn't, and how we measure the difference.

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Chapters

1. Introduction and June 14th Success (00:00:00)

2. The Movement Measurement Problem (00:07:30)

3. Metrics for Evaluating Protest Impact (00:16:13)

4. Historical Lessons from Vietnam Protests (00:21:12)

5. Improving Future Demonstrations (00:26:15)

6. Beyond Internal Divisions and Tactics (00:31:40)