Militant activism is driven by efficacy and hope, not hopelessness

Evidence

Terrorists face the difficult task of calibrating the level of their violence so as not to alienate their sympathizers. This is not easy to do when terrorist activities raise moral qualms in partisans and can make their lives more miserable. The natural tendency in the face of failed attempts is to escalate the level of violence, which only makes it more socially alienating. However, a clever campaign in moral disengagement can get supporters to accept extreme terrorist acts as morally justified (Sarma, 2010). — Albert Bandura, Moral Disengagement, 2259 (#complicates, via linked claim)

A collateral effect, although not the main objective, would be the election of men and women at the state and local levels who aren’t about symbolism and celebrity, but who put forward a strategic vision for our communities. (When elections become the primary aim of grassroots mobilization, the conditions for demobilization are built into the very activity. If you succeed, you are often left twiddling your thumbs.) — Eddie S. Glaude Jr., Democracy in Black, 617 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Activist commitment stems from positive place bonding, not exposure to degradation. — David A. Gruenewald, The Best of Both Worlds: A Critical…, 68; A single persuasive encounter launched a militant activist path; Hope is active struggle rooted in human incompletion, not waiting — Paulo Freire, Pedagogy of the Oppressed, 267 (+6 more)

Broader Connections

• Failed militant campaigns tend toward escalation that alienates sympathizers #complicates (0.80) — Albert Bandura, Moral Disengagement, 2259
• Election-centered organizing builds demobilization into successful activism #complicates (0.75) — Eddie S. Glaude Jr., Democracy in Black, 617