Our Core Beliefs Stop Our Resistance Before It Starts

#3 in Series on Strategic Organized Resistance

I believe most people reading this post know in their minds that we have plenty of reason to resist. I offered a very brief overview of some of those reasons in the last post of this series on resistance here. One of the primary reasons I believe we don’t actually resist is not because we don’t have enough reason, but because our own core beliefs are getting in the way. Let’s take a closer look and see.

Assessment of the Current Conditions

We have an environmental movement, right? So how has that been going? In the United States at least, we can certainly go back and talk about figures like Henry David Thoreau, John Muir, Teddy Roosevelt, and others. But the environmental movement really takes off after Rachael Carson’s book “Silent Spring.” It spurred national legislation like the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency. Even President Richard Nixon, a Republican, got behind these legislative acts. The first Earth Day was celebrated April 22, 1970.

By the time Nixon steps down and the 70s are wrapping up, a wave of neoliberalism in the nation’s political beliefs begin to erode that movement. Many dedicated activists have fought valiantly and have succeeded in protecting some parts of ecosystems, endangered species and things would be far worse if not for their efforts.

But let’s be candid. The environmental movement has by any objective measurement been an absolute failure at the end of the day. The failures are so staggering that ecological and climate collapse are functionally inevitable. This is not because of lazy efforts by activists, but because the very structures of power the movement has been trying to work in for decades is completely stacked against them. It’s rigged. The primary failure of the environmental movement is its failure to recognize that fact.

Understanding that the current political system is incapable of stopping the people who are destroying the planet is vital to informing an effective strategy. Instead of employing a doomed-to-fail strategy that strictly works within a system, we absolutely must embrace a strategy that has a chance of success.

What we’ve just done is assess the current conditions. That’s an important first step when developing a strategy of resistance. If the environmental movement is working within a system incapable of addressing the environmental catastrophes we are in the process of witnessing, the new strategy must be to dismantle that system—those power structures that are responsible for destroying the planet—and replace it with one that centers people and planet. Unfortunately, far too few an environmental activist has realized this yet. And so they are employing a strategy and tactics that are destined to fail. Let’s talk about why.

Core Beliefs

Our core beliefs about our nation, the economic system and democracy (among others) all play a part in obstructing our resistance. Aric McBay summarizes many of these beliefs well in his book “Full Spectrum Resistance” (you can read chapter 1 free here). From page 9:

“The truth—so difficult to accept for those of us raised in the tradition of the liberal left—is that good examples and cogent arguments alone have never stopped exploitation or upset entrenched systems of injustice. They have not done that in the past, and they will not do it now. What we need is to mobilize political force and to confront injustice directly. In other words, to fight. The idea of fighting back makes the liberal left deeply uncomfortable. This is because the liberal left identifies so closely with those in power—and sees itself as part of those power structures, the “loyal opposition.” Those who break that loyalty lose the privileges that come with the position. The liberal left is also uncomfortable with fighting back because it has developed a mythology of social change that bears little resemblance to reality, but I’ll come back to that.”

Facts About Core Beliefs

Core beliefs are a person’s most central ideas about themselves, others, and the world. These beliefs act like a lens through which every situation and life experience is seen. Because of this, people with different core beliefs might be in the same situation, but think, feel, and behave very differently. Even if a core belief is inaccurate, it still shapes how a person sees the world. Harmful core beliefs lead to negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, whereas rational core beliefs lead to balanced reactions.

• People are not born with core beliefs—they are learned.

• Core beliefs usually develop in childhood, or during stressful or traumatic periods in adulthood.

• Information that contradicts core beliefs are often ignored.

• Core beliefs are not necessarily true, even if they feel true.

• Core beliefs tend to be rigid and long-standing. However, they can be changed.

Let’s hone in on one of those points. Information that contradicts core beliefs are often ignored. Clearly this is what we are up against with the masses. Most people believe in this neoliberal economic and hegemonic political system we live in. Most people won’t challenge growth or even realize the dire situation humanity and the planet are in, let alone the violence and social injustice faced all over the planet.

Yet information is also ignored by the rank-and-file activist and the environmental movement generally, because it contradicts their core beliefs.

Core Beliefs of the Liberal Left that are Obstacles to Resistance

1. Incremental Reform:

   • Liberals often believe that small, gradual changes within the existing political and economic system can lead to significant improvements. This belief in incrementalism ignores the urgency of crises like climate change and systemic inequality, which require bold, radical action. The reliance on slow reform allows destructive practices to continue largely unchecked, perpetuating the status quo.

2. Moral Suasion:

   • The liberal left tends to place excessive faith in the power of moral arguments and ethical persuasion to change the behavior of those in power. They believe that by presenting logical, well-reasoned arguments, and leading by example, they can convince corporations and governments to adopt more just and sustainable practices. However, history shows that those in power are rarely moved by moral arguments alone and that substantial change often requires direct action and confrontation.

3. Electoral Politics as the Primary Avenue for Change:

   • Liberals often prioritize voting and electoral politics as the main method for enacting social change. While important, this focus can overshadow other forms of direct action and civil disobedience that have historically been more effective in challenging and dismantling oppressive systems. This belief also perpetuates the illusion that meaningful change can be achieved solely through the existing political framework, which is often deeply influenced by corporate interests.

4. Ethical Consumerism:

   • There is a widespread belief among liberals that individual consumer choices can drive significant social and environmental change. This focus on "voting with your wallet" shifts responsibility away from systemic issues and places it on individuals, often leading to complacency. While ethical consumerism can be part of a broader strategy, it is insufficient on its own to address the root causes of systemic problems.

5. Dependency on Dialogue and Compromise:

   • The liberal left often emphasizes dialogue, negotiation, and compromise as the best ways to achieve progress. While these tactics have their place, they can be ineffective against entrenched power structures that are resistant to change. This dependency on dialogue can lead to endless discussions and minimal action, delaying the urgent measures needed to address critical issues.

6. Belief in Technological Solutions:

   • Many liberals hold the belief that technological innovations can solve environmental and social problems without the need for fundamental changes to the economic and political systems. This techno-optimism ignores the fact that technology alone cannot address the root causes of unsustainability and injustice. Moreover, it often leads to solutions that perpetuate the same extractive and exploitative practices.

7. Reluctance to Disruptive Action:

   • There is often a reluctance within the liberal left to engage in disruptive or confrontational actions. Fear of alienating moderates or provoking backlash leads to a preference for peaceful, non-disruptive tactics. However, history shows that significant social change often requires disruption and direct confrontation with power structures.

8. Overemphasis on Diversity and Inclusion without Structural Change:

   • While promoting diversity and inclusion is important, liberals sometimes focus on these goals in a way that overlooks the need for deeper structural changes. Simply increasing representation within existing institutions does not necessarily challenge or change the oppressive structures themselves. Real progress requires transforming the underlying systems of power and privilege.

9. Idealization of Nonviolence:

   • The liberal left frequently idealizes nonviolence to the extent that it dismisses any form of resistance that might involve physical confrontation or self-defense. While nonviolence can be a powerful strategy, an absolutist stance can limit the effectiveness of resistance movements. Recognizing the legitimacy of a range of tactics, including self-defense, is crucial for addressing violent oppression.

These core beliefs reflect a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature and mechanisms of power. Effective resistance requires a willingness to confront and dismantle oppressive systems directly, rather than relying solely on persuasion, incremental reforms, or ethical consumerism. Recognizing and overcoming these core beliefs is essential for building an effective strategy and a movement capable of achieving real, transformative change.

How Do We Change These Core Beliefs?

Applying the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) model here involves recognizing and challenging the core beliefs that hinder effective resistance, and actively replacing them with alternative beliefs that foster meaningful change. CBT teaches us to identify irrational or unhelpful thoughts, examine the evidence for and against these thoughts, and develop healthier, more constructive beliefs. By acknowledging that incremental reform and moral suasion by themselves have failed us, we can critically evaluate the effectiveness of these approaches in achieving our goals. We then consciously adopt beliefs that emphasize direct action, systemic change, and solidarity. This cognitive shift requires persistent effort and practice, reinforcing new patterns of thinking through engagement in actions that reflect our updated beliefs. By continuously questioning and adjusting our strategies based on evidence and outcomes, we can develop a mindset that is more aligned with the principles of effective resistance, ultimately leading to more powerful and sustained movements for change.

Alternative Beliefs to Serve Resistance and Change Better

1. Embrace Direct Action:

   • Believe in the power and necessity of direct action to create immediate, tangible change. This includes protests, civil disobedience, strikes, and other forms of disruptive action that directly challenge and interrupt the status quo.

2. Focus on Systemic Change:

   • Prioritize systemic over incremental changes. Understand that the current political and economic systems are fundamentally flawed and require comprehensive, radical restructuring to address deep-rooted issues effectively.

3. Support Decentralized Movements:

   • Value decentralized, grassroots movements that empower local communities. Decentralization promotes autonomy, resilience, and a broader base of participation, making movements more adaptable and less vulnerable to centralized suppression.

4. Foster Solidarity and Mutual Aid:

   • Emphasize solidarity and mutual aid within and between communities. Building strong networks of support helps resist oppressive structures and fosters a sense of collective responsibility and empowerment.

5. Advocate for Revolutionary Tactics:

   • Accept that revolutionary change often requires a combination of tactics, including those that might be disruptive or confrontational. Acknowledge that nonviolent resistance can coexist with other forms of struggle, including self-defense.

6. Challenge Technological Optimism:

   • Recognize that technological solutions cannot solve systemic problems. Advocate for a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of ecological and social issues, emphasizing sustainability and equity over technological fixes.

7. Engage in Political and Economic Disruption:

   • Understand the importance of disrupting the political and economic systems that sustain inequality and environmental destruction. This can include boycotts, divestments, and other forms of economic non-cooperation, as well as direct confrontation.

8. Promote Intersectional Awareness:

   • Adopt an intersectional approach that acknowledges and addresses the interconnectedness of various forms of oppression, including race, gender, class, and environmental issues. This comprehensive perspective helps build a more inclusive and effective resistance movement.

9. Emphasize Long-Term Vision and Strategy:

   • Develop and commit to long-term strategies that go beyond immediate gains. Focus on building sustainable movements with clear, long-term goals that address systemic issues and envision a radically different future.

10. Cultivate a Culture of Resistance:

    • Foster a culture of resistance that values resilience, persistence, and community. Encourage practices that sustain activists emotionally and physically, recognizing the importance of self-care and collective care in sustaining long-term efforts.

11. Value Indigenous Knowledge and Practices:

    • Integrate indigenous knowledge and practices into resistance strategies. Indigenous communities often possess sustainable, holistic approaches to living and governance that can inspire and inform broader movements for change.

12. Reject the Illusion of Neutrality:

    • Understand that neutrality in the face of oppression is complicit. Advocate for taking a clear, principled stand against injustice and actively supporting resistance efforts.

13. Promote Democratic Participation:

    • Encourage widespread democratic participation within movements, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. This democratic approach helps build stronger, more cohesive movements that truly represent their communities.

14. Prepare for Sacrifice and Risk:

    • Acknowledge that real change often requires sacrifice and risk. Be prepared to face these challenges and support others in the movement who take significant personal risks for the cause.

We must commit to a radical vision, one that acknowledges the interconnectedness of all life and the urgent need to dismantle the entrenched power structures that thrive on exploitation and destruction. It is not enough to seek gradual progress. We need a fundamental reorientation of our beliefs, strategies, and actions. This is a fight for our very survival, and it demands nothing less than our full, unyielding commitment.

By transforming our core beliefs, by embracing the fierce urgency of now, we can forge a path toward a sustainable and just future. This is our moment to act, to resist with all our might, and to create a world where life, in all its forms, can thrive. The time for half-measures is over. The time for radical, transformative resistance is now.