The G8 Summit: A Win-win for Police and Protestors

On the Street
As for the action outside academia, relations between activists and Calgary officials got off to a rocky start when the city turned down a permit application to stage a festival in a local skateboard park. However, by week’s end at least one protest organizer praised the Calgary police force for their non-aggressive approach. A typical example occurred the Sunday prior to the Summit, when a small group of activists threatened to climb a barb-wired fence and storm a building where a pre-G8 function was taking place. Instead of taking immediate action the police waited, allowing other protestors to calm down the would-be rioters. It should be noted that reports of police tactics by the alternative media are less positive. Nonetheless, it’s clear that the relatively “hands-off” approach adopted by police helped prevent the type of rioting seen at the Summit of the Americas.

As for the protests themselves, one of the more unusual events took place outside a downtown Gap store. Billed as a “Strip-In,” protestors bared all, chanting “I’d rather wear nothing than wear Gap” to the delight of a lunchtime crowd. Part of the reason for the protest stemmed from claims that the Gap is exploiting third-world factory workers. However, protestors also claimed the family that owns the Gap is involved in the clear-cutting of California redwood forests. In an unrelated event, protestors bared their chests (it was a hot week) and rolled in the mud while singing songs celebrating Mother earth. Other staged activities included “snake marches”: snaking down city streets in an attempt to disrupt rush hour traffic.

Activists Get Their Message Across
The G8 summit was a victory for the protestors in two ways. First, in contrast to the violence that has plagued these international gatherings in recent years, the activists who came to Calgary showed that peaceful protests are possible. (At the very least it is possible when the number of participants remains at a manageable level). Furthermore, when not continually bombarded with images of bricks being thrown or police tear gassing rioters, the media were willing to look beyond the visual antics of the protestors and focus on their message. In addition to photos of painted bosoms and peace signs, many newspaper articles included at least a few quotes by speakers. Hopefully we’ll be seeing more of the new, friendlier approach to protesting at future Summits.

To Find Out More:
Alberta Independent Media Centre

Go To Page: 1 2 3