Surface tension

In a recent article, Black Press reporter Tom Fletcher describes the “protest industry” that he suggests funds and coordinates the defense campaigns against Canadian energy projects. Fletcher says that many seemingly grassroots, spontaneous public protests are, in fact, carefully planned and managed campaigns by large, American-based organizations like the Sierra Club and 350.org. Fletcher further suggests that recent BC-based “public” opposition to the Trans Mountain pipeline is actually being quietly manipulated and supported by the NDP government.

It’s interesting to think about the corporatization of public protests and their role in large social movements like environmentalism. Social movement media may include a wide variety of platforms and formats including public broadcasting, online platforms, graffiti and performance art. But the kind of social movement media that Fletcher describes is something a little different. It is perhaps more of a political and media network that uses various media tactics to build enough tension on an issue so that a singular grassroots activity can have a shattering impact. But how do transnational organizations ensure that they are using their vast funds and political and social networks to support the needs and wishes of local environments, cultures, and economic priorities? Are large, international intermediaries like the Sierra Club, Tides Canada, and the World Bank evil? Or necessary? Or both? Or neither?

Update 3/10: Watching today in Vancouver as two opposing public rallies take place for and against the Trans Mountain pipeline. Are you going to #ThinkAgain or #ProtectTheInlet?