An Ambitious Exploration of Chaos and Upheaval in the 2010s
Defining a decade is a difficult task, but journalist Vincent Bevins takes on the challenge of understanding the complexities of the 2010s in his new book, “If We Burn.” With a focus on chaos, upheaval, and unintended consequences, Bevins dives into the heart of mass protest movements that rocked countries around the world.
From Brazil to Egypt: Tracing the Ripple Effects of Protests
Bevins found himself in São Paulo as a correspondent for the L.A. Times in 2013, witnessing the birth of a national protest movement sparked by a collective of bus fare activists. As he follows similar movements across countries like Egypt, Turkey, Chile, Hong Kong, and Ukraine, Bevins uncovers the unexpected outcomes that often contradicted the initial intentions of the protesters.
The Role of Anarcho-Punk Culture and Its Consequences
Throughout his exploration, Bevins highlights the role of anarcho-punk culture in these mass protests. Drawing connections between punk rock music and anarchism, Bevins examines how this culture shaped the political subjectivity of a generation and influenced the formation of these movements.
Lessons for the Future
The book concludes with reflections from the activists who experienced their movements morph and deviate from their original goals. These individuals, to varying degrees, express the belief that leaderless protests hindered their causes and advocate for a more structured approach to taking power. Bevins offers readers a chance to learn from the mistakes of the past and consider optimistic, forward-thinking lessons for the next generation of activists.
Interview with Vincent Bevins
In an interview before the release of his book, Bevins discusses the origins of his ambitious project, the influence of punk in a decade of turmoil, and more. He addresses the interconnectedness of global protests and the personal experiences that shaped his perception of worldwide events.
Reflecting on Brazil and Beyond
Bevins initially set out to understand the protests in Brazil that unfolded in 2013. However, as he observed similar movements occurring in different parts of the world, he expanded his scope to encompass ten countries. Bevins shares his personal journey of grappling with the aftermath of the Brazilian protests and the subsequent connections he made with other global uprisings.
An Inside Look from Day One
To capture the essence of these mass protest movements, Bevins sought out individuals who were present from the very beginning. By interviewing those who planned and ignited the protests, he delves into the evolving nature of these events and the different perspectives held by early participants and later joiners.
Punk Rock and Anarchism’s Unexpected Marriage
Bevins emphasizes the role of punk rock music in bringing anarchist ideas to countries like Brazil. He traces the origins of this connection, acknowledging the cynical marketing tactics used to popularize anarchism through punk rock. However, he also recognizes how this cultural movement introduced a generation to political thought and shaped their political subjectivity.
Avoiding the Pitfalls of Selectivity
While Bevins began writing the book in 2019, he intentionally chose not to include the protests that erupted in the summer of 2020 following the murder of George Floyd. Being aware of his outsider perspective as a white American who had not lived in the United States for years, Bevins recognized the need for other authors closer to the events to provide insight into those protests.
Lessons for the Future
The inclusion of reflections from the activists interviewed is a crucial aspect of Bevins’ book. By giving these individuals the opportunity to share their thoughts on what they learned from their experiences, Bevins encourages readers to consider the future and offers a platform for a dialogue on creating a better world.
Vincent Bevins’ “If We Burn” ambitiously uncovers the unintentional consequences of mass protests, revealing the intricate web of events that shaped the 2010s. Through personal accounts and meticulous research, Bevins delivers a thought-provoking exploration of a decade defined by chaos and upheaval.