Information Asymmetry and Mob Violence: The Mechanics of Power in South Korea and Iran
Reports cite varied death tolls from crackdowns, with claims regarding the Iranian toll reaching 30,000 from multiple sources like HRANA and The Guardian. However, counter-claims question the scale of reporting during such rapid events.
The debate hinges on protest efficacy. Some users, like 'hoshikarakitaridia', argue protests function mainly as a 'dare'—an intentional display of pressure to signal volatility. Others suggest a brutal roadmap: 'Step 1: Protest peacefully, Step 2: Wait till the government massacres you, Step 3: Use the massacre as a rallying cry for revolution' (DeathByBigSad). A critical layer of analysis points to 'litchralee', who asserts revolution fundamentally hinges on the 'asymmetry of information and power,' citing South Korea's military and legislature influenced by information flow. 'Paragone' advises focusing action through legal channels, aiming for 'civil rights and civil accountability.'
The core conflict separates signaling value from actionable strategy. While there is broad acceptance that protests apply pressure, the community is sharply divided on whether mere signaling is enough, or if controlling the flow of information—the 'power asymmetry'—is the decisive factor for political change.
Key Points
Protests primarily serve to signal volatility and apply pressure, rather than achieve immediate change.
hoshikarakitaridia stated protests' primary value is 'intentional display of pressure' acting as a 'dare' to governments.
Revolution requires the control or disruption of information flow.
litchralee stressed that revolution depends on the 'asymmetry of information and power,' using South Korea as an example.
Direct confrontation following a state crackdown is a perceived path to revolution.
DeathByBigSad mapped out a multi-step plan: peaceful protest, government massacre, followed by revolutionary rallying.
Legal accountability and civil rights action are superior to unstructured mob action.
Paragone advocated centering action on 'civil rights and civil accountability' through legal prosecution.
The high death tolls reported from the Iranian crackdown are questionable.
sharkfucker420 argued the speed and magnitude of reporting on the Iranian casualties are dubious.
Source Discussions (3)
This report was synthesized from the following Lemmy discussions, ranked by community score.