

BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Horizons - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Horizons
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://horizonsproject.us
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Horizons
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Halifax
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0300
TZNAME:ADT
DTSTART:20230312T060000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0300
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:AST
DTSTART:20231105T050000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0300
TZNAME:ADT
DTSTART:20240310T060000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0300
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:AST
DTSTART:20241103T050000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0300
TZNAME:ADT
DTSTART:20250309T060000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0300
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:AST
DTSTART:20251102T050000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20241028T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20241028T133000
DTSTAMP:20260430T025657
CREATED:20241016T140405Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241031T234907Z
UID:3521-1730116800-1730122200@horizonsproject.us
SUMMARY:Defending Democracy with Humor and Dilemma Actions Tactics
DESCRIPTION:Successful broad-based\, pro-democracy fronts often rely on a range of tactics and strategies to engage more people in their cause. One particularly powerful approach is the use of dilemma actions\, which place authoritarian regimes in a bind where any response they make will either backfire or highlight the absurdity of their oppression. By combining such tactics with creative use of humor\, these movements can magnify their impact. Humor\, when paired with dilemma actions\, does not just entertain—it can expose the contradictions of tyranny in a way that leaves regimes struggling to respond without losing legitimacy. \nMovements worldwide have used jokes\, memes\, and comedic videos not only to raise awareness but also to create situations where authoritarian figures are forced to react to ridicule. This strategic use of humor can catch people off guard\, sparking dialogue and inviting more open-minded discussions about serious issues. It also plays a crucial role in building a sense of agency within individuals and the movement\, shifting power dynamics by turning the symbols of oppression against their wielders. So\, how can a pro-democracy movement leverage both humor and dilemma actions to attract more people to its cause? What kinds of humor resonate with different audiences\, and how can these actions be employed to corner regimes in ways that expose their weaknesses? How can these tactics be used in the US context? \nMovement organizers and scholars from Serbia\, Zimbabwe\, and the United States\, explored how pro-democracy movements can use humor\, dilemma actions\, and other creative tactics to upend power imbalances\, inspire agency\, and foster a resilient\, sustainable coalition. Learn from global experiences on the effective use of these strategies in defending democracy. \nPanelists include: \n\nSophia McClennen (USA) – Director of the Center for Global Studies\, and Professor of International Affairs and Comparative Literature at Pennsylvania State University.\nKhumbulani Maphosa (Zimbabwe) – Director of the Matabeleland Institute for Human Rights\nIvan Marovic (Serbia) – International Center on Nonviolent Conflict\nPedro Silva (USA) – Founder of The Liberation Comedy Project\nDavid Purdue (USA) – Activist and Comedian\nModerator: Xochilt Hernandez (Organizing Fellow at Horizons Project)\n\nIf you missed the event\, go here for a recording of the event.
URL:https://horizonsproject.us/event/defending-democracy-with-humor-and-dilemma-actions-tactics/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://horizonsproject.us/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/iStock-2152090034.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR