Moira

For my essay I was thinking I could write about violent anarchists. What mostly brought my attention to this topic were the Thieves in Black. They’re am anarchist group of bank robbers in Athens, Greece. I couldn’t find much about why they robbed the banks, but I thought the extremeness they went to, to prove a point was intriguing. So I started thinking: are these extreme and sometimes violent protests more effective than peaceful ones? Are there any other groups that break the laws in violent ways to get what they want? Does the violence help them any? I also thought about what could fuel such irrational actions. Was it one person or an entire group? Hitler, for example, was such a good public speaker that the people of Germany just believed what he was saying even though some of it was very controversial. Also, how do extreme situations effect the formation of the cause? Like depression for example. Are people more likely to listen to insane people preaching change if they desperately want it? And does that lead to people supporting violence? My first thought was that the in-your-face attitude this group has would get them noticed by the media, kind of how an explosion makes everyone’s heads turn. But does the brutality really help the cause? Or does it just end up losing the cause supporters. I think all these questions need to be answered and dissected before I can choose an angle to write at.

first thing i noticed: you're considering WAYYYYYYYYY too many topics...unless you're planning on writing a book =) maybe focus on groups like Thieves in Black? but regardless, the topic seems to be on the verge of a novel or something. also, what is the theory behind Thieves in Black and other groups like them? are there any flaws in there ideals? because if there are, you can dissect those. otherwise, i think the questions you asked were really good. especially when you asked if violent protests are more effective than peaceful ones...although that could turn into a compare/contrast essay... also, make sure to describe how they are a subculture, or how they are resisting. ~Houtaneh

Your topic about Black Thieves seems to be very intriguing, however I think you need to do more research on it. What are they and what do they do. It is not just enough to look at the measures they take in order to rob banks. After that you got into a variety of topics as Houtaneh already said. I think you need to focus in on a single topic, and get into resistance and dissent. It seems that your essay is going towards an analysis of methods of protesting and which ones are effective, however, I did like the questions you came up with. It shows that you really thought about it. ~Moeed

I like this idea. maybe you jus need to pick one or two spacific example that would help you better elaborate onyour topic.