Resisting cooptation and co-optation from "summary" of Revolutionary Suicide by Huey P. Newton
The concept of resisting cooptation and co-optation is crucial for any revolutionary movement. It is a constant struggle to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the movement in the face of attempts to water it down or manipulate it for other purposes. Cooptation is a tactic used by those in power to neutralize or undermine a revolutionary movement by absorbing it into the existing system. This can take many forms, such as offering positions of power or influence to key members of the movement, or co-opting the language and symbols of the movement for their own purposes. Resisting cooptation requires vigilance and a deep commitment to the principles and goals of the movement. It means being aware of the ways in which the movement can be co-opted, and actively working to prevent it from happening. This might involve maintaining a critical distance from those in power, refusing to compromise on core principles, or being willing to confront and challenge attempts to co-opt the movement. At the same time, it is important to recognize that co-optation can also be a dangerous temptation for those within the movement. The promise of power, influence, or material gain can be seductive, and it can be easy to justify compromising on principles in order to achieve short-term gains. This is why it is so important for revolutionaries to remain vigilant and to hold themselves and each other accountable.- The success of a revolutionary movement depends on its ability to resist cooptation and to maintain its integrity and commitment to its goals. This requires a constant struggle and a willingness to confront and challenge those who seek to co-opt or undermine the movement. Only by remaining true to its principles and vision can a revolutionary movement hope to bring about lasting and meaningful change.
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