(DW News) Nicholas Kristof, a columnist for The New York Times, discusses effective methods to resist authoritarian rule in his article "Three Weapons to Overthrow Tyrants." The first is the use of satire and humor, particularly crude jokes. He cites the example of "grass mud horse," a term used to mock Chinese internet censorship, which superficially refers to a harmless animal but actually carries an obvious insult.
In China, merchants sell grass mud horse plush toys and songs that satirize the term "river crab," a pun on "harmonious." This opposition illustrates the spirit of protest in society. The author notes that humor puts tyrants in a dilemma: repressive laughter would make them look ridiculous, while ignoring it would portray weakness.
The second strategy is to reveal the corruption and hypocrisy of rulers rather than merely emphasizing democracy. The third strategy focuses on individual strength, replacing large-scale oppression with personal tragedy. The article mentions that anti-apartheid movements gained traction by highlighting Mandela's plight.
Li Laoshi has established an information hub linking the inside and outside of the Great Wall through his Twitter account, applying pressure on the regime despite personal dangers. He emphasizes that even facing threats, his actions still impose significant stress on his adversaries.
Furthermore, discussions regarding Xi Jinping's economic policies highlight that excessive interference in local governments may destabilize China's economic system. Xi appears indifferent to social issues, focusing instead on geopolitical competition, while neglecting pressing problems like tax reform, fiscal management, and healthcare improvement.
These perspectives reveal the power of humor and individual resistance within an authoritarian regime, as well as the intricate relationship between economics and politics under such governance.