As I write this (2025 Mid-October), an idiotic dictatorship is attempting to ruin the USA. They are pushing the lie that there is an organized force called “ANTIFA” attempting to harm citizens.
There is no such organized group. Antifa is not a noun, it’s slang for the adjective anti-fascist. It describes a group’s goals. If anyone sincerely believes in the ideals of the USA, they are antifa – anti-fascist. Because with anti-fascist implies a related set of beliefs including anti-dictator, and pro-equal-rights-for-all.
Despite being called “strongmen” wannabe dictators are crybabies. They hate being mocked and when you don’t take them seriously. Another anti-fascist tactic is visibility. When you’re visible in defiance and in support for bullied minorities, other citizens will see they are not alone. Those who agree with you will feel emboldened to also stand up and be counted.
With those two things in mind (visibility and mockery) I created an app that mocks wannabe dictators and provides visibility. It allows users to put a frame around their social media profile photo, declaring oneself as an “Antifa Operative.” See sample nearby.
If interested, you can use the app I made here: https://antifa-frame-larrynocella.replit.app/. It’s free to use, there are no ads, and it doesn’t save your data.
When I shared this app, and some people had some criticisms. I respectfully disagree, but in fairness, let’s discuss.
Some said they didn’t feel safe labeling themselves as Antifa. They raised the concern that the bad guys are watching social media. The wannabe dictators are using tech for their nefarious tracking. Self-identifying as a group they call terrorist (true or not) is foolish. You’re doing their tracking work for them.
That’s a fair concern. It’s not un-warranted. But I feel it’s “obeying in advance” which is exactly what historians say we should NOT do when fighting dictators. I realize this sort of tactical sarcasm is easy for me as a straight, white male. If I have privilege, I’ll use it for good.
The implication in this concern is that they will act in a logical way. But the people running the USA at the moment are not logical or even competent. They won’t grab people who self-label as Antifa, they will grab who they want.
The other concern was that we should use a different label. They say the bad guys have claimed Antifa as a negative. I disagree. I say we take it back. Proudly say you are Antifa, and they will have to admit they’re “fa” (fascist.)
In the end, use the app or don’t. It’s cool. I’ve been in enough movements to see infighting cause real damage. We’re never going to agree with everyone on everything. You do you, I’ll do me. As long as we’re opposed to the same bad guys, and aren’t severely damaging the movement, it’s all good.
Infighting is the doom of movements. I refuse to infight over this small logo! We’ve all got bigger things to do.
Wherever and however you want to resist, make sure you do! Rock on, operatives!