In Defense of Looting: A Riotous History of Uncivil Action is a 2019 book authored by Vicky Osterweil and published by Bold Type Books.[2] Osterweil wrote the book in response to the Ferguson unrest in 2014 and 2015.[3]
 | |
| Author | Vicky Osterweil |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Verso Books |
Publication date | September 17, 2019[1] |
| Publication place | United States |
In the book, Osterweil argues that looting is a valid method of wealth redistribution.[2][4]
Osterweil denounces nonviolent resistance; she argues that, when non-violence is "pushed as a philosophical, moral, or religious principle, it gains a nasty, authoritarian edge." She also denounces local politicians and political groups who advocate for limiting looting during popular rebellion.[4]
Criticism
editIn August 2020, Bret Stephens, a columnist for The New York Times, wrote that "In Defense of Looting is not an interesting book. It speaks for almost nobody beyond the fringe left—and certainly not for looters who hadn't thought about 'cisheteropatriarchalism.'"[5]
In a September 2020 review, Graeme Wood, a staff writer for The Atlantic, called the book "The Pinnacle of Looting Apologia", saying that "If the real, lasting change you wish to effect is burning society to cinders and crippling for a generation its ability to serve its poorest citizens, then I suppose I am forced to agree."[6]
References
edit- ^ A fresh argument for rioting and looting as our most powerful tools for dismantling white supremacy Retrieved 6/29/2022.
- ^ a b Escobar, Natalie (August 27, 2020). "One Author's Controversial View: 'In Defense Of Looting'". NPR. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
- ^ Fallon, Claire (August 25, 2020). "Are Looters Undermining The Movement — Or Creating It?". HuffPost. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
- ^ a b Chotiner, Isaac (September 3, 2020). "Examining Vicky Osterweil's Case for Looting". The New Yorker. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
- ^ Stephens, Bret (September 1, 2020). "Unwitting Progressives for Trump". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved April 28, 2022.
- ^ Wood, Graeme (September 2, 2020). "The Pinnacle of Looting Apologia". The Atlantic. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
Further reading
edit- McBride, Kelly. "'Without evidence' Is A New Catchphrase At NPR". NPR.org. Retrieved May 18, 2021.