【1987 Archives】

987 Archivesanti-abortion March for Life and the Indigenous Peoples March both took place on January 18, but all anyone remembers from either is a confrontation between a white, male teen and a Native American elder -- and the viral videos that resulted.

Footage shows a group of predominately white, male teenagers donning "Make America Great Again" hats and seemingly mocking 64-year-old Nathan Phillips, a Native American protester, former director of the Native Youth Alliance and veteran. Details about the incident continue to emerge, but it's clear that the encounter and the resulting videos were polarizing on social media, with many pointing to the smile on one of the young people's face, an expression that many have characterized as disrespectful.

Because we live in a country where conflict and abusive rhetoric are valued, people expect that another person is behaving in a purposely hurtful way, says David Elcott, a Taub professor of practice in public service and leadership at the Wagner School of Public Service at New York University. He explains that situations like these are going to happen more often because it's what people expect.

Still, de-escalation is a skill that can be taught. So whether you're attending a protest where you're expecting counter protesters or you want to learn how to communicate effectively in a heightened conversation, here are some things you should consider.

1. Communicate

Talking to people on the other side of an issue or a protest can help stop physical violence from ensuing. Elcott emphasizes the importance of civic initiative, which entails asking questions, showing respect, and having a sense of inquiry instead of dismissal.

But he concedes that this is difficult in today's climate, pointing specifically to the way the president "provokes and creates hostility."

"We have to reinvent a civil culture and civic discourse, which has evaporated in the last period of time," says Elcott. "Trump is certainly a problem, but he's not the only problem."

That said, you can take the first step in the conversation by asking for clarification or about their mission. Try questions such as "Why are you here?"

Elcott, who identifies as a Jewish person from New York, explains that when he visits an Evangelical church in the "deep South," he quotes scripture to find "common humanity" and demonstrate that although he may not agree with their views, he knows they are human beings. In doing so, he hopes to encourage people to listen to each other rather than view individuals who disagree as "evil incarnate."

2. Know your goals

It's important to focus on your goals, so that you are not deflected by other issues that may arise, says Elcott. "When it comes to organizing, when it comes to advocacy and activism, [keep a] very narrow focus of what you want to accomplish." 

With that in mind, when speaking to people who may disagree with you, remember that it's helpful to stick to a clear mission statement. Ernest Coverson, the field manager at Amnesty International USA, suggests speaking softly but directly to defuse a situation, focusing on why you're there and where you stand on an issue.

At demonstrations or public events, that may also mean making sure everyone on your team is aware of the team's overall goals and response to different conflicts, according to Elcott. More specifically, if someone is passed a microphone, they need to know what to say.

3. Consider recording the encounter

Although recording a video of the encounter on your phone won't necessarily guarantee your safety or help defuse the situation, it can make sure your side of the story gets told.

If they see a phone people may think twice before they act or react because they know someone is recording, Coverson explains. On top of that, it can offer credibility to an activist, demonstrating that details aren't being made up to enhance the story.

Of course, this fluctuates when portions of a video are taken out of context. However, as seen with this most recent viral encounter, a longer video version helped paint a fuller picture of events -- even if it emerged days later.

4. Plan for the 'what ifs'

Coverson recommends creating a contingency plan. Think about what counter-protesters might look like and why they might be there, and then find people -- whether that's members of your organization or law enforcement -- who will watch the crowd and be ready to engage with counter-protesters if they try to disrupt what you have planned.

"It's better to have planned for it and not have to deal with it, then have to deal with it and never plan for it," he says.

Coverson also says it helps if you've received a permit to host an event, so you have a legally-reserved area and law enforcement can help remove counter-protesters or other individuals trying to escalate a situation.

Elcott also recommends planning for the worst-case scenarios such as attacks from counter-protesters or even arrests. You should also know what your rights are if you get arrested, bring first aid supplies in case things get violent, and make sure you've written down emergency numbers.

If you can't imagine the what ifs, then Elcott suggests that it's probably not best to go out into the streets yet.

Ultimately, Coverson wants individuals to know they shouldn't be scared. If anything, he wants activists to remember that American citizens have the right to protest.

"It actually should bring you out more and looking [for] ways that you can get involved in this democracy," he says.