Our columnist explains what we can learn from the climate activists of the “last generation” for our everyday life
I like the idea of gluing. Gluing is non-violent and yet extremely effective. I understand the reasoning of the “last generation” – that after us no one can defend themselves because the tipping points have already been passed. If anything can still be changed, then we have to do it now. Many people still do not see this fact clearly enough. Most people are too attached to their terms, have to meet their schedules and schedules, get their jobs done. However, I can understand that too. My brother-in-law suggested that at least a non-violent response should be given to non-violent protests, such as cutting out the bits of asphalt around the hands that were taped and then sending the activists home with them. Sorry, but I really had to laugh.
In general, you could also use gluing in other places to enforce your rights or – if you can’t achieve this – to take revenge, I thought to myself. Some examples:
– The overdraft facility is overdrawn and I can’t get any more money from the bank, but I absolutely need some. That’s what I experienced after a meniscus operation, when I stood in front of my clerk at Haspa on Friday afternoon, completely burnt out, and he only said to me, “Unfortunately, we can’t help you there, you have to learn to manage your money yourself.” The next thing Sometimes I just stick myself to the ATM with my hand directly on the monitor. Until my overdraft facility is increased.
– Again and again my car is flagged down by the contact area officer in my own neighborhood. There hasn’t been a single parking fee-free zone in Hamburg for two years: I stick myself to the parking machine with my hand directly over the money slot. Then at least the others who park without a parking ticket can no longer be blamed.
– A tax audit throws me completely off course, I have to process receipts for weeks and still end up paying an unreasonably high sum of money. I go straight to the tax office and tape myself to the front door so that none of the officials can get in or out.
– I’m a police officer and I’m really annoyed by the demonstrators’ adhesive tapes. To make them aware of this, I simply stick myself to a demonstrator from behind at the next street demonstration, for example with my hand on the neck. Then he/she has to take me home and I can keep telling him/her how annoying I find their actions.
Admittedly, these proposals for action are not ridiculous, but it has long been proven that you can make the world a little better with ridiculous actions.
(Author’s photo by Kerstin Behrendt)
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