Standing Man Protest (Turkey, 2013)
Lessons and Guidance for Civil Resistance Activists in the U.S.
The "Standing Man" protest, also known as Duran Adam, emerged as a powerful act of defiance during the 2013 Gezi Park protests in Turkey. When police violently cracked down on demonstrations in Taksim Square, one man, Erdem Gündüz, chose to stand silently in the square for hours, facing a portrait of Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. His silent, motionless stance became a symbol of resistance against government repression and inspired others to join him. The Standing Man protest offers significant lessons for U.S. civil resistance leaders, particularly in moments of escalating authoritarianism and polarization.
Key Aspects of the Standing Man Protest
Action:
A single individual stood silently in Taksim Square, refusing to engage in confrontation or violence.
The simplicity of his act contrasted sharply with the state’s heavy-handed response to earlier protests, drawing attention to government repression.
Impact:
The protest quickly went viral on social media, becoming a global symbol of peaceful defiance.
Inspired others to replicate the act across Turkey, transforming a solitary stance into a decentralized, nationwide form of resistance.
Highlighted the disproportionate response of the authoritarian state to peaceful dissent, exposing its insecurity and brutality.
Creativity:
Used silence and stillness as a form of protest, disrupting the authoritarian narrative that dissent equals chaos or violence.
Demonstrated that even a single individual could challenge the state’s authority in a way that resonated widely and inspired solidarity.
Guidance for Civil Resistance Activists in the U.S.
The Standing Man protest provides a template for creative, nonviolent resistance. Here's how activists can apply its lessons in the U.S. context:
1. Embrace the Power of Simplicity
Why It Works: Simple, silent acts of defiance can be as powerful as large-scale demonstrations, particularly in environments where direct confrontation risks violent repression.
Application:
Organize "standing" protests in highly visible public spaces, focusing on symbolic locations like courthouses, city halls, or state capitals.
Keep the message clear and concise, allowing the act itself to speak volumes. Use signs or subtle symbols to highlight specific injustices or demands.
2. Leverage the Visual and Symbolic Power of Stillness
Why It Works: Standing silently in defiance contrasts starkly with the noisy, chaotic tactics often associated with resistance, making it harder for authoritarians to dismiss or misrepresent.
Application:
Choose symbols that resonate with local struggles. For example, stand facing monuments to civil rights leaders or sites of historical significance.
Encourage participants to bring objects of symbolic importance—placards, flags, or personal items connected to the cause.
3. Utilize Social Media and Digital Platforms
Why It Works: The Standing Man protest went viral because it was easy to share and replicate, amplifying its reach far beyond Taksim Square.
Application:
Document and share images or videos of the protest with simple, consistent messaging to make the act relatable and inspiring.
Create a recognizable hashtag to unite dispersed actions under a common theme and invite others to participate remotely.
4. Foster Decentralized Participation
Why It Works: The Standing Man protest inspired others to join without centralized planning, making the movement harder to repress or dismantle.
Application:
Encourage decentralized "silent protests" in communities nationwide, allowing people to adapt the concept to their local contexts.
Provide basic guidelines (e.g., locations, symbols, messaging) but avoid strict coordination, fostering organic growth.
5. Expose Authoritarian Overreach
Why It Works: Silent, peaceful acts of defiance force the state to reveal its true nature when it responds with disproportionate force.
Application:
Select locations where police or state authorities are likely to intervene, ensuring their response is visible and documented.
Pair the protest with legal and media strategies to amplify and expose repressive actions by the state.
6. Focus on Resilience and Symbolic Power
Why It Works: Silent protests convey endurance, patience, and moral authority, even in the face of repression.
Application:
Train participants to remain calm and nonreactive, even if provoked.
Emphasize the broader symbolism of standing firm—both physically and metaphorically—against authoritarianism.
Key Lessons for Sustained Resistance
Individual Acts Can Spark Collective Movements:
Start small. A single act of resistance, like standing silently, can inspire others and grow into a larger movement.
Nonviolence Undermines Authoritarian Narratives:
Peaceful, symbolic protests disrupt efforts to paint dissent as dangerous or chaotic, preserving the moral high ground.
Simplicity Creates Accessibility:
Silent, still protests require no elaborate logistics or resources, making them accessible to a wide range of participants.
Decentralization Builds Resilience:
Allowing protests to spread organically makes them harder to suppress and ensures that the movement is not dependent on a single leader or organization.
The Wrap Up
The Standing Man protest reminds us that resistance doesn’t always require massive marches or loud demonstrations. Sometimes, the quiet power of standing still can shake the foundations of repression. For activists in the U.S., facing rising authoritarianism and political violence, this approach offers a way to unify, inspire, and expose injustice without putting participants at unnecessary risk. In the silence of standing together, we can find strength, solidarity, and the resolve to resist.