Ethics and Actions
Part 5: Building Liberation Muscles
We're officially into our 5th installment of the Ethics and Actions series. This project has grown larger than I anticipated, which is both amazing and overwhelming. Moving forward, I’ll link previous installments at the end of each article to make it easier to connect with the series as a whole. Originally planned as a 4-part series, it’s organically expanded—so welcome to newcomers, and thank you for joining this journey! We’ll now use these segments as a practical “how-to” guide.
In the last edition, we explored building non-violent, inclusive communication. Desireé B. Stephens did a fantastic live talk on Substack about this topic—I’ll link that below, too.
Today, we’re diving into physical practices to build that liberation muscle. Culturally, we’re conditioned to stay in line out of fear of violence, shame, or ostracization. Building deeper relationships through non-violent communication loosens us up to apply liberation practices in our physical environments. How do we become the free society we want to see? Start small.
A podcast from The Dugout—Anarchist Calisthenics: The Theory That Will Change Your Life—got me thinking: What small steps can we take to disobey harmful norms as they arise? How can we challenge oppressive cultures at work, home, or school?
Revolution Begins at Home
Mind you, openly defying systems might not always be safe, so we’ll find subtle ways to start. Let’s call this “The C(h)ore Disruption.” Want to spend more time outside but chores trap you indoors? Dishes, mopping, sweeping—could someone in your household trade tasks? If one person works excessive hours to cover bills, how can we ease their financial burden so they contribute more at home? The goal is fair, equitable chore-splitting. Integrating liberation practices at home prepares us to take resistance into the world.
For some, challenging systems outside the home might feel safer, especially in abusive family dynamics. Activating externally can also offer perspective to bring back home.
Activating Outside the Home
Finding a “third space” is key—a place where people gather unrelated to work or family. It should offer decompression. If socializing feels daunting, bring a friend or lean into hobbies (knitting, reading, gaming) to ease into communal settings.
Historically, libraries and bars have sparked large-scale liberation. Let’s break them down:
Libraries
They’re hubs for education—hosting book clubs, checking out resources, or quietly observing. Notice someone borrowing Rules for Radicals by Saul Alinsky? They might be exploring activism. Check out similar books (you don’t have to read them!) to signal your interests. After a few cycles, ask librarians if others are exploring the same material. Propose a book club—libraries often support such initiatives. No takers? Start solo: “I’ll be here reading [book] at [time]—join me!” This builds organic connections.
Bars
Bars disarm people. Listen to vents about jobs, politics, or community tensions. When someone rants about exploitation, ask: “Want solutions?” They might be startled—we’re rarely offered actionable steps. Suggest unionizing, walkouts, or job-hunting solidarity. Even small acts of resistance matter. As you gain confidence, acknowledge how oppression impacts people differently. Help others see their role in liberation—whether challenging a wealthy person’s privilege or guiding a hesitant ally.
Final Questions
What’s your biggest fear in confronting injustice within your immediate circle?
What’s one change you could make in your community to support those facing different oppressions?
Thank you for being part of the Ethics and Actions experiment. We’re crafting liberation tools for you to carry into the world. For deeper insights, email Kokayi Nosakhere, his series Beyond the Epiphany heavily inspired this work.
Until next time, let’s flex those muscles and keep the revolutionary juices flowing.
–Chris Pratt
Links to Previous Installments & Resources:
Desireé B. Stephens: Day 29 of 100 days of Community; Decolonized Communication
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