Forum Post: NEWSFLASH REGARDING PROVOCATEURS: Not only can we outwit provocateurs. We can also benefit from them. HERE'S HOW. . .

During the civil rights movement, there were countless accounts of provocateurs attempting to incite violence in order to discredit the movement. Plenty of private security now playing role of provocateur in an attempt to discredit the OWS movement. Two different movements. Same problem.

So what do we do? Well, first we need to acknowledge that we can't stop them. Can't control that.

What we can control is our reaction. Provocateurs will try to provoke a knee-jerk reaction so we need to train so our knee jerk reaction is productive. We should practice response to provocateurs several times a day. That way, in the heat of the moment, our natural reaction will be a productive one instead of playing into their hands.

If provocateur attempts to cause violence or damage property, sit down immediately, everyone, and point at the person and say "This person is not part of our group. We are nonviolent." Then, the story on the nightly news will be this lone guy looking foolish and movement wins even more support.