Question
The use of symbols and humor played a significant role in the success of the Otpor! movement. The activists created a symbol, a black clenched fist, which they spray painted across Belgrade. This symbol served as a beacon of solidarity, letting those who opposed the regime know that they were not alone. Humor was also a key tool used by the movement to attract allies and subvert enemies. For instance, they sent Milosevic humorous birthday presents like a one-way ticket to the Hague to be tried for war crimes. This use of humor helped to defuse the fear of speaking up against the regime.
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When they launched Otpor!, the young activists knew they needed to outsource inspiration, creating a symbol—a black clenched fist—that they spray painted across the capital, Belgrade. Seeing the symbol let those who opposed the regime know that they were not alone. They also used humor to attract allies and subvert enemies, such as sending Milosevic birthday presents like a one-way ticket to the Hague to be tried for war crimes. Humor is a great way to defuse the fear of speaking up.
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