Note to activists protesting police brutality that especially imperils black Americans: No unforced errors. Everything matters—not just dictates of conscience and guilt. The righteous cause of justice too long deferred is too important to jeopardize in a complex, politically polarized society.
That means policing, as it were, the ranks. Don’t make it easier for the racists and bigots to demonize the movement and disparage idealists, because some fringe elements harassed onlookers, diners or motorists. Or worse yet, give Fox News and Trump inflammatory protestor optics that are grist for the anti-anarchist mill that has no problem with militarized, minority-targeting police forces. In short, be strong, be proud, be outspoken, be united–and be smart.