What is Antifa?

Antifa is an umbrella name for a collection of loosely organized antifascist and far-left militant groups in the United States. The aims of Antifa include combatting perceived authoritarianism and fascism, particularly through the use of physical confrontation. Antifa groups are found throughout the United States and are active in various protests and street movements. While there is no single organizing structure behind Antifa, the organizations variously fear, detest, and are committed to do whatever is necessary to disrupt the normal operations of organizations they believe to be oppressive and fascist.

History of Antifa

The term Antifa is taken from the German term Antifaschismus, which translates to “opposition to fascism.” Antifa’s roots date back to the 1920s, when antifascist organizations in Weimar Germany fought back against the Nazis and other militant fascist groups. It has since evolved into an umbrella term to describe militant far-left groups in the United States that are committed to confronting racism, sexism, homophobia and transphobia, and preventing the rise of fascism.

What Does Antifa Do?

The activities of Antifa groups range from peaceful protests to direct action such as occupying and shutting down offices, picketing and disrupting events sponsored by organizations perceived to be fascist, as well as physical violence against fascists and those they consider to be fascist collaborators. Antifa groups are renowned for their willingness to use physical force when they believe that it is necessary to protect their communities, particularly those that are vulnerable or lack access to the law. Antifa has also been accused of using intimidation tactics and property destruction, though this is disputed by some within the movement. Antifa is also active in the fight against police brutality and police terror, and has been involved in a number of direct action campaigns to disrupt the operations of law enforcement as they are seen to be a part of systems of oppression.

Conclusion

Antifa is an umbrella term for a variety of antifascist and far-left organizations that exist within the United States. Their aims include combating authoritarianism and fascism, often through physical confrontation, and which are committed to do whatever is necessary to disrupt the normal operations of organizations deemed oppressive and fascist. Antifa organizations have been involved in a number of direct action campaigns aimed at disrupting the operations of law enforcement, and are committed to protecting their communities from all forms of oppression.