Punching Nazis feels good, but it's a selfish act, not something that leads to victory

[JHan]

83. No one should punch someone out of the blue obviously...

And Aside from the inherent problem of non-aggressive principles, and since we have laws to prosecute violence, what really is the problem with "punching Nazis"?

"Punching nazis" is more symbolic than literal. Hence the comics Foamfollower shared. The phrase is used to shame bigotry, to fight back against evil.

Civil disobedience is fine - even though it's a bit of an oxymoron - but protest is disruptive, It will be uncomfortable, so what's the point?

See we already have laws to keep the peace, is the argument tactfulness in the face of evil ? Isn't this a fool's game?

Is the argument Tone?

If you believe protest is a powerful tool, then you must accept it will offend.

Further Thoughts on Punching a Nazi:

"Can I punch Nazis?
I don’t know. Can you?
I am capable of the act, yes.
Then you should.
May I?
The answer to that is also yes.
My mother told me that violence was never the answer.
My mother told me I was handsome; you can’t always listen to your mother.
What happened to letting the other guy throw the first punch?
Nazis don’t throw the first punch. Nazis burn the first Reichstag.
Aren’t the Left supposed to be the tolerant ones?
Supposed to be the smart ones, too, but they keep falling for that “I thought you were supposed to be the tolerant ones” horseshit.
What about dialogue?
Dialogue is for reasonable people acting in good faith. Dialogue is between two acceptable positions. “Taxes need to be raised” vs. “taxes need to be lowered” is grounds for dialogue. “Taxes need to be raised” vs. “Jews should be thrown in ovens” is grounds for a beating.
But isn’t this sinking to their level?
That depends. After you punch the Nazi, do you espouse the tenets of National Socialism?
No.
Then you’re better than a Nazi.
But doesn’t this just give the other side ammunition?
The other side in this argument are lying fucks who can twist any piece of information into a swastika-shaped balloon animal if you engage them in good faith; lacking a piece of information, they’ll just make shit up. Might as well punch a Nazi.
What about peace, love, and understanding?
Great goals, and once we get rid of the Nazis we can get to work on them. All three are completely impossible when Nazis are about.
When should you punch a Nazi?
Whenever you get a chance. Preferably when they’re not looking.
What if they’re smaller than you?
Hit them with your fist.
What if they’re bigger?
Hit them with a bat.
Isn’t this a slippery slope?
After we defeated the Nazis in World War II, did we keep shooting people or did the troops come home and start having babies?
The second thing.
There you go. The slippery slope argument is nine times out of ten bullshit. Human beings are good with slippery slopes: we build stairs.
What if you think you’re punching a Nazi, but you just hit a white guy with a shitty haircut?
Run.
What should you do if you hit a Nazi?
You should run then, too. Don’t get me wrong: punching Nazis is still illegal. We’re discussing morality.
But I don’t want to punch anyone.
Then get off your duff, mister, and give aid and support to the boys on the front lines. We’re all in this together. Again."

thoughtsonthedead, On the Propriety of Punching Nazis an FAQ
http://thoughtsonthedead.com/on-the-propriety-of-punching-nazis-an-faq/