Rules for Radicals: A Pragmatic Primer for Realistic Radicals

What are the primary tensions that exist in society? Which groups are more likely to respond to the tactics and rules outlined in the text?

How does Alinsky think that radicals should respond to social threats and oppressive institutions?

How does Alinsky, throughout the book, speak about the importance of communication in the organization of communities?

What is the proxy tactic, and what purpose does it serve in Alinsky’s view?

How does Alinsky view the difference between an organizer and a leader?

Does Alinsky think it possible that any means will achieve a good end? In other words, would the author agree with the phrase “the ends don’t justify any means?” Why or why not?

What is a radical? Is it synonymous with a revolutionary? Do Alinsky’s definitions and understanding of these terms harmonize with revolutionaries of the past, such as in the French or American Revolutions?

How does Alinsky describe the power of words? Why are the connotations of words more important than their dictionary definitions? Is Alinsky’s judgment about words consistent with his own use of buzzwords, such as radical, community, tactics, organizer?