Gal Beckerman on Dissent: From Sophie Scholl to ICE Protests in Minneapolis

Gal Beckerman’s book, Wie man Dissident wird (Propyläen, Berlin 2026, 224 pp., Fr. 37.90), delves into characteristics that enable people to withstand societal pressures. During an interview at the Frankfurter Buchmesse, he stated that the title is somewhat deceptive; it serves not as a guide for rebellion but as an examination of brave individuals. After engaging with dissident memoirs, he characterizes a dissident as a defender of humanity against dignity violations. He references Václav Havel’s elements of environment and character. Beckerman points to recent ICE actions in Minneapolis as instances of resistance, arguing that conformity is deeply embedded in American culture, with few visible models of dissent. He underscores the importance of humor in empowerment and reflects on the potential arrogance of his own perspective. Born in 1976 in Los Angeles, Beckerman currently resides in Brooklyn and contributes to The Atlantic.