I’ve observed groups online discussing how to resist what is happening to our government. Mostly people are expressing their frustration at knowing something should be done but not knowing what, or how, and feeling so alone in their frustration.

Sharing these ideas did not seem to help because we were left there with no answers after all the venting.

I took this quandary to dinner with three others recently and asked what could be done. After some fruitless discussion that circled nowhere, someone muttered, “Bang pots,” and at our request told us about this protest method that originated in France.

The more I heard, the more I liked the idea. Not as a last thing to do but definitely a candidate for a first thing. My partner was also for it.

The next day I asked ChatGPT for some history of pot-banging. Here’s an abbreviation of its report.

Pot-banging, cacerolazo (Spanish), casselrolade (French), is a worldwide method of expressing dissent by loudly banging pots, pans, other kitchen utensils, often to protest government actions, economic crises, or social injustices.

During the July Monarchy (1830-1848), French citizens used les casseroles, or the “charivari” tradition, to noisily protest against corruption and government policies.

In Chile (1971-1973), middle- and upper-class opponents of Allende’s socialist policies organized large pot-banging demonstrations against food shortages and government economic policies. After the 1973 military coup led by Augusto Pinochet, pot-banging resurfaced as a form of resistance against the dictatorship.

In Argentina (2001), during Argentina’s economic crisis, widespread cacerolazos became a key form of protest against government corruption and economic mismanagement. The protests helped lead to the resignation of President Fernando de la Rua.

In Venezuela (2013-present), Venezuelans have used cacerolazos to protest government actions, particularly against Nicolas Maduro’s administration amid economic collapse and political unrest.

Further such use of pot-banging has been used in Canadian (2012) student protests, Spanish (2014-2020) protests of government austerity measures and political corruption, Turkey (2013) protests, symbolizing widespread dissatisfaction with the government, and Hong Kong (2019-2020) protesters pot-banging to express opposition to the Chinese government’s increasing control over the region.

Surprisingly, pot-banging is a powerful form of protest because anyone can participate from their home, making it inclusive, nonviolent, but disruptive in that it conveys strong dissent without direct confrontation. Being visible and audible, the noise ensures that grievances are heard, even under media censorship.

Despite their simplicity, cacerolazos have played a significant role in political and social movements worldwide, demonstrating the enduring power of collective, grassroots activism.

Now I loved the idea. I started contacting everyone I could. On Feb. 6, one woman online had some questions and then decided she was starting the next day. I decided I’d better start the same day. I found just the right little pot on my stove and an old Phillips screwdriver that banged out a wonderful sound. Alas, I fell asleep on the 7th but managed to start on the 8th.

Another woman online who is ultra-politically savvy loved the idea and wanted to chat.

Now I am banging my pot every night at 6 p.m. for three minutes in protest of the rape of our government going on at the hands of The Great Mistake. The others I know in the area who are banging their pots are too far from me for me to hear their protest. For now, I look forward to that first thrilling moment when I hear another’s pot-banging along with mine.

I expect pot-banging all over this country. Not because I started it, but because I am sure there are like-minded souls who will spontaneously come up with the same idea. As more and more people realize the tremendous political blunder we have made, as they see that The Great Mistake’s aim is to tear down the U. S. government, they will want to object and will arrive at the great tradition of pot-banging.

Join us. Pot-bang for three minutes. On Day 1 it will feel strange, but your first bang may be the first time another hears themself joined. On Day 2, you will be a veteran and so proud that you are finally doing something, finally expressing your revulsion at the theft of our great government.

And then on that first day you hear another banging their pot, you will understand that feeling of us, together, fighting back.

By no means is pot-banging the final step in resistance. It’s a beginning. It lets us tangibly know there is an us, doing something, working to save our government.

Richard S. Bogartz is professor emeritus of psychology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and an Amherst justice of the peace.