Do It: Scenarios of the Revolution

Do It! Scenarios of the Revolution is Jerry Rubin's 1970 manifesto documenting the counterculture movement and radical activism of the 1960s. The book combines autobiography, political theory, and calls to action aimed at young people seeking social change. Rubin recounts his evolution from a mainstream student to a leader of major protest movements, including demonstrations against the Vietnam War. The text incorporates unconventional elements like photographs, artwork, and experimental formatting to convey its revolutionary message. The narrative moves between personal stories, tactical advice for activists, and broad critiques of American society and institutions. Rubin presents scenarios and strategies for creating cultural and political transformation through both organized protest and individual acts of rebellion. This raw snapshot of 1960s radicalism explores themes of youth empowerment, institutional opposition, and the intersection of personal and political revolution. The book stands as a primary document of counterculture ideology and activist methodology during a pivotal moment in American history.

Readers view Do It! as a time capsule of late 1960s radical activism and counterculture. The raw energy and provocative style resonates with those interested in protest movements and social revolution. Likes: - Creative layout and experimental graphics - Captures the spirit and attitude of the era - Humor and irreverence in political writing - Personal anecdotes about protests and activism Dislikes: - Dated references and slang - Rambling, unfocused writing style - Too extreme/militant for some readers - Some find it juvenile or attention-seeking Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (175 ratings) Amazon: 3.9/5 (12 ratings) Common reader comments note it works better as a historical document than practical guide. One Goodreads reviewer called it "a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a professional revolutionary." Multiple Amazon reviewers mentioned it helped them understand their parents' generation's activism, though they found some passages "try-hard" and "deliberately shocking."

Revolution for the Hell of It by Abbie Hoffman A firsthand account of 1960s counterculture activism that combines political manifesto with street theater tactics.

The Port Huron Statement by Students for a Democratic Society The founding document of the New Left movement outlines radical visions for participatory democracy and social change.

The Anarchist Cookbook by William Powell A manual of counterculture resistance that blends political philosophy with practical instructions for civil disobedience.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X, Alex Haley The transformation of Malcolm X from street hustler to revolutionary leader presents a blueprint for radical social change.

Soul on Ice by Eldridge Cleaver Prison writings from the Black Panther Party leader merge personal narrative with calls for militant resistance against systemic oppression.

🔸 Jerry Rubin wrote "Do It!" in 1970 while in prison awaiting trial as one of the Chicago Seven, charged with conspiracy and inciting riots at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. 🔸 The book features experimental typography and provocative illustrations by Quentin Fiore, who also designed Marshall McLuhan's "The Medium is the Massage," giving it a distinctive counterculture aesthetic. 🔸 Every copy of the first edition came with a 'Do It!' button attached to the cover, and the book's dedication reads "To Free Huey and John Sinclair and all political prisoners." 🔸 In a dramatic transformation, Rubin later became a Wall Street investor and networking entrepreneur in the 1980s, rejecting his earlier revolutionary stance and embracing capitalism - a shift that shocked many of his former activist allies. 🔸 The book sold over 250,000 copies and was translated into multiple languages, despite (or perhaps because of) being banned in several countries for its provocative content and calls for revolution.