Black Bloc is not a group or organization it is a tactic that originated in Germany in 1980. The tactic first spawned not too long after the Brokdorf demonstration in 1977 when German police had their sights on squatters and anti-nuclear activists. The term black bloc was coined by the police to describe the "militant squatter youth". The first one was put together for the Gulf War protests.
The type of people involved in the ploy are usually anarchists of varying ages although a majority of young people "reflecting the demographic of most protesters". The black bloc tactic is used to execute goals and reinforce the peoples security and safety. These securities are obtained by acting in vandalism, rioting, and street fighting. The anarchists also use symbolic actions such as burning the American flag in protest.
Everyone involved in this tactic dresses in all black, accessorize with ski masks, motorcycle helmets, combat boots, and their own shields and clubs, essentially looking like riot control police men themselves. They dress this way as not to reveal their identity, so if they wanted to cause mayhem, they would not get caught on video tape and arrested. Helmets, hoods, and masks are worn not only to conceal identity but also to protect oneself from pepper spray or tear gas. Another reason for dressing like this is to look like a mass of people and look bold.
Participating in a black bloc is basically choosing to go against the law, destroy property, and have confrontation with police in order to get the dissidents aims met. Their 'street demonstration' does not usually involve violence tough unless the police cause disruption to their protest. Members don't generally attack the police unless it is in self defense, the cops usually are the first to be violent without provocation from the black blocs.
