No, exactly the opposite is the case: For non-violence to work you have to remain non-violent while your opponent is as violent as possible. The whole point of

No, exactly the opposite is the case: For non-violence to work you have to remain non-violent while your opponent is as violent as possible. The whole point of non-violence like it was practiced by Gandhi is to win the propaganda war. If you take a beating while remaining passive and the media broadcasts it then you can mobilize more people for your cause. You may lose the battle but win the war; That is the idea. "Non-violent protest" as practiced today by "progressive" groups is the most useless form of protest you can do.