is looting violence?

I was just reading through this article which attacks a defender of looting and I had a realization: yes, violence never wins, but is looting violence?

I think there is where the real divide on pro-looting vs anti-looting comes in or maybe better said, it seems like “proper” looting should be defined.

Is it violent to burn down buildings? What if insurance pays to rebuild the shop?

Is it violent to break a window and steal items? What if the company is worth millions? What if the company is a small business? What if both are compensated for their losses?

Is it violent to harm humans? (I think we’d all agree… no.)

Is it violent to harm humans in an attempt to defend the burning down of buildings? (not sure we all agree.)

Is it violent to break stuff (like tables in a temple)?

Is it violent to break a law (Gandhi Salt Laws)?

I certainly don’t have the answers. But I know in our run for non-violent third way alternatives (which I agree with) we sometimes have to take the time to better define “violence” rather than assume we’re all on the same page.