The Story of One Woman Who Single-Handedly Opposed 300 Neo-Nazis

Silent resistance is the most powerful message of all.

Tess Asplund opposing a Neo-Nazi march at Sweden. (Photo: AP)

A name unheard of, till 2 days ago, surely looks like one to go down in history. Tess Asplund, a 42-year-old, has gained a lot of recognition for opposing a Neo-Nazi rally, single-handedly, in Sweden.

The lone protest is a sign of how just one person is capable of sending a powerful message.

It was a march by 300 members of the Nordic Resistance Movement (NRM), a white supremacist group, that sparked Asplund’s anger. She defiantly marched up to them with her fist raised in the air. What seemed like a small disruption in the march was captured by photographer David Lagerlof. It has since been shared thousands of times over social media.

Her act has sparked outrage among people about fascist forces still at play in Nordic nations.

She has also received positive backing from many, including author JK Rowling.

She was inspired by Nelson Mandela. Her image is also reminiscent of Tommie Smith, who at the 1968 Olympics, along with John Carlos, raised his fist to represent Black Power. People on Twitter have hailed her as a “hero”, while others have lauded her for her courage.