When a country, a group, or an individual which might have been expected to tamely accept the theft of its possessions or other bullying fights back, and thus sends a message that it, they, him, or her, is not to be trifled (or f--cked) with by the bully or by anyone else.
Similar to the Stonewall Effect (q.v.)
Similar to the Stonewall Effect (q.v.)
After the U.K. retook the Falklands, the Argentines never attempted another invasion, and there was a noticeable drop-off in other types of adventurism by tinpot despots around the world, largely because they had been chastened by the Falklands Effect.
by PaldanTheGreat May 02, 2011
When members of a marginalized community with a reputation for not defending itself actually defend themselves in a way that sparks not only immediate resistance, but also a long-term movement for equality. Derived from the Stonewall Riots of June, 1969, which are generally regarded as a turning point in the history of LGBT civil rights activism throughout the world.
When the kids from the Glee Club gave the guys from the football team a sound thrashing, it triggered a stonewall effect throughout the school, and nothing was ever the same again.
by PaldanTheGreat May 02, 2011