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i saw some interesting (UCF) Asian American discourse on how we should be treating people new to advocacy and activism. this isnt to attack anyone, i just want you all to have a better understanding of advocacy, activism, etc. since a lot of you are new at this.
in reference to what being “silent” and “do better” means - it is referring to what separates an activist from an advocate. heres a decent article to understand: https://edtrust.org/the-equity-line/educational-justice-which-are-you-an-advocate-ally-or-activist/
i think y’all are forgetting is the context of ur dialogue-BLM. these murders have been around for a long time. so have the voices of activists, demand for action, resources, etc. people are *tired* of “inviting” ppl in. anger is justified and, frankly, so are their harsh words.
when ppl say “do better”-it means to take action. be an activist. dont become another complicit Asian who stops after just a few rts or donates a few dollars. yes, do those things too, but keep doing them and then some. you need advocacy and activism to enact change.
and when you tell ppl to be “nicer” to those who dont know or w/e, you are tone policing (another quick read: https://everydayfeminism.com/2015/12/tone-policing-and-privilege/). this is a silencing tactic. also, if i see any of u using it towards Black ppl too, esp. bc we deserve critique rn, we will have a problem.
As Asian American, we should be angry at our community for not doing better. we just saw one of our own assist a murder. focus on THAT. ultimately, we are here to support the Black community.
yes, educate ppl who are new to all of this. yes, work to gain support. but, honestly, ppl are going to be upset and disagree w u and criticize you. this work is emotionally, mentally, and physically draining. thats why burnout is pertinent.
in this case, when its apparent people actually are trying to get one another to be better, take those harsh words in stride and try to understand what that person is saying. maybe explain ur new to this. cant guarantee it’ll help, but maybe.
also, remember that allyship is something you PRACTICE. u dont read a few books and say “hey! im an ally now!” no. you earn that shit. that comes w using ur platform, ur privilege, etc.(while being safe ofc!) to uplift others. thats what it means to not be “silent.”
tl;dr: its frustrating to see the community that i love and have spent years being an activist in almost derail the convo from what’s important (BLM, addressing antiblackness in our community, uplifting Black folx, etc.) to this current convo.
and i understand that many of you might be new at this, so this isnt to attack you, but this thread is made so you can understand activism, advocacy, allyship, etc. better.
