We need to talk about “cancel culture” and accountability and abolition and restorative justice.

It is irresponsible and misogynist to characterize/minimize de-platforming an abuser/rapist/predator as “cancel culture.”

Deplatforming a predator is saying: You don’t deserve an audience. Until you do the work to heal and right wrongs, you don’t deserve to shape a narrative. You don’t deserve to be lionized. You don’t deserve open access to our precious communities.

Deplatforming a predator is saying: Your victims don’t deserve to be reminded that an abuser/rapist/predator can be beloved and idolized while they fight a daily war to heal and survive.

Deplatforming a predator DOES NOT mean they should not be held accountable. In fact, it is one of many facets of/approaches to holding them accountable.

Deplatforming a predator does not mean they are unworthy of the steps necessary to change. It means everyone in a community & society has varying roles.

Needs tweaking but this is what we sometimes use in DV contexts: http://www.ncdsv.org/images/MSV_CommunityAccountabilityModelMen'sVAW.pdf

Pls remember that restorative justice aims to repair the harm and restore *the victim* to pre-harm wholeness as much as possible. The offender/source of the harm IS given a role.

The victim is in the driver’s seat of the entire process, with the entire affected community in mind

If we are really serious about abolition, we have to take seriously alternatives to community accountability that *center* issues of men’s / sexual violence against women of color.

WOC gender violence experts on restorative justice and abolition exist. Pay attention.

The criminal justice system has embedded itself so far into our lives and psyches such that some of you can’t tell the difference between being held accountable and being punished. Reflect.