Read on Twitter
First, read this entire thread.
Secondly, I'm going to take a little time away from some respirator work to talk a little about this, specific to us and our uprising in PDX.
I just pick up trash and give out respirators, but I've seen a lot. Here are some observations. https://twitter.com/MacSmiff/status/1318251363202027521
Secondly, I'm going to take a little time away from some respirator work to talk a little about this, specific to us and our uprising in PDX.
I just pick up trash and give out respirators, but I've seen a lot. Here are some observations. https://twitter.com/MacSmiff/status/1318251363202027521
In the thread, Mac addresses how BLM is also a movement against capitalism & its accompanied power structures.
Part of this means that many organizers strive for the ideal of leaderlessness. This is a sentiment I have heard echoed repeatedly.
There are a few reasons for this.
Part of this means that many organizers strive for the ideal of leaderlessness. This is a sentiment I have heard echoed repeatedly.
There are a few reasons for this.
Some are political. Abolitionists feel there is nothing to gain from the transferred power of "leadership" to themselves. They want all power to the people.
Calling abolitionist organizers "leaders" may be true of your definition, but actually furthers them from their goals.
Calling abolitionist organizers "leaders" may be true of your definition, but actually furthers them from their goals.
Some are based in OpSec.
We do not live in some hypothetical time period where Black Civil Rights leaders were not publicly murdered without accountability, and there are still revolutionaries sitting in jail to this day.
If you are unaware, please read into it.
We do not live in some hypothetical time period where Black Civil Rights leaders were not publicly murdered without accountability, and there are still revolutionaries sitting in jail to this day.
If you are unaware, please read into it.
Diversity of tactics saved neither MLK nor Malcolm X.
If one sees more yt ppl (like myself) posting & promoting things, or a full booking line up of white people, IT IS BECAUSE WE HAVE THE PRIVILEGE TO DO IT.
A booking line up full of white faces is how a BLM protest should end. It means we used our privilege to protect Black ppl.
A booking line up full of white faces is how a BLM protest should end. It means we used our privilege to protect Black ppl.
I know that Portland has a history, and we should be vigilant about making sure it isn't a liberal marketing scheme.
But if you aren't talking to Black organizers yourself and don't already have a list of those you are following, find organizers you trust that do.
But if you aren't talking to Black organizers yourself and don't already have a list of those you are following, find organizers you trust that do.
And if you have a list of organizers you trust, stop asking them to out the Black activists they take their cues from.
It is dangerous and the demand comes from a place of privilege.
It is dangerous and the demand comes from a place of privilege.
You guys have seen me share posts and flyers promoting DA, art therapy/self-care events, educational events, and now a march dropping off your ballot.
I support a range of Black activists that I engaged with. I use the same judgment on if I should promote for all of them.
I support a range of Black activists that I engaged with. I use the same judgment on if I should promote for all of them.
If you trust me when I promote DA because you saw me picking up trash all alone at the riot line while the group was 100ft back, if you trust me when I promote calming self-care events and give out gift bags, if you trust me when I say the Vanport event will be safe...
Trust this.
Your demands to out Black activists are anti-Black and put the people we are supposed to be here for in danger.
Your demands to out Black activists are anti-Black and put the people we are supposed to be here for in danger.
Saying ytppl that refuse to out Black activists are co-opting or are gatekeeping the movement is not only ignorant, but perpetuating an incorrect alt-right talking point.
Are you still uncomfortable after reading through this thread?
Good.
A lot of comfort is based in yt supremacy, and our culture has not taught us to trust Black people. It isn't supposed to feel intuitive to us.
It probably won't feel comfortable.
Do it anyway. Revolt.
Good.
A lot of comfort is based in yt supremacy, and our culture has not taught us to trust Black people. It isn't supposed to feel intuitive to us.
It probably won't feel comfortable.
Do it anyway. Revolt.
