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Okay I know there’s a lot of drama happening with oomf atm and I don’t wanna seem like I’m harassing her so I’m not replying directly but I need to get a few things of my chest. Trigger warnings for mentions of police brutality, murder, systemic racism etc.
1.) Protests
People who are ill-informed on executive/judicial/legislative issues seem to see protests in black and white, catergorising them into ‘good protests’ and ‘bad protests’. This is an oversimplification.
People who are ill-informed on executive/judicial/legislative issues seem to see protests in black and white, catergorising them into ‘good protests’ and ‘bad protests’. This is an oversimplification.
Whilst protests that do not disturb the public peace can be successful, mostly they are overlooked. Protests that do disturb the public peace to some extent (occupying roads, strikes, even riots) cause a disruption that cannot be overlooked and force people in power listen.
The issue at hand (e.g. the abhorrent prevalence of police brutality) can disrupt the peace MORE than subsequent protests. In this case, it is in the public interest to participate in somewhat dangerous demonstrations in the hope of increasing the safety of society as a whole.
Often, systemic problems reveal themselves further through society’s response to particular demonstrations. For example, certain media corporations expressed greater distain that merchandise from Target was being destroyed than they did when black lives were being taken.
To put it plainly, these people and corporations cared more about replaceable pieces of fabric than they did actual human beings with families and lives of their own. That highlights the issue.
Violence begets violence. The violent acts of the police will result in violent acts of the people. People will lash out when their friends and family members are being taken from them.
Is it right? Maybe not, depending on the circumstance. However, we must try to empathise with victims. Few people are capable of thinking clearly and logically in the face of life-destroying tragedy. People may get hurt. However, this should not damage the movement.
2.) The culpability of police.
Oomf’s mother is a police officer so we must try to understand that she’s likely been subject to police propaganda and has a warped worldview as a response.
Oomf’s mother is a police officer so we must try to understand that she’s likely been subject to police propaganda and has a warped worldview as a response.
It is easy to confuse the unconditional love of a family member w/ unconditional approval of their actions and livelihood. Maybe oomf’s mother is a good person who has been brainwashed into serving a corrupt system, however the system is still corrupt. All Cops Are still Bastards
All police are responsible for serving a system that upholds racism. All cops must be held accountable. It is not as simple as ‘putting away the bad ones’. The entire institution needs to be torn down and remade. The responsibilities cops currently hold to be delegated to others.
Drug addicts and dealers need rehabilitation, social workers and financial aid — not prison.
People at risk to themselves and others need psychiatric help and emergency assistance from medical professionals — not a bullet to the head.
People at risk to themselves and others need psychiatric help and emergency assistance from medical professionals — not a bullet to the head.
People who cannot afford to pay their rent need government housing, assistance with employment and financial management or an actual living wage — not forced eviction.
People that commit armed robbery, physical/sexual assault and homicide still need to be apprehended and punished. However, the people in charge of doing so need much greater training, education and expertise than our current police have.
[END OF THREAD. THANKS FOR READING]
[END OF THREAD. THANKS FOR READING]
