Thread! New followers and locals now paying attn: we’ve been at this a while. In fact, each sat (plus some) since Aug, except when neo-Confeds went to the RVA 1/20 gun rally, maybe a holiday? Other that, every Saturday. Sorta bc this happened:
And we knew…
Bc we do our best-w lots of help-to track what neo-Confeds are doing. We knew they’d be at the Ag Center 2/15; we warned folks. We knew they’d then go downtown; we helped a few local businesses keep from being targeted. We hope you’ll join us, because we need our community.
We try to come from a place of respecting different tactics for engaging in anti-racism. That said, because we want want to abolish the hierarchical structures that feed bigotry, there are also some ideals we TRY to hold onto. Here’s a bunch about that type of stuff...
Those who have relative privilege, esp if you’re white cis/het-passing: it’s not your place to tell those most affected by systems of oppression how to respond to said oppression. That would be...oppression? So, pointers for when you decide to start countering as an “ally:”
1-We want structures of oppression to cease existing. So we try to avoid insults based on class stereotypes (cracker, trailer park, etc), gender (transphobic insults, etc), appearance (fat/body-shaming, dental/health-related stuff), educ (illiterate, etc), ability, age, etc.
Together, we discourage weaponizing of addiction, or referencing ppl’s family members. This stuff is all nuanced and ingrained and we need to hold each other accountable. Because…
We hurt ourselves and our friends as much as anyone else when we do this, and we play into the hierarchies we want to abolish.
2-If you call the police over, or point something out to them, it’s totally likely they’ll come and arrest or target one of us. Not joking. Some of our friends are constantly targeted by the state. Don’t help by accident and don’t #notallcops bc just don’t.
3-Don’t shake neo-Confeds hands. Our friends have been threatened, punched, harassed, and had slurs tossed around. We aren’t here to change minds; we’re here to interrupt bigotry, false narratives, recruiting, etc...
...Some want to engage in more conversational ways sometimes, and that’s fine—to each their own. If you’re new to the scene, though, someone may ask what’s up...
Bc the other thing that happens is the bigots, police, and honestly, half our own liberal/centrist friends start to think you’re a “good one,” and those who aren’t doing #civility are The Problem. They aren’t.
Cool w/different tactics and get that sometimes it’s not so civil? Good! Have that convo with that bigot! (Not w/the law, tho.)
Think we need to hug it out with these ppl terrorizing our community; that people who have less civil tactics are The Problem? There are spaces for you. This isn’t that space. medium.com/the-establishm…
We say “fuck.” They do this (CW for bigoted language):
And this (CW for bigoted language):
And this (CW for bigoted language):
4-Our community needs you and we love you. Doing anti-racism is more important than feelings experienced by those with privilege. And while we wholeheartedly agree with this:
thenation.com/article/archiv…
thenation.com/article/archiv…
We would also include that white ppl not showing up for antiracism because they feel “tone policed” is some real special bs as well and they are colonizing and coopting that terminology...
Things are never simple and class stuff probably comes into play, but “tone policing” used to rely on structures of oppression. Otherwise, maybe it’s more just people disagreeing and/or being jerks? And maybe still show up? 🤷♀️ everydayfeminism.com/2015/12/tone-p…
We know there are people doing all sorts of work in our communities. For those looking for yet more ways to support, here’s a great round-up. You’re against fascism? Cool! Can’t come out w/us but want ideas? Here you go:
We do find ways to feel rooted in love when we can. And we laugh: sometimes things get obscenely comedic. But...
...at the end of the day, this isn’t lighthearted: we counter them because we are serious about interrupting this terrorism when we see it, destroying white supremacy, and finding freedom from all forms of oppression. And we are always learning.
If you’re able to, pls support our friends by donating here: takeactionch.com/donations
See you soon. 
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