Thread by @michaelharriot

No one thinks all Bernie’s supporters are toxic. It could be a small minority. But there’s another thing that no one wants to admit.

That shit kinda works.

I could personally name dozens of seasoned, black journalists & writers who have valid, intelligent observations...
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Most don’t even dislike Bernie and they definitely aren’t haters. They aren’t scared that harm will come to them, nor are they afraid of the Twitteratti...

They just don’t want the trouble.

I, on the other hand, have a certain privilege, so let me explain:

First of all, even black Bernie Sanders supporters know that they have heard the conversation surrounding Sanders from relatives, friends, barbershop patrons. Most of it revolves around one truth:

We know what white people are gonna do.

Do you think the most marginalized group of people in America doesn’t want Medicare For All? Do you think we don’t want a progressive “revolution?”

Black folks have been pushing 4 this agenda for 3 decades. When Jesse Jackson argued for criminal justice reform, universal health care and free college, most of these bearded hipsters in smart glasses were still urges in their parents bosoms.

Here was his platform in ‘88

Even though we know the Democratic Party can’t win without us, we also know it’s impossible to win without a broad coalition. We are ALWAYS gonna ride or die but you know who’s not?

White folks.

I literally just finished an article in @politico where a broke, out of work MAGAmuffin in NC explained that he wishes Trump could get three terms. His only concerns in the world was his family’s lack of healthcare and the Democrats bringing in “socialism.”

Those are the ones...

You think black folks are the ones who are afraid of socialism?

I don’t know if you’re aware of this but since 1619, capitalism has worked out for like... 3 black people:

Oprah, Madam C.J. Walker and Diddy.

Dassit!

But, what a lot of white liberals fail to realize is that a lot of their skinfolk know Trump is a lying dumb, corrupt, inept prez. However, he hasn’t materially affected their lives in any way

Those ppl would quickly vote for a regular, run-of-the-mill moderate Dem over Trump

But when you talk about raising taxes, upsetting the status quo and redistribution of wealth, white America (even the ones with NO WEALTH) gets a little nervous, which makes black America VERY nervous.

And when white America gets a cold, Black folks get the Coronavirus

We know, when general election time comes, white swing voters are undoubtedly gonna themselves, their individual interests and their pockets over the collective greater good.

If there is one thing that is invariably true, it is that white folks will forever and always whitefolk

There isn’t a nanosecond of American history where that fact has been proven wrong.

Knowing this, a LOT of black folks are sitting back watching the primaries and are concerned.

I will admit, I’ve only been involved in presidential politics since ‘08 election

But what I’ve found is that the MORE experienced black political journalists, politicians and writers I’ve spoken to (and it’s A LOT), are worried about white moderate selfishness in the general election leading to a massive Democratic defeat.

What we don’t want is four more years of Trump. That is the concern of most black people I’ve spoken with.

And you can point to polling data and young voters, but history and whiteness are undefeated.

But whenever anyone broaches this subject, they are shouted down. So, instead of explaining, . some won’t reveal their true opinions or analysis publicly because they don’t want the hassle or the headache

It’s like a black kid telling his mother she’s wrong

You might be right, but your best bet is to STFU.

Again, I have a certain privilege.

I am not rich or powerful nor will I likely ever be. But I am lucky to (mostly) live personally and professionally outside the white gaze.

But the vitriol of SOME (and it is really just a small minority) of Bernie supporters have managed to silence valid perspectives.

I know ONE person who has met Bernie and doesn’t like him. The REST of those critical voices are trying to make legitimate, if opinionated, points.

When you’re black, being right doesn’t necessarily matter. When a black woman raises her voice, Whiteness interprets it as anger.

All black men knows that our belligerence is threatening.

We know we are disposable

Even when we’re right.

The vitriol WORKS.

There are people who have willfully not waded into the fray and stayed silent. I’m not even saying they are right, nor am I an advocate for civility because I can “motherfucker” with the best of them.

But there is a difference between arguing & trolling. I don’t mind arguing.

But when it gets toxic and abusive to the point of people shutting down and shouting down opposing voices, you’ll end up regretting it.

Or...having to admit, in retrospect, that black folk were right this whole motherfucking this time

Yeah, we are undefeated, too.