I'm supposed to write something this morning so I don't wanna waste my morning burst...
... but lemme get these lil' tweets off real quick. Just a warm up.
Staying safe and not transmitting COVID - i.e., flattening the curve - does not mean that protest activity needs to end.
It does mean that tactics need to change and networks need to be hardened. Indeed, habits need to be formed and actions need to be focused.
Gotta smarten up.
The instinct to focus on mutual aid during the winter, I think, is both natural and logical. The climate is harsh, and chances to do not just good but better by the people most vulnerable to the environment are plentiful.
The potential to collect blessings is overwhelming.
Actions in the street can still occur, but accessibility becomes an issue as temps drop & pathogens (not JUST The Rona) rage.
DAs should have a specific point. If you need a crowd to make your point, consider why you need a crowd to make your point.
T A C T I C S
Marches, rallies, riots... all tactics. The point is communication. The motivation includes urgent concerns going unheard.
Is there another way to communicate to the decision makers?
Are we forcing ourselves into a tunnel and ignoring other forms of protest?
Are we suffering from adrenaline withdrawals? Are we addicted to the smell of tear gas? Are we vengeful for specific police officers in addition to despising all of them? Are we in love with seeing each other night after night in solidarity?
YES.
But sit with it for a minute.
Following our banal instincts will not free us from these clever shackles. We need to explore in the uncomfortable. Understand that doing what makes you feel good from moment to fleeting moment is not a solution to oppression.
This work is hard.
Have you talked to your job about anti- racism yet? Have you followed up?
Are you engaging with your bloc(s) and ramping up on project planning and execution?
Have you contacted a lawyer about suing the City, State, PPB or a chud?
Are you writing your local government?
Are you supporting Black businesses?
Are you donating white wealth?
Are you "coming out of the closet" to your peers as an anti-racist? (ANTIRA?)
Are you hiring trans people?
Are you speaking to your faith community about acceptance?
Oh there's work out here, for sure.
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Why is it celebrated?
Why is it allowed?
How does it advance white supremacy?
The answer to both the first and second is the third, so let's mostly talk about that one.
But first...
If you're not sure what I mean when I talk about "white violence", please plug the phrase into your Google box and that will render you better results than hopping into my mentions with questions.
If you need evidence this exists, there are centuries of examples.
I want to talk about "Black Lives Matter" and the evolution of its meaning within various subgroups, but I have not had my coffee yet.
OK...
I have come to hold the opinion that the term "Black Lives Matter" has become as dangerous as it is useful, mainly because it has been coopted by the very folks - Black & white - who ostracized the organization for both valid and invalid reasons.
Perpetrating frauds.
On its face, BLM makes perfect sense, it's a more passive way to say "Black Power". Its genius in protest terms is the statement's uncanny ability to draw racists into open debate, where bigotry always loses (because we matter).
Well dressed white lady at the BLM Ribs stand was talking to folks about the raid on the homeless camps earlier, so I got in and asked a few questions, specifically why she felt she had the authority to remove the encampment.
She repeated multiple times that "it's about peace", and claimed that the houseless were doing drugs and leaving needles around. She also claimed that they had thrown molotovs the prior night, a point which was contested by people in the crowd.
I asked if the rib spot was a charity. She said it's not, but says they feed the houseless (?).
Someone suggested that the issue between the camps was personal; she said that it might be, but repeated that it's about peace.
One thing I love doing at work is making people admit that they don't know how to do something, and then forcing them (thru awkward silence and faux aloofness) to ask for help...
... only to tell them that I don't know either and to ask someone else.
And I'm the only Black male at my job so you know which "men" I'm talking about.
For maximum effect, first I like to cut the request of "I need somebody to do X" down with "You don't know how to do X?"
This catches the coworker off-guard and creates unnecessary defensiveness.
Once the coworker is properly perked, verify that they have all the tools required to do the work themself, then force them to self identify their lack of training as the issue.
I call this "stewing" because this is where you really get the flavor. Best if others are watching.
Took my dog in to treat an ear infection and she ended up getting surgery and a biopsy.
$1,000+ later... I'll be at the crib doing post-op care for a few days.
I think it's important to keep in mind that many of the people we see out doing the work in this revolution of sorts (protesting, fund raising, housing, organizing) are not "full time activists" and we are out here IN ADDITION to our already busy, difficult and stressful lives.
Not complaining cuz I love my life (couldn't always say that) but I have 4 kids (1 in college), a marriage, an ill dog, parents moving back, a bro being harassed by Vancouver PD, a full time job, and I'm dealing with MULTIPLE income streams being cut off due to COVID.