A Response to UC Berkeley lynching effigies: Apparently, the persons responsible are claiming that they are allies - who were trying to support the #BlackLivesMatter movement. If that is true - if they are a cadre of allies - this is a perfect example of FAILED ALLYSHIP. Allies do not revert back to privileged stances of ownership of Black pain when guilt sets in. When understandable feelings of guilt arise, Authentic Allies - do not rush headlong with whatever notion pops into their head - no matter how well intentioned. Here we see Exhibit A: who actually thought that this would be a step forward for the #BlackLivesMatter movement...? Did they consult with the Black Student Organization -whose efforts have been applauded by human rights activists and leaders. This nightmarish, Halloween-esque, morbidly traumatic trigger is misguided at best; Mindlessly vile at worst. Lynchings and violent crimes against Black and Brown people continue to this day. Black and Brown folks and our Authentic Allies are clear about that. We experience/witness it without blinders. So; are privileged or disillusioned white people the intended audience? We need not all be abused to offer them an education. In fact, WE must not. I doubt that this sad bit of marketing works longterm as a catalyst for change within a white privilege system, anyhow. It blatantly re-injures Black folks in order to make a point about how bad it is to devalue Black life. Authentic Allies know that Black folks - are the experts on the black experience of oppression. To think that you know what is best and to act upon your limited understanding can lead to the further oppression of black people. Simply by knowing that you can and then assuming that you SHOULD hold a leadership/ownership/authorship position in this movement to honor human rights of Black and Brown skinned people is once again reinforcing the white skin privilege power dynamic. If you want to truly help in this human rights movement to bring about much needed equity - support black leadership - do not create space and then point out that you did. Black and Brown folks have been doing this liberation and human rights work for generations. ALLIES: PLEASE, PLEASE Rather than creating I did this in support of #BlackLivesMatter events, petitions, etc. - be an Authentic Ally and Support Black businesses and organizations that are and always have been creating/promoting social justice. There are numerous #BlackLivesMatter events, petitions, gatherings, marches, etc. that Black and Brown folks have been welcoming Allies to participate in. Ask. Google it. Go to #BlackLivesMatter (blacklivesmatter.tumblr) Rather than creating events (unless they are specifically for Authentic Allies) - come and listen - patience is vital - oppressed folks are among the most patient people on the planet. It is a skill that Allies must have as well. Be comfortable with being behind the scenes - with not having your name (ownership) emblazoned on efforts to support Black people. If you truly are co-creating from a space of equilibrium - then you know that this compensation of power is necessary to balance the scales of injustice. #ALLYfail —Quote from Kin Folkz
Posted on: Sun, 14 Dec 2014 19:13:09 +0000
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