On non-violence: I sat in a session on state violence (focused mostly on #Ferguson & #Ayotzinapa) at a recent conference. Inevitably, the question of resistance and violence arose. Of course, some well-intentioned progressive white allies were quick to tell the colored majority in the room that the best way to respond to violence and genocide is by challenging the stereotypes of violence and savagery imposed on our communities by, well them. One sister agreed and said we should also separate ourselves from the more problematic ones in our community by not looking too urban. She suggested we dress more professional or that we all wear a green scarf or something, so that law enforcement knows not to shoot and beat us. Someone reminded her that walking straight, wearing a suit, and hiding your thick hair does not protect one from bullets aimed at an entire community, nor does it guarantee justice and freedom. And so the dialogue went on with loud sighs, heavy eye rolls, wide-eyed head shaking and a general consensus that violence is not an ideal means of resistance. Still, despite the eventual powerful rhetoric of resistance and the beutiful call to peaceful and loving action, one thing remained clear: we were still angry, and mostly, we were afraid. One sister ate her fear and reminded us that it is okay to be angry. We deserve that anger and we must own it, but it doesnt necessarily need to be manifested in acts of violence. Another sister agreed, but added: non-violence is only effective when the threat of violence is also real. I share this experience, not as a call to violence, but as a reminder that being constantly faced with injustice, hate, and violence will break even the strongest and purest of peaceful and loving individuals. MLK has a legacy of non-violence, but we must not undermine the fight for liberation by pretending it has all been bubble gum and lemon drops. MLK was a radical, though revisionists have tamed him. Those revisionist have also managed to erase Huey and Assata and Leanord and Reyes from the narrative of civil rights, but we must remember and keep them alive. And most importantly, remember that when a society relies on keeping you oppressed, when society cannot function unless you are poor, addicted, or dead, then every action and every breath you take is an act of violence. #KeepBreathing #KeepFighting #KeepLiving #Resist #BlackLivesMatter #VivaLaCausa
Posted on: Mon, 19 Jan 2015 21:49:20 +0000
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