Last week, I declared that Fridays would be discussion days. I’d post a hypothetical question and demand that you, my lovely reader, take a side and justify it.
Today will be different. I’d like to keep my focus on the BlackLivesMatter movement and its associated protests for the justice of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, James Scurlock, David Mcatee, Ahmaud Arbery, and the hundreds of other Black people. So, with that said, this will be more of a discussion than a hypothetical.
I’m sure many of you have been bombarded with news updates, police brutality videos, opinion articles, podcasts, new music, etc. I’ve been researching ways to stay connected to the Black Lives Matter movement beyond these protests to keep it alive. Some ideas have circulated my friends groups, but I could use new perspective.
How are you planning to stay connected to the movement? How are you organizing with friends? What are some things the movement needs that are missing? Discuss! I will share any useful info or resources that you post here with those that need it.
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I want to hear your unshackled thoughts! Your honest opinions! Your secret judgments! Your relatable experiences! Your unapologetic B.S.!
First of all- today is Breonna Taylor's birthday. She would have been 27. She deserves justice. This is a list of action items for her: https://msha.ke/30flirtyfilm/
Activism fatigue is real. As a queer Non-Black therapist of color, I am walking between spaces of privilege and my lack of it. I cannot look away from the movement to make myself feel better, not when there are Black folks who don't have that luxury. I also can't burn out while the movement is popular- I have to be in it for the long haul to keep the pressure on after the protests have lost popular traction. They will. They always do. Therefore, I have to pay attention to my modes of activism and vary them to prevent fatigue. On days when conversations about BLM with relatives or supervisors is difficult, I find petitions to sign or funds to donate to. When I am forced to "focus on work" by the capitalistic framework of academia, it feels like a radical act to even bring up the harsh realities of the outside world in emails or Zoom meetings. If I need a moment of compassion or rest in a day, I reflect that outward by checking on other friends and vocal activists I've seen on social media- we can keep each other going.
Keep the pressure on, vary your activism, minimize virtue signaling, and consider your balance of privilege. Thanks for creating a space for this discussion, Chuckry!
Thank you Sonalee! I agree, I've also noticed in myself the need to "take a breath" every once in a while. It's important to maintain mental health, and I think the way to do that is as you said--varying your actions to to prevent fatigue.
Couple other thoughts I had were to schedule actions a few days in advance (making phone calls, soliciting donations, etc.) to avoid feeling overloaded in the moment. Also, I have a feeling a lot of people want to help but don't know how (maybe they're not on social media or don't really "get" the picture of what's happening), so I think maybe asking other Non-Black friends and acquaintances to chip in, take initiative, and donate would take some load off and grow the community.
First of all- today is Breonna Taylor's birthday. She would have been 27. She deserves justice. This is a list of action items for her: https://msha.ke/30flirtyfilm/
Activism fatigue is real. As a queer Non-Black therapist of color, I am walking between spaces of privilege and my lack of it. I cannot look away from the movement to make myself feel better, not when there are Black folks who don't have that luxury. I also can't burn out while the movement is popular- I have to be in it for the long haul to keep the pressure on after the protests have lost popular traction. They will. They always do. Therefore, I have to pay attention to my modes of activism and vary them to prevent fatigue. On days when conversations about BLM with relatives or supervisors is difficult, I find petitions to sign or funds to donate to. When I am forced to "focus on work" by the capitalistic framework of academia, it feels like a radical act to even bring up the harsh realities of the outside world in emails or Zoom meetings. If I need a moment of compassion or rest in a day, I reflect that outward by checking on other friends and vocal activists I've seen on social media- we can keep each other going.
Keep the pressure on, vary your activism, minimize virtue signaling, and consider your balance of privilege. Thanks for creating a space for this discussion, Chuckry!
Thank you Sonalee! I agree, I've also noticed in myself the need to "take a breath" every once in a while. It's important to maintain mental health, and I think the way to do that is as you said--varying your actions to to prevent fatigue.
Couple other thoughts I had were to schedule actions a few days in advance (making phone calls, soliciting donations, etc.) to avoid feeling overloaded in the moment. Also, I have a feeling a lot of people want to help but don't know how (maybe they're not on social media or don't really "get" the picture of what's happening), so I think maybe asking other Non-Black friends and acquaintances to chip in, take initiative, and donate would take some load off and grow the community.