The Dismissal Of The Womens March And #BLM Shows Why Theyre Needed

[sheshe2]

Mere days have passed since the historic global Women’s March, and one of the topics buzzing around social media is the discontent some non-participants felt about the event. One view is that the march was unnecessary because women have all the rights we need and the only thing stopping us is ourselves. While not surprising, this attitude reminds me of the discomfort some African Americans feel about #BlackLivesMatter. In both cases, these minority opinions make it easier for men and White people to dismiss such movements for social change. In both cases, here’s the question that gets to the heart of the matter:


If the only thing stopping women is ourselves, why do you think nearly 5 million women took to the streets to support women’s rights? If African Americans already enjoy equal treatment and opportunity, why do you think #BlackLivesMatter exists?


snip//


The belief that participants in social movements are complainers, blamers or schemers uncovers the very bigotry and misogyny that makes those movements necessary, because it assumes inferiority. It assumes weakness of character – that those speaking out are too lazy to pull themselves out of their own (self-created) situation. It assumes inability – that those speaking out haven’t explored other means of addressing their problems, or are incapable of using those means. It assumes poor mental health – that those speaking out are pathological liars, or imagining experiences that aren’t real. The belief that women or people of color as a group are lazy, irresponsible, weak, incapable, crazy or dishonest – in other words, inferior – is the very definition of misogyny and bigotry.

The belief that participants in social movements are complainers, blamers or schemers points directly to the problem because it spotlights the power imbalance these movements aim to correct. First, addressing complainers with an attitude of “you’ve already been given so much, and you want more?!” reveals a paternalistic relationship where one person with power gifts it to someone with less. It’s an historical fact that men and Whites as a group have long been in the exclusive position to do just that (or not), with harmful effects. This power imbalance and its ill effects are the problem, since there’s nothing inherent in being male or White that merits them holding more power than others. Viewing those with less societal power as ungrateful “complainers” assumes they were undeserving inferiors who received an unearned gift, instead of their god-given rights to full humanity.

Read More: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/dismissal-of-the-womens-march-and-blm-uncovers-why_us_588a8578e4b0020b224b4348?fiaqdw9b47ulyp66r&

____________________________________________


This is an excellent article, a must read.

[Squinch]

1. From now on, if there's a march, I'm going to be at it. I hope the April 15 "show us your taxes

so we can see exactly how corrupt your conflicts of interest are" and the Science marches are just as well attended as the Women's march.

The Women's march terrified them. Let's be their worst nightmare as often as we possibly can be.

[sheshe2]

2. If there are local marches...

I will be at them as well. Sadly I can't afford to get to Washington at this time.

However, Squinch... we won't sit down and shut up on any of the issues.

[Squinch]

3. Nope. And it isn't up to them what they "give" us. It's up to us what we claim of what is

rightfully already our own.

I live in NY, so the NYC protests are doable for me. So far I think the Science and the April 15 have NYC events.

My sister said recently, "I don't care if I'm going from the living room to the bathroom. From now on, wherever I go, I'm marching."
And she was formerly apolitical.

[sheshe2]

7. It is Boston for me...

I am sure they will be holding more.

Yup, my sister was the apolitical...no more.

[NastyRiffraff]

11. There have been protests all over the country

even the world. Even in small towns. Both the Women's March and the current protests at various airports about the Muslim ban had international participation. I live near DC, but I'm VERY glad to see that. We need as much participation as possible!

[sheshe2]

13. I was glad to see those protests at the airports.

React...Resist

[ffr]

4. The WMoW had that spontaneous feel to it

Where you saw your neighbors heading out with their signs, so you too went out in support of their cause.

These are good, deep thinking people. They don't want their rights trampled on and they know right from wrong. tRump has everything about it that feels wrong, unjust, and illegitimate. Those are values that will bring me out in protest every time.

Expect our collective roar to only grow.

[sheshe2]

15. Yes there was a spontaneous feel.

In Boston 105K signed up yet 175K showed up!

[brer cat]

5. This needs a thousand recs.

Viewing those with less societal power as ungrateful “complainers” assumes they were undeserving inferiors who received an unearned gift, instead of their god-given rights to full humanity.

[sheshe2]

6. That line spoke to me.

Thanks for hi-lighting it, brer.

It is a powerful read.

[sheshe2]

8. Sunk

[smirkymonkey]

14. This!

[NurseJackie]

9. It was a roller-coaster of emotions those two days ...

... from the most despondent I can remember being in a very long time, to the most HOPEFUL and so VERY PROUD and TREMENDOUSLY THANKFUL for all those who protested in DC ... around the nation ... and around the world.

Not everyone gets it ... but they're starting to.

Keep talking. Keep yelling.

They'll get it.

[sheshe2]

22. Keep talking. Keep yelling.

[brer cat]

10. kick

[NastyRiffraff]

12. K&R

That article is indeed a must read. Thanks sheshe

[sheshe2]

17. You are welcome.

I agree it should be a must read...thanks for the extra kick.

[smirkymonkey]

16. K&R and Bookmarked!

For later reading. Thanks Sheshe!

[sheshe2]

18. Thanks smirkmonkey.

[MADem]

19. That march will go down in history as a turning point. Mark my words.

That was a sea change.

Anyone trying to "dismiss" or denigrate it is pissing (how appropriate in this Trumpian era) into the wind.

Wear those hats with pride--someone needs to start working on a spring/summer style!

[sheshe2]

20. +1000

For all you said, MADem.

I was at the one in Boston. It was a thing of beauty.

[NurseJackie]

23. Totally agree ...

[TexasTowelie]

21. K&R. nt

[peggysue2]

24. The DC March

I was in Washington for the Million Women's March and trust me there was nothing dismissing, dismissive or dismissed about it. For me, it was an exhilarating and profoundly emotional experience. Though I've since read that mass protests will be ineffective against Trump and his cabal, there's clear evidence that Donald Trump was rattled by the sheer size of the March in contrast to his puny inaugural turnout. Btw, I was in DC on Friday, day of the inauguration, so I saw the differential with my own eyeballs. Sidewalk vendors complained miserably because they could not unload their loathsome Trump merchandise.

Boo-hoo! They should have stocked up on pink pussy hats.

Now, we have massive protests at national airports, Federal judges invoking stays on Trump's thoughtless immigration ban and despite what KellyAnne Conway might say the Trumpettes are trying to blame President Obama for the gigantic misstep.

So, for those who say protest doesn't work, I say keep it up but don't lose track of what's going on in the background. For instance, the National Security Council shakeup and the strong-arming of Bannon's inclusion on the council. Disturbing would be an understatement.

As a personal anecdote: while traveling back from DC to Philly, we stopped at the Maryland House on 95. Every time a group of pink pussy cats came into the rest stop, there was a wild roar, and then thunderous applause.

Something to be dismissed?? I don't think so. It was magnificent.