General Discussion

SoonerPride

(12,286 posts)

1. I have a severe issue with people trying to tell black activists which words are acceptable

Wed Jun 10, 2020, 11:11 AM

Jun 2020

There is a long history of whites (well meaning, perhaps) telling black activists "I support you BUT this language bothers ME" or "I support you BUT this action (such as kneeling) is problematic and you should try something else."

The constant paternalism of what is and isn't acceptable messaging almost always comes from white allies. What makes them uncomfortable is a bridge too far.

Well maybe that is the point. DEFUND is a provocative word. Maybe it should be dealt with on its face.

And maybe, just maybe, a movement born from and marshaled by black activists on the ground shouldn't be massaged into what makes whites comfortable and what they find palatable.

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"Defund" - such a poor choice, right? [View all] qwlauren35 Jun 2020 OP

I have a severe issue with people trying to tell black activists which words are acceptable SoonerPride Jun 2020 #1

I have heard so many reasons. qwlauren35 Jun 2020 #5

Exactly. Thank you. SoonerPride Jun 2020 #7

One Group RobinA Jun 2020 #25

The problem with "defund" is that it is a reactive term. Tommy_Carcetti Jun 2020 #2

"Rethink Police Budgets"? maxsolomon Jun 2020 #17

Not saying it has to be "rethink" Tommy_Carcetti Jun 2020 #20

It is accurate, but feels milquetoast. maxsolomon Jun 2020 #28

Yes It Does Suggest A Solution RobinA Jun 2020 #27

Well its better than "defend the police" but thats about it. milestogo Jun 2020 #3

So far "defund" has had to be explained to everyone. And if you're explaining, you're losing. Gidney N Cloyd Jun 2020 #4

Nothing is ever good enough. SoonerPride Jun 2020 #6

But if you spend too much time getting defensive about your messaging... Tommy_Carcetti Jun 2020 #9

Maybe if people would focus on the issue at hand instead of attacking word choices... SoonerPride Jun 2020 #10

Okay, I see we have a chicken and the egg thing going on here. Tommy_Carcetti Jun 2020 #15

Choosing the most effective words helps with that focus. Gidney N Cloyd Jun 2020 #16

and once again whites come to the rescue to tell blacks what messages are palatable to THEM. SoonerPride Jun 2020 #19

You again? I'm black and I think "defund the police" is the stupidest... brush Jun 2020 #29

I'm with Rep Clyburn on this one -- reform. PunkinPi Jun 2020 #8

Can't agree. qwlauren35 Jun 2020 #11

I agree with you. We have been "reforming" the police since the 60's and nothing has changed. cayugafalls Jun 2020 #21

I'm not saying defunding wouldn't occur within reform. PunkinPi Jun 2020 #26

+1 Gidney N Cloyd Jun 2020 #12

Why not "define and defend" the definition? cayugafalls Jun 2020 #13

"Defund the Police" is as poor a slogan as "Democratic Socialism" brooklynite Jun 2020 #14

Agreed 100%. It's red meat for trump to feed to voters... brush Jun 2020 #31

I'm thinking "Disband". rgbecker Jun 2020 #18

I like "abolish," myself -- I learned about police abolition from black women, and I follow their WhiskeyGrinder Jun 2020 #22

I am white and it's not my call Maeve Jun 2020 #23

You Have No Stake RobinA Jun 2020 #30

Of course I have a stake--that's not what I said Maeve Jun 2020 #37

It's a fine line between stupid and clever. Sneederbunk Jun 2020 #24

The response to this thread answers the question itself. Tommy_Carcetti Jun 2020 #32

Um... qwlauren35 Jun 2020 #33

I don't think the word "defund" is a black or white term. Tommy_Carcetti Jun 2020 #34

Too many differering interpretations to be effective Zambero Jun 2020 #35

"Defund the police" is a Russian bot wedge used across platforms right now; so yeah, wrong choice. ancianita Jun 2020 #36

I think that the fact that support hangs on a "Slogan" is sad. Caliman73 Jun 2020 #38