General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Marissa Johnson: a generation of activists who believe in disruption [View all]F4lconF16
(3,747 posts)They have people like Aaron Dixon (old head of the Seattle Black Panthers) behind them, specifically advocating for non-violence, and are well aware that violence will get their movement crushed, in a violent manner. Like Dixon has said, the power these days is in information and communication, not in violent resistance. That's not a viable option. Many of them are students of history--extremism is not where they are going. They've been speaking about non-violent resistance and community building at event after event. I would know, since I've actually talked with and heard from the people who disrupted Sander's event.
They are the ones catalyzing a new movement. Like I said below, BLM can't afford for people not to hear them. Making people hear them rather than ignore them is the first priority and the most challenging one. White America is incredibly good right now at being willfully ignorant of the incredible damage "colorblind" systems have been doing to Black communities. Only when their attention has been caught can BLM really begin to explain what needs to change.
I would sincerely ask you give them (us, as I'm one of these disruptive youths) a chance. We're not going to be perfect--I don't know whether the physical confrontation with Sanders was intended, or a heat of the moment thing. But we need to be listened to. We might lose a few to extremism along the way, but I can tell you this much: most of us deeply care about our communities. The leaders of the Seattle BLM movement that I have met are among the most intelligent, caring, and tough people I have met. They're going to fight this fight with or without the rest of us. I'm choosing to head along with them, and I personally think they're doing it the right way.