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Americans must wake up from their complacency to realize strategic reform can only develop through persistent and calculated attempts at dismantling this system of political and social oppression.
The Black Panthers, Brown Berets, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Commitee and Southern Christian Leadership Conference look down upon us in shame. Believe it or not, these groups worked together in a cohesive effort to fight for the Civil Rights Movement.
They were deliberate and cautious when protesting to ensure their effort would count. By playing a deadly game of chess, voices were heard and a movement spread across the country.
Violent or not, everything was intentionally planned by multiple people. Where, when, who, why and how, each carefully thought out to guarantee their notion was clear, concise and not misunderstood.
Lives were lost, but individuals within the movement knew it was for the greater good and chose to fight, knowing they might not get to experience that good.
This country is in the middle of a catastrophe, one threatening to turn back the clock on decades of progress for civil rights, and the only widespread effort Americans have been able organize is boycotting Target or Starbucks.
Protest groups today exert energy into attempting change, but their endeavors lack the necessary research for how to achieve their goals, thus making the activism fall flat.
Communist groups trying to reach out to Vietnamese immigrants and pro-choice advocates rallying at city council meetings are examples of naive and poor planning.
Many Vietnamese immigrants escaped the Communist government after the fall of Saigon, so they won’t take kindly to your friendly conversation about Marxism. And city council meetings usually discuss approving budgets and tax rates, not laws. So, if you want a pro-choice rally to mean something, visit your state capitol.
If our argument lacks reasoning, it becomes laughable in the face of the oppressor.
Until a movement with people willing to turn their entire lives upside down can be assembled, nothing significant will happen.
Liking and sharing videos of people suffering won’t raise enough money to fix their situation. We obviously can’t donate money because spring fashion is about to drop from our favorite sweatshop factories.
Our issues only seem relevant when they are trending, and in seconds an important topic is forgotten as breaking news pings everyone’s cell phone.
Glued to the screen, every problem is plastered in front of our faces, and there are too many to keep up with. Logging off is easy when we can play around with new toys and gadgets, feel the rush of a new purchase or go out and eat an overly priced meal with our friends.
Is anyone actually satisfied with their mundane, materialistic and egotistical life? Does the mirror reflect the image of who you are or who you wish you were?
Does boycotting corporations get them to notice the minute-long video of some girl with her fist in the air saying, “this is for black lives and DEI.” Probably not. In fact, I’m sure their sales will be good again once more people need to purchase toilet paper, because Target is better than Amazon, right?
If I were able to purchase toilet paper from a small business not labeled vintage or handmade with a $40 price tag, I would be more satisfied by the “grassroots” efforts.
No fight has ever been trouble-free, and being complacent and silent is easier than choosing to change one’s daily routine, talk to the reporter, read the truth and act out against the ones in power.
I almost feel like giving up because everyone wants to live, laugh and love, but I can’t foresee a future where that will be possible for us.
Instead of achieving something great to post to your timeline or boast about at the bar, make one difference in your life each day to act out in rebellion against the oppressor.
While a simple life is the current American dream, we come from a long line of fighters, and I won’t allow myself to fall into the trap laid out for us. I suggest you try not to either.