General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Suppose a group has declared a "safe space" on public property or a place of public accommodation [View all]loyalsister
(13,390 posts)At MU, for example there were plenty of white allies who helped and participated in the protests. Allyship was not something white people could come in and claim, though. Allies are identified as people who are committed to opposing racism and supporting the goals of the people who protested on their own behalf. White people and other people of color were not banned. The protesters did seek safety in not allowing people who are not committed to their cause to impose themselves and their will on them.
They wanted to use public space to plan and grieve together without someone coming in and calling them bigots because, how dare they not want to have someone intrude on their discussion, dispute their grievances, then tell them that they are oppressing poor white people.
Just as it would not be unreasonable to prevent someone from attending the birthday party for an individual who they do not have a reputation of supporting when they have been in pain or talked about things that trouble them, it is not unreasonable to ask that someone who antagonizes people by doubting their painful life experiences not impose themselves on a group who wants to discuss and consider action regarding those doubted experiences.