#BlackLivesMatter More Than the Hurt Feelings of White Progressives™

[MrScorpio]

129. Ms. Gandy was pitch perfect throughout the entire piece...

She laid out a comprehensive, step-by-step analysis of the issue, including documented links which imparted concrete validity to every single thing she outlined. That's the consensus of members of this group, be they POC or Non-POC.

From the beginning, going back to the first moment that Democrats were challenged on their positions, or lack of positions and policy proposals needed to abolish white supremacy in this country, as a strategy to save black lives, it was crystal clear that both Sanders and O'Malley were both ill-prepared and some-what unwilling to address the black women who had confronted them at that moment.

Well, neither of them are perfect, thus it was established that both candidates and campaigns had plenty of room for improvement. That's not a problem for either party, it's just the way it is. Some may not have liked the way in which these black women employed their own tactics, however, anyone coming from a position of privilege has absolutely no right whatsoever to criticize how and when those in disadvantaged positions choose to seek their own liberation.

If anything, the virulently negative reaction of Sanders' mostly white supporters was indicative of the fact that they regarded the BLM protesters' concerns, not from those of black people calling out for justice and an end to having our blood spilled in the streets at the hands of mostly white police, but rather than from their own white racial experiences and perspectives. Simply because such a concern would weigh more heavier and elicit more of a sense urgency with black people than it would with mostly white liberal crowds, right? Of course! Those black women are not living within a cocoon of white normality, free to only dabble in addressing racial injustice at will and they have no obligation whatsoever to protect it. Their reality is one in which black lives are snuffed out every single day. For them, the name of Sandra Bland has special meaning… And that's not the only name indeed.

It was also quite clear that those mostly white liberal crowds were incensed that the very subject of racial injustice was brought up at all. And of course, with that sort of crowd, a hostile reaction should have been expected. After all, we all live within a society defined by and for the benefit of white supremacy, it's always been that way. Under such a system, discussions about racial injustice are normally regarded as taboo subjects.

In your mention of "sides," each with their own group dynamics, on one side, it should be noted that we had a small group of passionate and intelligent black women advocating for an end to racial injustice on one end and on the other, (those who were screaming invectives at these women), we had people who'd rather do what they can to protect their own sense of privilege and entitlement rather than listen what was said to them. The first and foremost concern of those black women was not that of protecting the feelings of the mostly white liberals screaming at them, demanding that they be tased, as what happened in Seattle. Their main concern was that of black lives.

Most whites in this country, unfortunately, are woefully illiterate in terms of discussing race. These aren't my words, they're those of a white woman who has taken the time and effort to explain why that's the case. http://www.salon.com/2015/04/10/white_americas_racial_illiteracy_why_our_national_conversation_is_poisoned_from_the_start_partner/

White supremacy in this country is the responsibility of its white beneficiaries. A small group of passionate, intelligent and defiant black women can make demands, even on the most liberal candidate of the bunch, but it will not end white supremacy and privilege, and even if this candidate is offered up as the most ideal by his or her fervent supporters. But the most important point is, in spite of the inability of these black women to abolish white supremacy and regardless of all of the hostility heaped upon them by such a candidate's supporters, we are now discussing this very matter. Sanders, at the behest of those black women, and in spite of his own supporters, has taken steps to make his own campaign address the issue.

All-in-all, the tactics were both worthwhile and effective for all involved. The party has been urged to do something about systemic white supremacy, which has cost so many black lives in this country, now they will be expected to do more than to offer lip service. It's about time that issues surrounding racial injustice finally become centered around POC of color. No amount of invective from angry crowds of white liberals or even conservatives will force these issues back into insignificance. If we had only listened to the candidate supporters and had repressed the voices of black women calling out the names of those lost to racial injustice, we most certainly would not have imparted as much importance and urgency onto the matter as we have now.

The candidates and the party have made a proper correction, bending towards justice. It's about time that their most loyal and active supporters do the exact same.