2016 Postmortem
In reply to the discussion: Bernie Supporters - Please read my post [View all]bravenak
(34,648 posts)I understand you sticking to your principles. I really don't see how the interests that social justice advocates propose conflict or hinder the ability to get at least somewhere near your goals. Nothing at all will be done unless a coalition is built. And in order to get enough people, it cannot be an ideoligically pure bubble where everyone agrees on everything.
It is not a conjob to actively listen and add important issues to your agenda to gain allies. You and I both care extremely about social justice. We are black. It is a given for us that we MUST continue the struggle not only for economic equlity or at least some form of justice, and we know that money will not fix it. It will make the shit easier to swallow but it will not take away that fear; and eating shit is still eating shit, even if you fry it up with onions and potliquor. Why should we have a poorer quality of life just because of our skin color? We should be able to walk proud, defend our rights verbally and have the same level of privilege as our similarly financed white citizens.
Not everyone has the ability to empathize and even think about the differences in quality of life lived. They should. In order to see the issues from our perspective they have to listen more than they lecture. They have to come down in the dirt and leave Marx on their nightstand.
Not everyone is going to love Obama, but I know that when folks badmouth him in a group of black people, they get the side eye and maybe cussed out. I have seen it come to blows. If people are so emotionally invested in that wonderful man, speaking negatively of him is just about the worst thing you can do. I didn't speak to my landlord for a month because he said 'I'm mad at Obama for freeing the Gays!' I'm still not quite over it. He gets so much unfair stupid ass nonsence 'omg look at the muslim no papers having african commie' bullshit that nobody will even listen pass the point where one says 'I'm disappointed in Obama - ', they just won't. Especially church people (my uncle runs a church in Los Angeles), they have oil paintings of Obama right next to Black Jesus and MLKjr, and I know you know that. You have to. You're black. It is unavoidable.
I still suggest trying to say how bernie will build on Obama's accomplishments and avoid things that will turn away potential voters. Most voters do not vote based on rational discourse and a well rounded view and serious knowledge of the political issues of our day. They vote based on how they FEEL. And they feel defensive over him.
Many did not understand the reasons why Bernie has issues with black voters. This was my attemp- my final attempt to bridge the gap and try to bring more positive discussions forth from this gloomy place. I really am very good at understanding people and how they operate on an emotional level. I'm an INFP personality type. Really weird people but good at observation and empathizing. I can convince most people to come my way if I try hard enough to understand what motivates them. I really should work on campaigns. Bernie would aporeciate my opinions I think. You guys should send this to him.