General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: The chilling effect of misogynistic trolls [View all]malthaussen
(17,202 posts)Many moderates of good will argued that blacks should be less militant, should try not to offend, should in essence "suck it up and keep your eyes on the prize." Their views were rejected as contributing to the problem, rather than serving as a solution. This is something one sees in most stuggles of oppressed people, in fact. There is always conflict between the people on the barricades, and those in the background lending support. There is nothing wrong with worrying about tactics or strategy, these are useful questions to address. I do think, however, that the history of racial struggles in this country demonstrates that vocal and nonviolent protest, and confrontation of oppression whenever seen, contribute more to the end (still not in sight, alas) than does acceptance and trying to make the message more palatable to the opposition. And really, when one tells the people on the barricades that their tactics are inadequate, he should not expect to be heard with much sympathy.
It is quite possible to support a cause and fail, for one reason or another, to be supportive of the people fighting for that cause. Now I ask you, if the purpose is to be supportive of persons fighting for a cause, and yet those persons do not feel supported by one's actions or statements, who should be thinking about revising his tactics? Is the purpose to advance the struggle, or earn a gold star for being a nice guy?
-- Mal