dear fellow activists and shite disturbers

[jawnbc]

Just so you know, if you're trying to convince others of the need, value, and importance of social justice, launching into the "privilege" discourse (i.e. white, male, heterosexual, etc) is perhaps not the best way to go. Ditto a critique of power.

Instead, try starting with examples of how injustice manifests...and concrete ways in which it can be mitigated. If not eliminated.

Comments

[madknits.livejournal.com]

Nah, that doesn't work either.

I just tell 'em they'll be the first up against the wall in the coming revolution.

And just wait til we really implement our homosexual agenda!

Seriously, I'd be interested in hearing more.

[jawnbc]

As a sort of analogy:

When I explain how HIV risk varies between oral sex and fucking, I don't (usually) discuss Langerhan cells and viral shedding. Instead I talk about how the cells in the vagina or anus (or foreskin if uncircumcized) are easily infected with HIV; those in the mouth aren't.

It's about audience and language. Using counter-hegemonic discourses to explain hegemony to those who are its (usually unconciously) agents, usually causes confusion or acrimony. It might be accurate to tell someone they're a racist--and sometimes appropriate--but oftentimes it's more effective to explain that something said was hurtful and why. Or even simply saying "I don't agree with that at all."

Make any sense?