Back to two articles ago where I briefly and cynically touched on self-centred activism.
We do tend to advocate for our own image. However, I know that isn’t always the case. Many are inspired by the struggles of close friends and family to take on social justice issues that they are not personally affected by. Although, in my opinion we are all affected by every single issue, whether it is of race, sexuality, gender, ability, etc. But, this isn’t a point I want to expand on in this piece.
Anyway… is fighting for one’s image self-centred… in a culture where altruism is a value to aspire to… yet, capitalism and concern for one’s social position is actually in direct opposition to this ideal?
Is that even a fair question to ask within an oppressive system? I mean, in fighting for yourself, aren’t you fighting for the cause?
Is there really such a thing as altruism? Even if you’re not expecting anything tangible in return, what about the non-tangibles? The recognition, social status (as an activist), being able to look at yourself in the mirror and like who you see (personal integrity), public perception? I want to meet the person who expects absolutely nothing in return. Just like I want to meet an artist who truly doesn’t care about others’ opinions of their work, despite creating for the love of art.
I want to take the time to vent a little bit about lateral violence, which happens everywhere, and most disappointingly, within activist circles.
Lateral violence is emotional, physical, mental abuse against a member of one’s own social group (race, gender, sexuality, etc.). Crabs in a Barrel is pretty much the equivalent term. I will begin with a socio-economic example of this.
Lateral violence is when you’ve developed a bond with someone out of a common perpetually single and broke depression. Then, when you finally seem to be on the right track towards improving your life (by finding the highest paying job yet), instead of getting a congratulations, you get a “fuck you”.
Lateral violence is being the most consistently productive, self-sufficient employee at your job and being met with feet dragging when you finally ask for a reference, to the point of having to resort to asking someone else. This is after you’ve explained your goals and aspirations to your black manager. But since this is a job connected to your livelihood, you don’t want to call it out, because exposing this violence will inevitably spoil your “fun” work environment.
Of course, when few spaces are available (real or perceived), it is natural to fight to the death for the few that do exist.
Can lateral violence be solved living under oppressive systems?
Next.