(a discussion prompted by) Problems with the Tumblr Social Justice Culture
It seems unlikely that anyone is actually trying to claim that anger is an effective way to get people to listen and understand.
Expressions of anger are acceptable in social justice circles because marginalized people are justified in any rage they might feel against the majority culture oppressing them. It is their due for being silenced everywhere else online and offline.
If you want to be a good ally, you have to be willing to set aside your lesser hurt feelings and guilt at their anger and pain and listen to what marginalized people are saying.
True. But for people who are raised in sheltered, homogeneous environments, this isn’t something that comes naturally. If you want to help your cause most effectively, you tailor the speech to the audience. A random stranger on the street/ your dash isn’t going to understand the source of your rage without context, and a few bad experiences aren’t going to make them inclined to seek it out and come to a higher understanding.
Is rage justified for a marginalized person? Yes.
Is patience necessary? Yes.
Are both possible? Yes.
Do people forget that? Yes. And unfortunately, that is the point that is often forgotten on both sides and is often poorly articulated.
I wasn’t going to reblog any of this fuckin’ mess because OH GOD EVERYWHERE and a lot of it diverges too far from my views for a tacit endorsement anyway.
…But then this conversation, right here. I can only hope more people see it.
