Great read, Jalen! I want to echo your sentiment by highlighting one of the frustrating forms of performative activism you noted: story reposts.
I go through story after story after story of people sharing posts that are meant to 'educate' or 'inform' their followers, but I often find myself asking if the person reposting it ACTUALLY took the time to go beyond the headline and look into the actual evidence and information they praise for being so enlightening. This has led me to be more cognizant of what I share. I refuse to repost a post simply because I want people to think I am educating myself. If I did NOT go through the post or article referenced in the post, then I will NOT share it.
Activism isn't just trying to educate and empower others. It's educating and empowering yourself first and foremost.
"Educate yourself, before you pretend you have the capacity to educate others. Masquerading otherwise would mean the commodification of Black politics and activism, divorcing it from the true gravity that it should be given in order to mobilize all of our communities toward liberation." So powerful! Thank you for a wonderful article that I am sure will help more people understand and begin to speak about this issue.
Such an important topic, a much needed piece to spark conversation! So impressed with this, Jalen ☺️
Great read, Jalen! I want to echo your sentiment by highlighting one of the frustrating forms of performative activism you noted: story reposts.
I go through story after story after story of people sharing posts that are meant to 'educate' or 'inform' their followers, but I often find myself asking if the person reposting it ACTUALLY took the time to go beyond the headline and look into the actual evidence and information they praise for being so enlightening. This has led me to be more cognizant of what I share. I refuse to repost a post simply because I want people to think I am educating myself. If I did NOT go through the post or article referenced in the post, then I will NOT share it.
Activism isn't just trying to educate and empower others. It's educating and empowering yourself first and foremost.
"Educate yourself, before you pretend you have the capacity to educate others. Masquerading otherwise would mean the commodification of Black politics and activism, divorcing it from the true gravity that it should be given in order to mobilize all of our communities toward liberation." So powerful! Thank you for a wonderful article that I am sure will help more people understand and begin to speak about this issue.
really great article about a very relevant topic!!
love this article! :)
absolutely love this article! wonderful job :)