anti-oppression's topics - tribe.net

New Moderator NEEDED

angeladeyohalevi — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 02:05:59 GMT

Hi folks,

I've undergone so much change since starting this group once upon a time. I am unable to keep up with this group and or help it be active and growing. I'm asking for volunteers to take over moderation of this group. Please email me off of tribe at angel at riseup dot net if you're interested.

THANKS!

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

reverse racism

winterbamboo — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 05:36:15 GMT

I'm doing a social work degree and in my indigenous issues class
i brought up reverse racism.

someone argued that racism exists across the board.
Such as Chinese being racist against Blacks,
or even racism within a nation, like in Mexico.
Furthermore, that at white person can experience racism.

I don't agree.

I think that racism is about skin colour, power and privilege, and it's systemic.

I thought I'd put that out there.

winterbamboo

posted in anti-oppression - 4 replies

Stand with Tibet and Support the Dalai Lama Petition

Sebastian — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:06:30 GMT

Hey there my anti-oppression comrades,

If you have not already signed this petition to persuade China's President Hu Jintao to sit down with the Dalai Lama and discuss their freedom as a sovereign state, please do so.

Everyday that this goes on, peaceful protesters are dying, being brutally beaten and imprisoned. So the sooner the Chinese government knows that the rest of the world does not stand for these inhumane injustices, the sooner there is a possibility for change to occur.

http://www.avaaz.org/en/tibet_end_the_violence/

Sign it, cut and paste it, email it, facebook it, do what you need to do to get the message out there please!

Thank you for your attention.

Sebastian

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

hi there..

Nandi — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 00:45:56 GMT

hello! doesn't seem like there's been much activity around here, but i thought i'd introduce myself anyway. also, i wanted to share my blog with you. i started it as part of a group i started working with a couple of months back. the group's goal is to unlearn white conditioning in order to become better allies in anti-oppression efforts.

www.untraining.blogspot.com

posted in anti-oppression - 1 reply

Performance Tonight! Saturday 9/8 Isak Immanuel

one billion faces hold up a sky — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 19:06:15 GMT

Last night of this work:

ILLEGAL ECHO/untitled echo

"To dance a falling line of recall...between memory and no memory, spectator and spectre, citizenship and sanity... right, left, forward, backward a new question everyday"

A multimedia dance theatre work by Isak Immanuel(Floor of Sky Projects) with contributions from Robert L. Terrell(photography), Kanoko Nishi(piano), and Odessa Chen(voice)

This work is apart of
CounterPULSE’s Summer 2007 Artists in Residence and also featurees “To Mifune” by Christy Funsch/Funsch Dance Experience, September 6-8.

Two dance theatre works delving into the terrain of fantasy and forgotten identity, taking the stage to navigate the foreign and the everyday familiar in two cutting edge works.

Please help spread the word. See below for details:

WHEN: Thurs.- Sat. Sept 6-8, 8:00pm
Post-show discussion following Thursday performance

WHERE:
CounterPULSE, San Frasncisco
1310 Mission St (@9th)
PRICE: $12-$20, no one turned away for lack of funds

TICKETS: www.brownpapertickets.com or at the door (just come!)
INFO: (415)435-7552, www.counterpulse.org

````````

ILLEGAL ECHO /untitled echo

Direction and Performance: Isak Immanuel
Including contributions from Robert L. Terrell, Kanoko Nishi, and Odessa Chen

Illegal Echo / untitled echo finds its origin in an excavation of memory, personal and public, and how in this terrain we can find irrepressible connections in the present world of both movement and images. Integrating dance-theater with photojournalism, the work navigates the intersecting landscapes of peripheral identity, transience and the instability of both body and social standing. To dance a falling line of recall. The distances between myth, allusion, and concrete subject, the missing/searching, outsider/insider, and the internal markers to what is one’s said society or place of origin are dually explored through the medium of dance and visual theatre.

The work contains a diverse landscape of sound from the classical to the urban, from noise to silence, featuring vocalist/indy-musician Odessa Chen and classically trained pianist/new music advocate Kanoko Nishi combined with an assemblage of street/field recordings. It will also feature an image to image dialogue with veteran photojournalist Robert L. Terrell.

In part, this new work has been made from the research, distillation, and trace of a two month movement workshop and impromptu writing engaged with local homeless and formerly homeless individuals here in the SF Bay Area. An extension of this work will be exhibited in the lobby gallery space.

Floor of Sky Projects is supported in part by the Zellerbach family fund and is fiscally sponsored by 21 Grand.

``````

To MIFUNE

By Christy Funsch with K808 and Skorpio
Performed by Glenn Curtis, Leonore Deaton, Christy Funsch, Jennifer A. Minore, Phoenicia Pettyjohn, Noel Rokswel, Sarah Sass, and Skorpio

Inspired by the charismatic Japanese actor Toshiro Mifune (1920-1997), To Mifune tells the story of a cowgirl’s (Christy Funsch) journey to meet her samurai idol (Skorpio). The characters for this work are drawn from Mifune’s roles, as well as from roles in acclaimed Japanese film-maker Akira Kurosawa’s Yojimbo, Stray Dog, and The Seven Samurai. Funsch’s work examines how one’s individuality shifts through interactions with others: movement is borrowed, shared, exchanged, and exaggerated among all of the characters. The protagonist’s idea of who she is changes as her context changes, and by the time she meets the person she thought was her idol, she has come to appreciate the perhaps less grand---though certainly not less admirable---heroics of those she has met on her journey.

Hip-hop DJ K808 mixes live original beats with samples from both Kurosawa’s film Yojimbo and country singer Patsy Montana into a living sound score for the work. The result combines multiple voices with a hip-hop sensibility, which Funsch defines as “an assertion of individuality”. Funsch’s idiosyncratic collection of performers for To Mifune exemplifies her fascination with style as a way of linking the personal with the collective. According to Funsch, “When we create a little truth for ourselves, a way we want to be seen, we are usually seeking empathy. The commonality of this impulse connects us, regardless of the diversity of our movement choices.”

To Mifune is supported in part by the Zellerbach family fund, and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
Funsch Dance Experience is a fiscally sponsored project of Dancers’ Group

`````

`````
counterpulse.org
floorofsky.org
funschdaance.org

````

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

Sex in the name of peace, this Friday!!

Le4Life — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 06:25:45 GMT

Global Orgasm is taking place December 22nd!!!!

I'm not sure what this is about other than encouraging everyone to have an orgasm this Friday, but hey any excuse to bust a nut is a good one. This is apparently an effort to bring about world peace. And remember, if you don't have a partner: Masturbation is the safest form of sex, and you're doing it with the one you love the most.

The website wouldn't let me copy and paste any images or even text, so you just have to go read for yourself.
globalorgasm.org/

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

Abort black babies = crime reduction?

Le4Life — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 22:07:53 GMT

This is the equation that was asserted on the air by former Secretary of Education, former director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, and all-around asshole William Bennett. Gotta love those Republicans!!!
http://mediamatters.org/items/200509280006

posted in anti-oppression - 9 replies

interesting letter I got last week...

riotgrrl — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 18:30:30 GMT

OWC - Open World Conference in Defense of Trade Union
Independence & Democratic Rights, c/o S.F. Labor Council,
1188 Franklin St., #203, San Francisco, CA 94109.
Phone: (415) 641-8616 Fax: (415) 440-9297.
-------------------

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

This past Saturday, October 21, the Los Angeles Times and other
international media reported that the 70,000 teachers in Oaxaca had
voted to end their 5-month strike and to accept the settlement
proposed by Mexican Minister of the Interior Carlos Abascal Carranza.
This news report was based on a press release issued the previous
afternoon by Rueda Pacheco, the general secretary of Section 22 of
SNTE, the teachers' union of Oaxaca.

This news report was inaccurate.

On October 21, the day after Rueda Pacheco issued his statement
announcing that the teachers had okayed the pact with the federal
government, the Delegates Assembly of Section 22 -- the union's
highest body -- voted to repudiate their secretary general for
conducting an undemocratic membership consultation. The delegates
also agreed to call for a new membership vote on October 23 and 24 on
whether to end or continue the strike.

Why this confusion?

As you may know, on October 9 and 10, top leaders of Section 22 of
SNTE and of the Popular Assembly of the Peoples of Oaxaca (APPO) held
direct negotiations with Abascal Carranza and other officials of the
Ministry of the Interior (Secretaría de Gobernación).

The federal government proposed that a three-person Senate Commission
travel to Oaxaca to investigate the claims by Section 22 and APPO
that PRI Governor Ulises Ruiz Ortiz had violated the law and should
be impeached. The call for the impeachment of Ruiz Ortiz became the
main demand of the teachers' and popular movement in Oaxaca after
June 14, when the governor brought in state troops to break the
strike, killing three strikers and injuring dozens more. Since that
date, the battle cry of the teachers and their supporters has been,
"Ruiz Ortiz must go if there is to be any solution to the crisis!"

The Senate Commission included one senator from the PRI (the party
that held total power in Mexico for more than 70 years), one from the
PAN (the new ruling class party of Vicente Fox), and one from the
opposition PRD.

The federal government also committed to paying 185 million pesos
(about US$17 million) to the teachers to improve the parity of wages
-- or rezoning -- throughout the state of Oaxaca, with the remaining
815 million pesos demanded by the teachers paid over the next six
years.

The additional funding, however, was contingent on Felipe Calderon,
the "official" president-elect, being able to find this money in his
new budget. The money pledged concretely by the government for this
rezoning amounted, therefore, to less than one-fifth the sum demanded
by the teachers. The rest was a vague and possibly empty promise.

Rueda Pacheco and the top officers of Section 22 returned to Oaxaca
on October 11 and submitted the government's proposal to a vote of
the Delegates Assembly, with a recommendation that the union accept
the government's proposed settlement.

On October 14, the Delegates Assembly voted against Rueda Pacheco's
proposal. The delegates voted instead to wait until the Senate
Commission had issued its ruling before deciding how to respond to
the settlement offer by Abascal Carranza. The Senate Commission had
traveled to Oaxaca for four days, and its ruling was not expected
till October 17.

An Open Letter to the Delegates Assembly and to all Oaxaca teachers
signed by the 21 teachers on hunger strike in Mexico City warned that
it would be a "major betrayal of our struggle to vote to end the
strike" -- as Rueda Pacheco proposed -- "before the Senate Commission
had issued its ruling."

The actual ruling by the Senate Commission did not come till October
19. As expected, the Commission voted that there were no grounds to
remove Ulises Ruiz Ortiz from his office as governor of Oaxaca. The
vote was 2-1, with only the PRD senator voting against. The full vote
of the Senate came later that day. The Senate ratified the Commission
report, with a sop thrown to the protest movement: the Senate would
ask Ruiz Ortiz to take a "voluntary leave of absence" -- something
Ruiz Ortiz said he would refuse to do.

In the meantime, before even the final Senate Commission ruling had
been issued, the top leadership of Section 22 voted to conduct a
two-point "consultation" of the teachers on October 19 and 20. Local
teachers' assemblies were thus convened throughout the state of
Oaxaca over these two days to vote on the following two points
submitted by the leadership:

Point 1 asked the teachers if they agreed or disagreed with the
settlement proposed by the Ministry of the Interior.

Point 2 asked the teachers if they preferred returning to work on
October 23 or October 30.

The questions were confusing. The leadership told the media that no
matter how the teachers voted on Point 1, they would be returning to
work either the 23rd or 30th. If the teachers voted to reject the
settlement, the Section 22 officials explained, this would only mean
more work-site actions to protest the contract, but it would not mean
continuing the strike.

But while the main Section 22 leaders explained this to the media,
they told the teachers that a vote in opposition to the Abascal
Carranza settlement could mean continuing the strike. Teachers were
extremely confused. It was not clear what they were being asked to
vote on, and what their vote would mean.

One leader of Section 22, Augusto Reyes Medina, issued an Open Letter
to all the teachers in Oaxaca denouncing the way the questions were
formulated and demanding that a new Delegates Assembly should be held
on October 21 to reformulate a clear question to the members.

The Open Letter by Reyes Medina -- which was co-signed by all the
hunger strikers in Mexico City and most of the rank-and-file teachers
who had marched for 15 days to Mexico City from Oaxaca -- created an
enormous stir throughout the union. Many local assemblies of the
Section 22 membership refused to cast a vote on the two-point
consultation, to protest the leadership's maneuver.

The afternoon of Friday, October 20, Rueda Pacheco announced that the
membership vote had been tallied, and that the teachers had voted to
return to work on October 23.

Immediately, a majority of members of the Delegates Assembly -- a
body of around 780 teachers delegated from each school -- voted to
convene a new Assembly the next day (October 21) and to disavow
publicly the report presented to the press by Rueda Pacheco.

On October 21, a full Delegates Assembly was held, with the presence
of Rueda Pacheco and all the top officers. The overwhelming majority
of the delegates voted to reject the undemocratic methods used by
Rueda Pacheco to try force the workers to return to their jobs, and
they agreed to convene new local assemblies throughout the state on
October 23 and 24 where only one question would be on the ballot: "Do
you agree that the union should accept the government's last offer
and therefore return to work, thereby ending the strike?"

This is the status of the situation as of this writing on October 23.

It is difficult to know if the teachers, who have not received a
paycheck or any funding from the union for more than two months, will
agree to go back to work. Many are facing evictions from their homes,
repossession of their cars, and dire hunger at home. They also fear
the government may follow through on its pledge to send in the Army
and Marines to dislodge the strikers from the downtown district of
the city of Oaxaca if the strikers don't agree to return to work.

On the other hand, the teachers also know the government is not
offering them anything remotely acceptable: the wage-parity issue (or
rezoning) is not even close to what has been requested, and Ulises
Ruiz Ortiz will stay on as governor. They know that nine strikers
have been killed, scores injured, and countless families divided in
the course of this bitter strike. They don't want these deaths and
hardships to be in vain. They know they are standing up for all
working and oppressed people in Mexico, who are fighting for
democracy and justice.

Their situation is immensely difficult, as you can see. While protest
actions in support of the Oaxaca teachers have taken place across
Mexico, the Mexican trade union and political movements have not yet
stepped up to the plate to offer their sisters and brothers in Oaxaca
their full financial and logistical support to win this strike. This
remains to be done.

I will keep you updated on the situation in Oaxaca as I get new
information.

In the interim, it is more necessary than ever for unionists and
activists to show their full support for the teachers in Oaxaca by
urging a negotiated solution to this crisis and a halt to any and all
forms of state violence against the strikers and their supporters.

Please send your messages to:

Vicente Fox Quesada,
President of the Mexico:
<vicente.fox.quesada@presidencia.gob.mx>

and

Carlos Abascal,
Ministry of the Interior:
<segob@rtn.net.mx>

Please send a copy to Fernando Mendoza Perez,
Member of the Executive Committee
of Section 22 of the SNTE-CNTE:
<Alborotador_oax@hotmail.com>

Also, please send a copy of your letter to
Open World Conference:
<ilcinfo@earthlink.net>

In solidarity,

Alan Benjamin,
Executive Board member,
San Francisco Labor Council

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

advice on workers rights

fitzwillikers — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 17:56:02 GMT

Hi all, I hope that this isn't too out of place. I've been a member of this tribe for a while, but haven't posted yet...

I had to call in sick for the third day in a row at a new job. I am still in the three-week training process. I didn't want to call in at all (I was already up and dressed, just too damn sick). I have lost jobs early on for dumb shit like this in the past. I was wondering if anyone knows what my rights are on this one. Do I have to prove I'm sick somehow? Can they fire me for being sick in CA? I'm scared because I need to keep the job. Any insight on how to cover my own ass would be greatly appreciated.

posted in anti-oppression - 1 reply

"hate-free zone" without zero tolerence?

llewyn — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 17:04:28 GMT

I have been coordinating a drop-in for homeless youth (mostly queer youth) for several years. We have established the space as "hate-free" (for lack of a better word), though we have not adopted a zero tolerance policy. Our thinking is that we would prefer to use moments of conflict as opportunities for engagement/education/discussion.

Another program that we work with also follows a "hate-free" model only they have worked under a guide of zero tolerance (you say one n-word you are out of there). This has been problematic for some youth, particularly some African American youth who may use the n-word as an expression of respect, or Queer youth who might use similar terms that appear to be offensive and, in their usage, are not.

Some of the people coordinating and working in the space would like to adopt our model and have more dialogue when certain terms are used. What is keeping them from moving forward is some staff who say if they take away the zero tolerance they won't be doing ant-oppression work.

It appears we have two different approaches to anti-oppression work that are in conflict:
One is attempting to educate people and start discourse by questioning the behavior.
While the other seeks to protect the space by immediately removing an punishing offenders.

Does anyone here have any thoughts that might help resolve this conflict and get everyone on the same page?

/|\

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

from your moderator - anybody want a job?

angeladeyohalevi — Fri, 21 Apr 2006 21:51:41 GMT

i have been (perhaps not even noticably) absent for quite a long time, and am trying to catch up on the new style of tribe. the mushing together of all postings is making me ask , please, try very hard to keep ALL posts on topic. anything not pertaining DIRECTLY to anti-oppression in some not obscure way (restaurant reviews, politics, etc.) will be deleted in interests of keeping this tribe streamlined for your reading and discussing pleasure.

also i am in dire need of a co-moderator who is willing to pretty much take over in the not too distant future. hopefully some one who shares the vision laid out in the community guidelines, has a light hand, but isn't scared to jump in and remind people to use their manners if need be. mainly the job requires keeping off-topic posts from taking over! :)

who wants to be the next one (not) in charge around here?

posted in anti-oppression - 1 reply

"lame"- oppressive or acceptable?

maggot — Sun, 04 Dec 2005 07:36:18 GMT

it drives me crazy, but people say it constantly. if something is not cool, it is deemed to be "lame".

when i mention that i'm not okay with it, they tell me that it's such an old-fashioned term for someone who doesn't have "normal" use of their body that it no longer counts... and they say i'm being ridiculous.

at this, i never know what to say, because these are folks who have awesome anti-racist analysis, and should be more aware. i just don't get it.

so what do you think: is using the word "lame" as a synonym for "uncool" oppressive able-ism, or is it a fine modern colloquialism (and i need to get used to it)?

posted in anti-oppression - 30 replies

vancouver police and racism

winterbamboo — Sat, 21 Jan 2006 17:43:54 GMT

i just saw some ads put out
by the people who are suppose to
be serving and protecting my community.

http://www.kwantlen.ca/vpd/images/vpd_posters_room.jpg

these ads promote racism and fear.
the vancouver police have a long history of
racism...like letting people freeze to death,
first nation people in particular.

welcome to fucking vancouver, canada.

boom,
winterbamboo

posted in anti-oppression - 3 replies

SUBMISSIONS WANTED - anti-racist feminist publication

maggot — Wed, 11 Jan 2006 01:56:50 GMT

*** please forward widely ***

thirdspace - an anti-racist feminist zine - is looking for submissions for
our next issue (volume 24 number 2). The theme is "Growing Up" -
interpret how you wish - and submissions are due by FRIDAY FEBRUARY 3rd
2006.

some possible topics (just to float some ideas out there):
- what about your past has most influenced who you are today?
- how do you define growing up?
- how does growing up interact with your experiences of
sexuality/gender/class/race/ability?
- how has your politic changed with the passage of time?
- the list will grow according to your submissions...

we'd also love reviews of relevant books/films!
and howsabout some recipes for food that just takes you back to childhood?

anyone from anywhere may submit.

thirdspace accepts comics, poetry, short fiction, artwork, rants, creative
non-fiction, book/film/music reviews, drawings, photography, graphics,
essays: whatever you've got, we can probably use it... as long as it is
anti-racist, feminist, queer- and trans-friendly.

To submit:

email the file(s) to thirdspaceuvic@riseup.net

OR

mail to thirdspace, UVic, Coast Salish Territory, P.O. Box 3035 Stn CSC,
Victoria, BC, Canada, V8W 3P3

article submissions should be no more than 1500 words. artwork should be
printable in black and white. please include contact info and a 3-4
sentence biography to be included with your piece.

we reserve the right to edit and submission does not guarantee
publication.

our next issue: GROWING UP
submissions due: FRIDAY FEBRUARY 3rd

please contact us if you have any questions :)

thirdspaceuvic@riseup.net

***************************************************

thirdspace

UVic's anti-racist feminist publication

SUB B107a, University of Victoria
P.O. Box 3035 Stn CSC
Victoria, BC V8W 3P3
Coast Salish Territory
Phone: 250-721-8353
Fax: 250-472-4379
Email: thirdspaceuvic@riseup.net
http://mail-man.ca/mailman/listinfo/thirdspace-l

***************************************************

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

An ethical question for you...

Thu, 08 Dec 2005 06:47:58 GMT

...I'm interested in your reactions to this situation.

While volunteering at a hospital as a "friendly visitor" (doing active listening with patients who are in hospital long term) in the oncology ward, I'm listening to a patient who is on her death bed. She has a few months left to live.

In the course of her talking to me about life and death, her beliefs etc, she mentions that her daughter recently bought a house in a certain part of the city but very quickly moved out, because of the "problems there" which she says I must have heard of. It's "the blacks". The woman is white. I am white and anti-racist.

What would be an appropriate response for me to make here?

posted in anti-oppression - 4 replies

SUBMISSIONS WANTED - anti-racist feminist publication

maggot — Mon, 14 Nov 2005 19:13:06 GMT

*** please forward widely ***

thirdspace - an anti-racist feminist zine - is looking for submissions for
our next issue. The theme is "Sex & Sexuality" - interpret how you wish -
and submissions are due by WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 23rd @ 4pm.

some possible topics (just to float some ideas out there):
- what turns you on?
- what turns you off?
- defining sexuality
- interactions between sexuality and gender/class/race/abilities
- sexual learning
- changing sexuality
- sex, sexuality and activism
- the list will grow according to your submissions...

anyone from anywhere may submit!

thirdspace accepts comics, poetry, short fiction, artwork, rants, creative
non-fiction, book/film/music reviews, drawings, photography, graphics,
essays whatever you've got, we can probably use it... as long as it is
anti-racist, feminist, queer- and trans-friendly.

To submit:

email the file(s) to thirdspaceuvic@riseup.net

OR

mail to thirdspace, UVic, Coast Salish Territory, P.O. Box 3035 Stn CSC,
Victoria, BC, Canada, V8W 3P3

article submissions should be no more than 1500 words. artwork should be
printable in black and white. please include contact info. we reserve the
right to edit and submission does not guarantee publication.

our next issue: SEX & SEXUALITY
submissions due: WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 23rd

please contact us if you have any questions :)

thirdspaceuvic@riseup.net

***************************************************

thirdspace

UVic's anti-racist feminist publication

SUB B107a, University of Victoria
P.O. Box 3035 Stn CSC
Victoria, BC V8W 3P3
Coast Salish Territory
Phone: 250-721-8353
Fax: 250-472-4379
Email: thirdspaceuvic@riseup.net
mail-man.ca/mailman/list.../thirdspace-l

***************************************************

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

san fran, green festival

lynx007 — Sun, 06 Nov 2005 07:19:00 GMT

is happening tomorrow. i had a very exciting schmoozing experience there today. there's a cool east bay contingent already there but i'd love to see more. holler at me and maybe i can get you in for free....

i'm new here, too, and wanted to say hello. thanks for having me

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

about "safety" a new article by Tim Wise

angeladeyohalevi — Mon, 11 Jul 2005 02:17:38 GMT

i am reposting this with permission from the rainbow racism group. this article perfectly articulates some stuff that has been rattling around for me but i have been troubled about coming out and saying. as usual, someone more articulate says it in a great and encapsulated way and so i thought i would share it over here. the lead in isn't from me either, but from Q, who posted it over there.

(I'll keep my snarky, pointed comments to myself and just copy and paste the damn thing. This is LONG, but important. If you want to or need to riff off anything said, please quote it so we all know what you are talking about. I-statements only and please remember your experience is valued, but if challenged, please reflect instead of defend, ok?)

No Such Place as Safe

By Tim Wise

I think I've figured out what it is I hate about those "racial dialogue" groups that seem to be springing up across the country nowadays.

No, it's not the standard radical critique that they tend to amount to all talk and little action: after all, our ability to act forcefully to eradicate racial inequity requires that we understand the issues at hand, and dialogue--even divorced from direct action at first--can be a helpful starting point for that kind of thing.

And no, it's not the fact that oftentimes such dialogues become watered down "diversity-fests," where participants are encouraged to more or less hold hands, sing kumbaya and feel each other's existential pain. After all, as problematic as that kind of dialogue can be, there is always the possibility that dedicated activists can push the discussion in a more thought-provoking and uncomfortable (but necessary) direction, if and when we participate in these dialogue groups; so even that isn't too big a deal.

Rather, I think the problem, for me at least--and it's one shared by a lot of people of color with whom I've discussed the subject--is something that is typically said at the outset of these dialogue sessions, even before people are introduced, and which sets a tone for the rest of the process; a tone that is antithetical to tackling the important subject matter at hand.

It's something that many readers will be instantly familiar with, provided they have participated in one of these things before: namely, it's the part where the dialogue facilitator says something to the effect of: "We want this to be a safe space, where everyone feels free to express their views without fear of being shouted down or ridiculed for their beliefs."

Although it isn't usually made explicit, this admonition about the importance of safety is almost always really about making white people feel safe. After all, people of color rarely feel safe discussing race amongst members of the dominant group, and it's pretty unlikely that a simple sentence calling for civility would change that.

Black and brown folks know that race is a touchy subject, and yet they engage in race dialogue (whether formal or informal) as a matter of survival: they have to do it, safe or not, because the alternative is to continue neglecting an issue that is far too important to their everyday lives.

The whites in these dialogue groups, on the other hand, are often tentative to a point that is almost farcical. Nervous, afraid of saying the wrong thing, and convinced that people of color will yell at them for a slip of the tongue, whites often remain in a shell when racial dialogues begin.

This is one of the reasons that facilitators often go out of their way to create "safety." They are hoping that whites will participate more honestly if only they can be guaranteed that black people won't attack them for their ignorance.

Such a concern is, of course, preposterous, coming as it does from members of the most powerful group on the planet. I mean really now, do we, as whites believe there is any group on Earth that is safer than we are? Do we honestly think that people of color are in a position to jump our asses in a controlled workshop setting? What do we think they're going to do? Knife us for God's sakes?

If you want to see this kind of white paranoia in action, sit in a room full of white folks watching the anti-bias documentary, The Color of Fear, and you'll see what I mean.

As they watch one scene in particular, where one of the black participants in a dialogue group goes off on one of the white participants (after putting up with copious amounts of conservative, "anyone can make it if they try" silliness on the part of the latter), whites recoil from the clearly agitated black man, Victor Lewis, as if they honestly expect him to jump out of the screen and strangle them where they sit.

The funny thing being that throughout the scene, the only person really at risk was Victor Lewis himself, who knew that his indignation would mark him as the "angry Negro" in the minds of most viewers.

And that's the point: even in these racial dialogue settings, whites are always the safest persons in the room. It is black and brown folks who run the risk of being seen as "too sensitive," "too emotional," or some such thing, while whites can almost always content ourselves with the belief that we are calm, level-headed and rational, no matter how absurd the things we say may be.

In other words, the white obsession with safety is the ultimate irony given the way that our racial position and privilege tends to shelter us from the harsh judgments regularly meted out against people of color. Yet we cling to it in ways that are both silly and more than a little unbecoming; indeed our search for safety, before we are even willing to discuss racism, let alone challenge it, is the ultimate expression of white privilege in many ways.

A few months ago, while attending the fifth annual White Privilege Conference, in Pella, Iowa (the perfect place for such a conference, and a wonderful event each year), this lesson was driven home with disturbing clarity.

On the final day of the conference, attendees were to be treated, depending upon one's perspective, to a luncheon keynote by Morris Dees, co-founder of (and still lead counsel for) the Southern Poverty Law Center, in Montgomery, Alabama.

The SPLC, as those at the conference knew, and as most readers will be aware, is the organization that has, for several years, engaged in pitched legal battles with assorted neo-Nazis and Klansmen, often succeeding in shutting down their operations altogether or otherwise financially crippling them. So far, so good.

And yet, for many at the conference, Dees's appearance seemed problematic.

On the one hand, there is the issue of whether or not such a person should speak at a conference on white privilege, since addressing that issue has almost nothing to do with his work or the work of his group. After all, fighting overt racists, while worthwhile, is not the same as confronting the institutional racism and structural forms of white supremacy that make a mockery of equity and justice every day, with or without burning crosses or skinheads in the picture.

Then of course there is the issue of the SPLC's own occasional duplicity: like how they send out fundraising letters to their mailing list, implying that their operations will suffer without continued financial support, even while they sit atop an endowment of over $100 million: more than enough to finance their operations forever, without another dime being raised from often cash-strapped families.

Then there's that business about "tolerance," which appears to be the Center's favorite word, as in their "teaching tolerance" materials for primary and secondary school teachers and classrooms. As many critics have noted, tolerance is a pretty weak formulation, seeing as how it means little more than putting up with someone else, allowing them to perhaps live another day, or refraining from burning down their house or church, but not much else.

But as real as these concerns were, and are, none of them were what nagged at many conference attendees this time out.

Instead, what concerned many of us was the rumor that had begun to circulate on the first day of the four day event, to the effect that Dees had required heavy security as a precondition of his appearance, including armed police officers. What's more, there would be searches of bags and backpacks coming into the venue.

Actually, I knew this was no mere rumor. Having spoken at fifty or more colleges where Dees has also made presentations, I have been told repeatedly that every time he speaks, bags are searched and he makes the same demand: No cops, no show, end of story. It is a requirement that appears as a rider of sorts in every lecture contract written for Dees, inserted either at his own insistence or that of the SPLC.

And while it is true that Dees (like many who fight racism) has had his life threatened, it is also true that people of color struggle against racism every day, having no expectation of security and feeling anything but entitled to bodyguards.

As such, many of us at the conference felt as though Dees should be confronted on his apparent sense of entitlement; his feeling that he somehow has a right to be safe as he does the work that others have to do as a matter of survival.

This challenge was not made necessary because Morris is uniquely flawed, or especially craven in his manifestations of white privilege. Indeed every white person who came to Pella for the conference had been able to take for granted that we would blend in, be accepted and welcomed, and ultimately safe, unlike people of color.

Rather, the challenge was necessary because it was, after all, a white privilege conference, and one of the principles of antiracism is to hold white allies accountable, especially when we inadvertently screw up, or fall back into old patterns that can reinforce racial hierarchy and power inequities.

Not to mention, there was something especially problematic about the fact that Dees would turn to the kinds of forces for security that often present the greatest threat to people of color: namely, cops with guns. Though most whites might feel comfortable with such folks around, it should be obvious that to people of color, the presence of police is a mixed bag, at best.

And so I asked the question.

Yet because he had been tipped off ahead of time to the question that was coming, Dees immediately became defensive upon my standing in front of the microphone, and refused to allow the proper setup for the query: the part where I was going to place his sense of entitlement within the orbit of what I and other white activists also take for granted.

Due to his pre-emption, and clear agitation, I was forced to cut to the chase. Unfortunately, this made the exchange seem more like a pissing contest between two white guys trying to "out-ally" each other, than a legitimate challenge to someone who is viewed by many as some kind of hero.

The point had been to challenge not Dees, but whites in the audience, to ask themselves what it meant that a white man doing this work would a) be able to demand protection and receive it; b) feel entitled to have that level of protection as a precondition for his doing the work, and c) think nothing of using forces which, to many people of color, are the problem, and not the solution to danger.

The point being, that this country is never safe for people of color. Its schools are not safe; its streets are not safe; its places of employment are not safe; its health care system is not safe. So why in the hell should white people feel that we have a right to something--in this case, safety--that people of color have never had?

And what does it say about us that we feel so obsessed about security that we honestly seem incapable of doing the work unless we are assured of our safety? Whether it's Morris Dees, or white folks in a workshop seeking safety to bare our souls, or cry, or some such shit.

How Dees answered the challenge, though not the point was instructive. It was as if he had never been asked the question before at all; which is frightening not for what it says about him but what it suggests about his audiences and the people with whom he has surrounded himself.

After all, how can one not see the contradictions inherent in a white man doing antiracism work being more protected than any persons of color doing the same?

Although other high profile civil rights folks, like Jesse Jackson or Julian Bond, might have occasional security around them, it is never as tight as that for Dees. Never are there eights armed officers, a personal bodyguard, and bag searches at the door. Even Louis Farrakhan surrounds himself with his own members from the Fruit of Islam, not hired guns and off-duty cops.

What white liberals must come to understand is that fighting for justice is never fully safe. Nor can it be made so; nor should safety be particularly sought.

At the same time, as whites, we are more protected in this work than any other persons on the planet. We are far less at risk, from police, from employers, from teachers, and even from crazies like the kind Dees fears, than people of color are. We should neither cower in fear that fighting racism will automatically place our lives in danger (which is another horrible message Dees's security squad implicitly sends), nor attempt to be especially protected in doing the work that needs to be done.

Checking ourselves, avoiding the replication of privilege when possible, and remaining accountable to the persons who are the targets of racism are key tenets of white antiracist ally behavior; and those of us involved in this struggle too often overlook them. Morris Dees is merely one high-profile example of the problem, though he is hardly alone.

So long as we respond defensively when challenged on this point, as long as we refuse to admit our mistakes, or to acknowledge that our actions mean more than our words, we will not deserve to be thought of as allies, we will not deserve to be keynote speakers at conferences on racism, and we most assuredly won't deserve to continue having money showered upon us and our organizations.

Tim Wise is an antiracist essayist, educator and father. He can be reached at timjwise@msn.com. His blog can be found at blog.zmag.org/wordwise. Hate mail, while neither appreciated nor desired, will be graded on the basis of form, content, grammar and originality.

posted in anti-oppression - 6 replies

community guidelines

angeladeyohalevi — Wed, 24 Aug 2005 22:47:59 GMT

this is the message everyone in this tribe should have received upon joining. some old timers (*grin*) may not have, but nevertheless here is a refresher. in future we can just link to this thread if need be :

ps. if any one has anything to add, or wants to deconstruct/reconstruct anything on this list comments are welcome. please use your 'i-statements'. thanks.

welcome to the anti-oppression discussion group. below are the community guidelines. by joining you are agreeing to abide by them. if you have any questions or concerns please msg me or email me directly at angel@riseup.net. thanks!

*1* speak for yourself and your own experience. let others speak for themselves. that does not mean not to be an ally, but to really openly listen and learn.

*2* own your privilege. if you don't feel that you are privileged in any way this may not be an appropriate community for you. educate yourself and share resources that you find useful. we all participate, willingly or not, in systematic oppression.

*3* be respectful. no personal attacks will be tolerated. the great thing about this type of interaction is the ability to step back and take a breath before answering.

*4* explicit oppressive speech of any kind (racism, homophobia, sexism, transphobia, ablism, etc.) will not be tolerated and the post will be deleted. after a second offense the poster will be banned. e-mail the moderator at angel@riseup.net if you disagree. oppressive speech that is less explicit should and will be questioned.

*5* (from earlier language guidelines) please, when using words that may be considered 'slurs' abbreviate in some form (ie: use asterisks, etc.). in addition, use quote marks to delineate when you are quoting. also, please consider whether the use of such words are integral to your post. if not, don't use them. if someone is offended, apologize. try not to get defensive. think about why it may be inappropriate for you to use such language. if you are not a member of the group being denigrated by the word, listen to experiences that are offered up without challenge.

*6* this is intended as a learning environment. please try be patient. this is not to say you should not challenge people, but try a gentle approach *before* clubbing someone over the head. :)

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

an excellent site

CurvyCurvz — Wed, 10 Aug 2005 23:48:14 GMT

http://www.oneangrygirl.net/

posted in anti-oppression - 2 replies

a forum is born

arize — Mon, 11 Jul 2005 00:07:00 GMT

hi. im birthing this forum that focuses mostly on art and left politics.

its all fresh and new and waiting for instigator types to help shape the place. hardly anyone in there right now but it has a lot of potential. who ever gets involved at this point would be key in developing the character of the place.

you can put pictures and stuff in each post.

im still adding a forum or two more and working on the design of the place.

i would be honored by your presence. come check it out: http://p207.ezboard.com/btheemptyroom

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

Military Advertisement

kight — Thu, 07 Jul 2005 02:49:35 GMT

Today, I noticed a military advertisement on my profile. It really pissed me off. I have to deal with the military recruiting around here and targeting poor kids of color. They fucking TARGET them. God damn. You'll flippin steal money from our school system, short-change families of color in every human-needs possible, then come in and tell them their best shot for an education is to go off killing other brown people the US gov are trying to colonize. Lovely.

The thing that made me most sick is that the people in the Tribe Ideas tribe are actually defending the advertisement here. You know what? I was trying to figure out what word in my profile could possibly link that advertisement to my profile, and the only thing I can think of is the word "youth". I swear. (Okay, in fairness, maybe the adverts aren't linked, but considering other Tribe adverts are linked, I wouldn't be surprised.)

The other thing is the discussion on SF The Citadel about cars getting broken into in the SOMA. I provided a bunch of suggestions about what people could do inSTEAD of sicking the police on people, but they could only come back at me with drivel about "rape and theft" (who the flip said anything about rape??) "never being okay". And how, if businesses can't make it in the SOMA, how is the area ever going to prosper? Let me get this straight? Businesses that cater to your white suburb ass visiting once a week in your car are going to somehow benefit the people living in severe poverty there?

My horoscope today: "You are sensitive, and that comes in handy. You know exactly what's going on."

Great. It comes in handy. Right.

posted in anti-oppression - 2 replies

Hands off Assata!

C-Bear — Tue, 21 Jun 2005 21:10:42 GMT

Brothers and Sisters,
This is the corrected version of the petition in
support of Assata Shakur. Please circulate widely.
HANDS OFF, Assata!

www.PetitionOnline.com/aramin...etition.html
_______________________________________________
www.blackradicalcongress.org

BRC Membership information:
Jamala Rogers, National Organizer
BRC National Office
P.O. Box 24795
St. Louis, MO 63115
Telephone: 314-307-3441
Email: brcnatl@blackradicalcongress.org

Technical support:
webadmin@blackradicalcongress.org

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

Unlearning Racism resources

benhipus — Mon, 30 May 2005 19:15:14 GMT

Hey all!

I'm trying to put together some resources and possibly a community seminar to teach about unlearning racism specifically in the gay communities.

I'm looking for resources (do not have to be queer-specific) that anyone might find useful in learning about the roots of racism, hate, etc as well as resources for unlearning racism.

Ideally they would be web-based but all help appreciated!

posted in anti-oppression - 6 replies

Creating Change in Oakland CA Nov 9-13, 2005

benhipus — Tue, 31 May 2005 19:54:52 GMT

FYI

=-=-=-

Creating Change in Oakland CA Nov 9-13, 2005

Request for Proposed Presentations/Workshops
Deadline for Submissions: July 15, 2005
Notification Process Begins On/About August 9, 2005

Building An Anti-Racist Movement:
A Primary Goal of the Creating Change Conference

Now in its 32nd year, The Task Force remains firmly committed to addressing the impact of racism in this country, in our movement and in our organization. A primary educational goal of Creating Change is to build an anti-racist LGBT movement that includes and reflects the perspectives, needs and priorities of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender activists of all ages, races, ethnic and language origins, spiritualities and incomes.

While we know that building an anti-racist movement will take much time and many resources, we believe that we can take important steps towards the more immediate fulfillment of that commitment. To this end, The Task Force seeks programmatic proposals that will present participants with opportunities that educate, challenge, support, and help to build an anti-racist movement that is more fully representative. Not all presentations at the conference primarily address this goal, but we will give priority to presentation proposals that thoughtfully consider how racism and the failure to build a LGBT multi-racial social and economic justice movement impacts particular issues and communities and organizing projects. Activists of color are strongly encouraged to submit proposals.

Other Creating Change Priorities:
∑ Educate on issues such as the recognition and protection of our relationships and families, bias violence, domestic violence, repression of sexuality and gender identity and expression, equality of opportunity in employment, housing, public accommodation and education, the freedom to marry, and military and immigration discrimination;
∑ Give special attention to strategies, projects, and methods of organizing that link race, class, gender and age oppression with homophobia and heterosexism;
∑ Strengthen the skills of activists and organizers who work at all levels of our movement;
∑ Improve our abilities to create change in legislative bodies, media, workplaces, faith communities, community and social institutions, and on campuses and at schools;
∑ Increase our confidence to work collaboratively with allies to effect durable change;
∑ Provide opportunities to discuss and explore difficult and challenging issues and topics in a supportive environment;
∑ Give special attention to emerging issues in our movement and communities, as well as those people most affected by them;
∑ Build an anti-racist movement for social and economic justice that is vigorous in each state and territory of the US and that includes and reflects the perspectives, needs and priorities of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender activists of all ages, races, ethnic and language origins, spiritualities, and incomes.

Presentations must fit within one of the following formats

∑ Workshops (90 minutes): Prepared presentations with stated and specific learning goals and some time dedicated to Q & A and group discussion. Workshops are political education sessions in which attendees will gain useful information, advice, and technical assistance about a specific topic. Please specify if your session is intended for participants whose work is entry level; or intermediate level; or advanced level.
∑ Caucus/Networking (60 minutes): A time for affinity groups or groups working on similar projects to gather for networking, discussion, and community building; or, an opportunity to convene a group of somewhat discordant participants to discuss a specific topic, i.e. a multi-generational group invited to discuss our movement’s commitment to persons of disparate ages.

Presenter Policies

In order to keep conference registration fees at the lowest possible rate, we ask presenters to volunteer time, expertise and services at Creating Change. In consideration of your service as a presenter, you will be able to register for the entire conference at a rate of $150. This registration rate is inclusive of all pre-conference institutes, plenary sessions, workshops, roundtables, trainings, screenings and caucuses, beginning Wednesday morning November 9 and concluding Sunday November 13, 2005. This registration rate does not include special events, dances/parties, and travel or hotel expenses. The presenter registration rate is limited to four presenters per session.

After a proposal is accepted, presenters will be mailed a presenter registration packet which includes a conference registration form. Should your proposal not be accepted, you are invited to register for the conference at the presenter rate of $150, inclusive of pre-conference institutes. If you submit a proposal, please do not register for the conference at any rate higher than $150.

Presenter Responsibilities

As a presenter, you are responsible for making your own travel arrangements. The conference hotel, the Oakland Marriott City Center, located in downtown Oakland, offers a conference rate of $119.00/night. Please be sure to mention the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Creating Change Conference when making reservations. Reservations must be made by October 7, 2005 to receive the guaranteed conference rate. You may reserve a room by calling 800/991-7249. The 2005 Host Committee will organize a community housing program to provide a limited number of no-cost housing options for conference presenters and attendees. In order to participate, submit a completed housing request to the local Host Committee, available on our web site www.creatingchange.org.

If you submit a proposal, you are the “session contact.” Session contacts are expected to serve as the communication link between the conference organizing staff and the other presenters on your session. Session contacts must provide complete contact information for each presenter and advise conference staff of any changes in the presenter line-up. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force expects that all scheduled sessions will be presented as described in your proposal and listed in the program book.

Each meeting room will be equipped with a flip chart and markers. Presenters will be asked to fill out a request form for additional AV equipment. Presenters may be asked to cover the cost of AV requests. The Task Force will not provide LCD projectors. Presenters are encouraged to provide attendees with relevant supporting materials, such as fact sheets, articles, and guides. Presenters are responsible for any copying cost incurred.

Proposal Review

All proposals will be reviewed by the Creating Change Conference director and any other Task Force staff deemed appropriate by the director. Considerations for selection include relevance of the proposed session to the conference goal of building an anti-racist movement and other priorities; depth of content; presenter qualifications/experience with the topic; overall strength of the submission; and presenter panels that reflect the conference commitment to race/gender/class/age representation. The Task Force reserves the right to reject proposals. The Task Force will not review proposals for sessions that primarily promote or sell commercial products or to promote or sell the work product of an individual presenter. The Task Force will prioritize proposed sessions that include and reflect the perspectives, needs and priorities of our multi-racial, multi-gender, and multi-aged communities and movement. The Task Force reserves the right to decline to review proposals received after the posted deadline date. You will be notified of the status of your proposal beginning on or about August 9, 2005. To have your presentation considered for inclusion in the conference, please complete the forms on the following pages. The proposal should be submitted with a 150-200 word abstract, a 50-75 word description suitable for publication, complete contact information for all presenters, brief biographical information for all presenters, not for publication, and sample handouts (if available).

Workshop Proposal Form

Session Contact Person ______________________________________________
Title ______________________________
Organization ________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________
City/State/Zip _____________________________________________________
Day Phone _______________________ Evening Phone _______________________
Email Address ____________________________ Fax _______________________
Are you a member of The Task Force? _______________________________________
At which past Creating Change conferences have you presented and on what topics? ----------------

Demographic Information
The Task Force strives to have as broadly representative a conference as possible. By providing the following information, you greatly assist us in our assessment of our work.
Race/Ethnicity
_ African Descent _ Asian/Pacific Islander _ Caribbean _ Caribbean-African Descent _ Central American _ European Descent _ Latino/a _ Middle Eastern _ Native American/American Indian _ South American _ South Asian
_ Spanish _ Bi/Multi-Racial
Sex/Gender Identity _ Female _ Male _ Intersex _ Transgender _ Transsexual
Sexual Orientation _ Lesbian _ Gay _ Bisexual _ Two Spirit _ Heterosexual
Geography _ Urban _ Suburban _ Small Town _ Rural
Household Income _____________ Age ________

2005 Workshop/Presentation Information
Proposed Session Title ___________________________________________
Sessions will be scheduled on Friday Nov. 11 or Saturday Nov. 12.
Would you be willing to join another session on your topic? _ Yes _ No
Format requested _ Workshop _ Caucus/Networking/
For Workshop select _ Entry _ Intermediate _ Advanced

The session contact person is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the workshop and will receive information concerning the status of the proposal. The session contact person then has the responsibility for contacting other presenters. Discounted registration fees of $150 are offered to four presenters, maximum, per session. If you are presenting alone, you are the session contact.

Necessary Attachments
Attach a 150-200 word abstract stating the objectives and rationale for this session. The abstract will not be published and is used to better inform the reviewer. Please describe how your session will help realize the overarching conference goal of building a movement by, for, and about lesbians, gay, bisexual and transgender people that is anti-racist, multi-racial, and seeking social and economic justice for all.

Attach a 50 to 75-word description of your workshop/presentation. The description you provide will be published in the conference program book, if your session is accepted.

Provide the names and complete contact information for each presenter in your session. Brief biographical information is useful, but will not be published since its purpose is to better inform the reviewer.

Presenter ______________________________________________
Title ______________________________
Organization ________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________
City/State/Zip _____________________________________________________
Day Phone _______________________ Evening Phone _______________________
Email Address ____________________________ Fax _______________________

Presenter ______________________________________________
Title ______________________________
Organization ________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________
City/State/Zip _____________________________________________________
Day Phone _______________________ Evening Phone _______________________
Email Address ____________________________ Fax _______________________

Presenter ______________________________________________
Title ______________________________
Organization ________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________
City/State/Zip _____________________________________________________
Day Phone _______________________ Evening Phone _______________________
Email Address ____________________________ Fax _______________________

Presenter ______________________________________________
Title ______________________________
Organization ________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________
City/State/Zip _____________________________________________________
Day Phone _______________________ Evening Phone _______________________
Email Address ____________________________ Fax _______________________

Please send the completed proposal form, a 150-200-word abstract, a 50-75-word description suitable for publication, complete contact information for all presenters, brief biographical information for all presenters, not for publication, and sample handouts (if available).

Return this material to: Sue Hyde, Conference Director
The Task Force
1151 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge MA 02138-5201
617-492-6393 voice, 617-492-0175 fax, or shyde@thetaskforce.org

Submission Deadline is July 14, 2005
Notification Process Begins On/About August 9, 2005

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

roll call

angeladeyohalevi — Wed, 03 Dec 2003 00:44:24 GMT

i am angel. my pronoun preference is 'he'. i am : queer, working class, transgendered, bi-racial, multi-cultural, (radical) jewish, of indigenous descent, white skin privileged, dis/abled (perhaps temporarily), 30 years old, in oakland ca. and a committed anti-oppression activist. the reason i started this tribe was to bring together folks who can see how various oppressions are linked to one another, to get support in my activism and to spark conversation around solutions to oppression in everyday life as well as complete paradigm shifts. being the aforementioned mix of qualities/identities gives me a chance to see first hand how some sorts of oppression feed into others. oh yeah, and i want to change the world. :)

and you?

posted in anti-oppression - 59 replies

Radical men and their thoughts on women

kight — Sat, 21 May 2005 21:34:10 GMT

There's this thread on the Anarchism tribe that started as a cross-post from the Gender Reconciliation tribe. I was frustrated to see what I thought were radical, thinking males discuss issues that effect women with such venom. Is this how guys talk behind other gendered backs? Or is this an isolated event?

I was curious this tribe's perspective. :)

http://sanfrancisco.tribe.net/thread/f3c8740d-7639-4e27-83f3-2f8e0ef04a67?tribeid=f64c8339-8553-4aca-98a8-47bfddbf4cb9&r=10535

posted in anti-oppression - 15 replies

My rant against "Crash"

Le4Life — Fri, 06 May 2005 04:56:31 GMT

"Crash" is a new film coming out (this weekend, I believe) about a random group of strangers in L.A. who get caught up with each other one night. It's played by a long list of big-name stars. I haven't seen it yet, but have read a few reviews. The story is about racism and how all the characters are both victims as well as perpetrators of it. That's a fine, solid premise cuz most race-related films seem too one-dimensional to me.

Now for my rant. The filmmakers seemed to have gone to great lengths to cover the general population of white, black, brown, etc characters. But considering how large of an Asian population there is in L.A. they didn't seem to try very hard to include yellow. Apparently, there are two Korean characters. From what I've read, they don't seem to have very significant roles in the film. Nor are they on the list of starring actors, so they probably have supporting roles at best. The absence of Asian faces is a widespread problem in U.S. cinema, unless you count the tired old portrayals of us as martial arts masters or illegal immigrants with fake-ass accents. I plan on seeing "Crash" and will post a more informed critique of it afterward. But I have my doubts at this point.

posted in anti-oppression - 3 replies

Rant

Rahel — Mon, 28 Mar 2005 00:33:18 GMT

I ate at the much-talked-about Spuds Pizza in Berkeley a couple weeks back. I had an experience that just floored me...you can read the whole story here...

(If the cut and paste thing doesn't work it's on the Berekely Tribe)

http://sanfrancisco.tribe.net/thread/23629be7-f88a-4018-8732-9e1788984692?tribeid=376ab122-6dde-4cfe-bfba-4216a0ad4ef6&threads=true&r=10535#7eb6294c-b72f-4a10-99e9-5c204c8a08d5

But the key anti-oppression piece:

After getting our order wrong a few times, as the waiter handed me food, he said he could tell I was Jewish because I made him feel guilty for getting the order wrong. After that comment, you can bet that I wasn't about to go up and ask him for the missing breadsticks.

What shocked me was that this guy had no idea he was perpetuating negative anti-Jewish stereotypes. "Yeah, I thought you must be Jewish. You really got the guilt thing going there." I was floored. Then he proceeded to tell me how he worked at a Jewish resort one summer as a teenager and so he knows Jewish people.

I don't care whether one calls it racism, anti-seminitism, or anti-Jewish oppression. Whatever you want to call it, his comments were completely offensive. (Let's tell the Jewish customer that we're perceiving her just like in the sterotypes! The negative stereotypes! Let's tokenize her! Let's take no responsibility for the fact that we got her order wrong 3, no 4 times now, and blame her for our feelings of guilt about that!)

Hey, do I sound upset? Yeah, well I am. I really didn't like his comment one bit.

I'd very much like to support my neighborhood restaurant, but after that experience, I really don't think I'll be likely to walk in there again.

Does this surprise you guys? How would others handle this? What similar experiences have others here had?

posted in anti-oppression - 12 replies

fucking humanism

donnie — Sat, 30 Apr 2005 00:06:30 GMT

i'm in the middle of a discussion on another tribe (gender reconciliation) with a couple of men about patriarchy and it's driving me nuts. a friend of mine posted about how to deal with men who get defensive when the issue of patriarchy is brought up. well, these two guys answered, and their responses were about man bashing and "gender feminism" (whatever the fuck that is) and basically blaming women for male defensiveness. so, i posted something about their reaction and got the same kind of response. they actually called me sexist and "anti-male".

how do we, as anti-oppression activists, deal with this shit in this forum? in the workshops that i've facilitated, there's a face to face and immediate convo going on and it's easier to deal with. i'm just really frustrated right now because it's always the same bullshit - "progressives" who call themselves "equalist" or humanist who act in oppressive ways and get riled up when you call them on it. i would rather deal with someone who is blatantly sexist than someone who claims to be on my side but is just a huge asshole.

i need some help here.

posted in anti-oppression - 3 replies

online gallery: Eyes Wide Open - and exhibition of the human cost of the Iraq war.

arize — Mon, 04 Apr 2005 07:30:37 GMT

i finally whipped this onto the internet. im kind of excited. wanted to share...

a field of empty boots and shoes representing those killed.
this is my personal gallery with pictures, a cool amateur video, and footage of testimony by family of the dead.

very moving.

check it out.
imageevent.com/arize

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

anti-oppression work in 'fun' spaces

angeladeyohalevi — Mon, 04 Apr 2005 01:07:46 GMT

hey everyone, i am going to a campout with some friends, and we do info-sharing there as well. i am planning to do a mini workshop and i want it to be an exercise and dialogue about oppressions and how they are woven into our supposedly 'open' community. however, this is a very fun oriented event and i want to be able to keep things if not light, then accessible enough that people actually show up and participate.

most of the workshops i have facilitated have been longer, and have had a serious bent. anyone have ideas as to how to make something like this work? last year i did a gender workshop in this same group and it went pretty well, but i plan to delve deeper this year and to talk about race and class and other major oppression issues.

feedback?

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barf barf barf

tysun_c — Fri, 01 Apr 2005 22:09:37 GMT

http://allafrica.com/stories/200504010696.html

Wolfowitz News World Bank President

Cameroon Tribune (Yaoundé)

April 1, 2005
Posted to the web April 1, 2005

Lukong Pius Nyuylime

The United States Deputy Defence Secretary was confirmed yesterday after a crucial European support.

A new page has been opened in the World Bank. The American-born Paul Wolfowitz was yesterday elected to the post of president of the World Bank by the banks' directors, representing 184 countries. He replaces James Wolfensohn who served the institution for ten good years.
Subscribe to AllAfrica

The election of Wolfowitz as the tenth president defies all the controversy ignited by his nomination. He was proposed for the post by the American president, George W. Bush. But the proposal was seen in some quarters as an attempt to bend a multilateral body to US demands. "I understand that I'm to put it mildly a controversial figure," he said. "But I hope as people get to know me they will understand that I really do believe deeply in the mission of the Bank." He has promised to seek a "truly multinational" management team - but would not give Europe an unequivocal promise on the deputy's post.

As he take up his post, the major question asked by many is whether the new president will bring his new brand of conservatism to the World Bank?

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history and info on neo liberalism

tysun_c — Wed, 23 Mar 2005 07:23:28 GMT

http://www.organizepittsburgh.org/neo-liberalism.htm

What is Neo-Liberalism?

"Neo-liberalism" is a set of economic policies that have become widespread during the last 25 years or so. Although the word is rarely heard in the United States, you can clearly see the effects of neo-liberalism here as the rich grow richer and the poor grow poorer.

"Liberalism" can refer to political, economic, or even religious ideas. In the U.S. political liberalism has been a strategy to prevent social conflict. It is presented to poor and working people as progressive compared to conservative or Rightwing. Economic liberalism is different. Conservative politicians who say they hate "liberals" -- meaning the political type -- have no real problem with economic liberalism, including neoliberalism.

"Neo" means we are talking about a new kind of liberalism. So what was the old kind? The liberal school of economics became famous in Europe when Adam Smith, an English economist, published a book in 1776 called THE WEALTH OF NATIONS. He and others advocated the abolition of government intervention in economic matters. No restrictions on manufacturing, no barriers to commerce, no tariffs, he said; free trade was the best way for a nation's economy to develop. Such ideas were "liberal" in the sense of no controls. This application of individualism encouraged "free" enterprise," "free" competition -- which came to mean, free for the capitalists to make huge profits as they wished.

Economic liberalism prevailed in the United States through the 1800s and early 1900s. Then the Great Depression of the 1930s led an economist named John Maynard Keynes to a theory that challenged liberalism as the best policy for capitalists. He said, in essence, that full employment is necessary for capitalism to grow and it can be achieved only if governments and central banks intervene to increase employment. These ideas had much influence on President Roosevelt's New Deal -- which did improve life for many people. The belief that government should advance the common good became widely accepted.

But the capitalist crisis over the last 25 years, with its shrinking profit rates, inspired the corporate elite to revive economic liberalism. That's what makes it "neo" or new. Now, with the rapid globalization of the capitalist economy, we are seeing neo-liberalism on a global scale.

A memorable definition of this process came from Subcomandante Marcos at the Zapatista-sponsored Encuentro Intercontinental por la Humanidad y contra el Neo-liberalismo (Inter-continental Encounter for Humanity and Against Neo-liberalism) of August 1996 in Chiapas when he said: "what the Right offers is to turn the world into one big mall where they can buy Indians here, women there ...."

Some of it's main points:

The main points of neo-liberalism include:

1. THE RULE OF THE MARKET. Liberating "free" enterprise or private enterprise from any bonds imposed by the government (the state) no matter how much social damage this causes. Greater openness to international trade and investment, as in NAFTA/FTAA. Reduce wages by de-unionizing workers and eliminating workers' rights that had been won over many years of struggle. No more price controls. All in all, total freedom of movement for capital, goods and services. To convince us this is good for us, they say "an unregulated market is the best way to increase economic growth, which will ultimately benefit everyone." It's like Reagan's "supply-side" and "trickle-down" economics -- but somehow the wealth didn't trickle down very much.
2. CUTTING PUBLIC EXPENDITURE FOR SOCIAL SERVICES like education and health care. REDUCING THE SAFETY-NET FOR THE POOR, and even maintenance of roads, bridges, water supply -- again in the name of reducing government's role. Of course, they don't oppose government subsidies and tax benefits for business.
3. DEREGULATION. Reduce government regulation of everything that could diminish profits, including protecting the environment and safety on the job.
4. PRIVATIZATION. Sell state-owned enterprises, goods and services to private investors. This includes banks, key industries, railroads, toll highways, electricity, schools, hospitals and even fresh water. Although usually done in the name of greater efficiency, which is often needed, privatization has mainly had the effect of concentrating wealth even more in a few hands and making the public pay even more for its needs.
5. ELIMINATING THE CONCEPT OF "THE PUBLIC GOOD" or "COMMUNITY" and replacing it with "individual responsibility." Pressuring the poorest people in a society to find solutions to their lack of health care, education and social security all by themselves -- then blaming them, if they fail, as "lazy."

A Short History of Neo-liberalism

Twenty Years of Elite Economics and Emerging Opportunities for Structural Change

by Susan George
Conference on Economic Sovereignty in a Globalising World
Bangkok, 24-26 March 1999

The Conference organizers have asked me for a brief history of neo-liberalism which they title "Twenty Years of Elite Economics". I'm sorry to tell you that in order to make any sense, I have to start even further back, some 50 years ago, just after the end of World War II.

In 1945 or 1950, if you had seriously proposed any of the ideas and policies in today's standard neo-liberal toolkit, you would have been laughed off the stage at or sent off to the insane asylum. At least in the Western countries, at that time, everyone was a Keynesian, a social democrat or a social-Christian democrat or some shade of Marxist. The idea that the market should be allowed to make major social and political decisions; the idea that the State should voluntarily reduce its role in the economy, or that corporations should be given total freedom, that trade unions should be curbed and citizens given much less rather than more social protection--such ideas were utterly foreign to the spirit of the time. Even if someone actually agreed with these ideas, he or she would have hesitated to take such a position in public and would have had a hard time finding an audience.

However incredible it may sound today, particularly to the younger members of the audience, the IMF and the World Bank were seen as progressive institutions. They were sometimes called Keynes's twins because they were the brain-children of Keynes and Harry Dexter White, one of Franklin Roosevelt's closest advisors. When these institutions were created at Bretton Woods in 1944, their mandate was to help prevent future conflicts by lending for reconstruction and development and by smoothing out temporary balance of payments problems. They had no control over individual government's economic decisions nor did their mandate include a license to intervene in national policy.

In the Western nations, the Welfare State and the New Deal had got underway in the 1930s but their spread had been interrupted by the war. The first order of business in the post-war world was to put them back in place. The other major item on the agenda was to get world trade moving--this was accomplished through the Marshall Plan which established Europe once again as the major trading partner for the US, the most powerful economy in the world. And it was at this time that the strong winds of decolonisation also began to blow, whether freedom was obtained by grant as in India or through armed struggle as in Kenya, Vietnam and other nations.

On the whole, the world had signed on for an extremely progressive agenda. The great scholar Karl Polanyi published his masterwork, The Great Transformation in 1944, a fierce critique of 19th century industrial, market-based society. Over 50 years ago Polanyi made this amazingly prophetic and modern statement: "To allow the market mechanism to be sole director of the fate of human beings and their natural environment...would result in the demolition of society" [p.73]. However, Polanyi was convinced that such a demolition could no longer happen in the post-war world because, as he said [p.251], "Within the nations we are witnessing a development under which the economic system ceases to lay down the law to society and the primacy of society over that system is secured".

Alas, Polanyi's optimism was misplaced--the whole point of neo-liberalism is that the market mechanism should be allowed to direct the fate of human beings. The economy should dictate its rules to society, not the other way around. And just as Polanyi foresaw, this doctrine is leading us directly towards the "demolition of society".

So what happened? Why have we reached this point half a century after the end of the Second World War? Or, as the organizers ask, "Why are we having this conference right now?" The short answer is "Because of the series of recent financial crises, especially in Asia". But this begs the question--the question they are really asking is "How did neo-liberalism ever emerge from its ultra-minoritarian ghetto to become the dominant doctrine in the world today?" Why can the IMF and the Bank intervene at will and force countries to participate in the world economy on basically unfavorable terms. Why is the Welfare State under threat in all the countries where it was established? Why is the environment on the edge of collapse and why are there so many poor people in both the rich and the poor countries at a time when there has never existed such great wealth? Those are the questions that need to be answered from an historical perspective.

As I've argued in detail in the US quarterly journal Dissent, one explanation for this triumph of neo-liberalism and the economic, political, social and ecological disasters that go with it is that neo-liberals have bought and paid for their own vicious and regressive "Great Transformation". They have understood, as progressives have not, that ideas have consequences. Starting from a tiny embryo at the University of Chicago with the philosopher-economist Friedrich von Hayek and his students like Milton Friedman at its nucleus, the neo-liberals and their funders have created a huge international network of foundations, institutes, research centers, publications, scholars, writers and public relations hacks to develop, package and push their ideas and doctrine relentlessly.

They have built this highly efficient ideological cadre because they understand what the Italian Marxist thinker Antonio Gramsci was talking about when he developed the concept of cultural hegemony. If you can occupy peoples' heads, their hearts and their hands will follow. I do not have time to give you details here, but believe me, the ideological and promotional work of the right has been absolutely brilliant. They have spent hundreds of millions of dollars, but the result has been worth every penny to them because they have made neo-liberalism seem as if it were the natural and normal condition of humankind. No matter how many disasters of all kinds the neo-liberal system has visibly created, no matter what financial crises it may engender, no matter how many losers and outcasts it may create, it is still made to seem inevitable, like an act of God, the only possible economic and social order available to us.

Let me stress how important it is to understand that this vast neo-liberal experiment we are all being forced to live under has been created by people with a purpose. Once you grasp this, once you understand that neo-liberalism is not a force like gravity but a totally artificial construct, you can also understand that what some people have created, other people can change. But they cannot change it without recognizing the importance of ideas. I'm all for grassroots projects, but I also warn that these will collapse if the overall ideological climate is hostile to their goals.

So, from a small, unpopular sect with virtually no influence, neo-liberalism has become the major world religion with its dogmatic doctrine, its priesthood, its law-giving institutions and perhaps most important of all, its hell for heathen and sinners who dare to contest the revealed truth. Oskar Lafontaine, the ex-German Finance Minister who the Financial Times called an "unreconstructed Keynesian" has just been consigned to that hell because he dared to propose higher taxes on corporations and tax cuts for ordinary and less well-off families.

Having set the ideological stage and the context, now let me fast-forward so that we are back in the twenty year time frame. That means 1979, the year Margaret Thatcher came to power and undertook the neo-liberal revolution in Britain. The Iron Lady was herself a disciple of Friedrich von Hayek, she was a social Darwinist and had no qualms about expressing her convictions. She was well known for justifying her programme with the single word TINA, short for There Is No Alternative. The central value of Thatcher's doctrine and of neo-liberalism itself is the notion of competition--competition between nations, regions, firms and of course between individuals. Competition is central because it separates the sheep from the goats, the men from the boys, the fit from the unfit. It is supposed to allocate all resources, whether physical, natural, human or financial with the greatest possible efficiency.

In sharp contrast, the great Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu ended his Tao-te Ching with these words: "Above all, do not compete". The only actors in the neo-liberal world who seem to have taken his advice are the largest actors of all, the Transnational Corporations. The principle of competition scarcely applies to them; they prefer to practice what we could call Alliance Capitalism. It is no accident that, depending on the year, two-thirds to three-quarters of all the money labeled "Foreign Direct Investment" is not devoted to new, job-creating investment but to Mergers and Acquisitions which almost invariably result in job losses.

Because competition is always a virtue, its results cannot be bad. For the neo-liberal, the market is so wise and so good that like God, the Invisible Hand can bring good out of apparent evil. Thus Thatcher once said in a speech, "It is our job to glory in inequality and see that talents and abilities are given vent and expression for the benefit of us all." In other words, don't worry about those who might be left behind in the competitive struggle. People are unequal by nature, but this is good because the contributions of the well-born, the best-educated, the toughest, will eventually benefit everyone. Nothing in particular is owed to the weak, the poorly educated, what happens to them is their own fault, never the fault of society. If the competitive system is "given vent" as Margaret says, society will be the better for it. Unfortunately, the history of the past twenty years teaches us that exactly the opposite is the case.

In pre-Thatcher Britain, about one person in ten was classed as living below the poverty line, not a brilliant result but honorable as nations go and a lot better than in the pre-War period. Now one person in four, and one child in three is officially poor. This is the meaning of survival of the fittest: people who cannot heat their houses in winter, who must put a coin in the meter before they can have electricity or water, who do not own a warm waterproof coat, etc. I am taking these examples from the 1996 report of the British Child Poverty Action Group. I will illustrate the result of the Thatcher-Major "tax reforms" with a single example: During the 1980s, 1 percent of taxpayers received 29 percent of all the tax reduction benefits, such that a single person earning half the average salary found his or her taxes had gone up by 7 percent, whereas a single person earning 10 times the average salary got a reduction of 21%.

Another implication of competition as the central value of neo-liberalism is that the public sector must be brutally downsized because it does not and cannot obey the basic law of competing for profits or for market share. Privatization is one of the major economic transformations of the past twenty years. The trend began in Britain and has spread throughout the world.

Let me start by asking why capitalist countries, particularly in Europe, had public services to begin with, and why many still do. In reality, nearly all public services constitute what economists call "natural monopolies". A natural monopoly exists when the minimum size to guarantee maximum economic efficiency is equal to the actual size of the market. In other words, a company has to be a certain size to realize economies of scale and thus provide the best possible service at the lowest possible cost to the consumer. Public services also require very large investment outlays at the beginning--like railroad tracks or power grids--which does not encourage competition either. That's why public monopolies were the obvious optimum solution. But neo-liberals define anything public as ipso facto "inefficient".

So what happens when a natural monopoly is privatized? Quite normally and naturally, the new capitalist owners tend to impose monopoly prices on the public, while richly remunerating themselves. Classical economists call this outcome "structural market failure" because prices are higher than they ought to be and service to the consumer is not necessarily good. In order to prevent structural market failures, up to the mid-1980s, the capitalist countries of Europe almost universally entrusted the post office, telecoms, electricity, gas, railways, metros, air transport and usually other services like water, rubbish collection, etc. to state-owned monopolies. The USA is the big exception, perhaps because it is too huge geographically to favor natural monopolies.

In any event, Margaret Thatcher set out to change all that. As an added bonus, she could also use privatization to break the power of the trade unions. By destroying the public sector where unions were strongest, she was able to weaken them drastically. Thus between 1979 and 1994, the number of jobs in the public sector in Britain was reduced from over 7 million to 5 million, a drop of 29 percent. Virtually all the jobs eliminated were unionized jobs. Since private sector employment was stagnant during those fifteen years, the overall reduction in the number of British jobs came to 1.7 million, a drop of 7% compared to 1979. To neo-liberals, fewer workers is always better than more because workers impinge on shareholder value.

As for other effects of privatization, they were predictable and predicted. The managers of the newly privatized enterprises, often exactly the same people as before, doubled or tripled their own salaries. The government used taxpayer money to wipe out debts and recapitalize firms before putting them on the market--for example, the water authority got 5 billion pounds of debt relief plus 1.6 billion pounds called the "green dowry" to make the bride more attractive to prospective buyers. A lot of Public Relations fuss was made about how small stockholders would have a stake in these companies--and in fact 9 million Brits did buy shares--but half of them invested less than a thousand pounds and most of them sold their shares rather quickly, as soon as they could cash in on the instant profits.

From the results, one can easily see that the whole point of privatization is neither economic efficiency or improved services to the consumer but simply to transfer wealth from the public purse--which could redistribute it to even out social inequalities--to private hands. In Britain and elsewhere, the overwhelming majority of privatised company shares are now in the hands of financial institutions and very large investors. The employees of British Telecom bought only 1 percent of the shares, those of British Aerospace 1.3 percent, etc. Prior to Ms Thatcher's onslaught, a lot of the public sector in Britain was profitable. Consequently, in 1984, public companies contributed over 7 billion pounds to the treasury. All that money is now going to private shareholders. Service in the privatized industries is now often disastrous--the Financial Times reported an invasion of rats in the Yorkshire Water system and anyone who has survived taking Thames trains in Britain deserves a medal.

Exactly the same mechanisms have been at work throughout the world. In Britain, the Adam Smith Institute was the intellectual partner for creating the privatization ideology. USAID and the World Bank have also used Adam Smith experts and have pushed the privatization doctrine in the South. By 1991 the Bank had already made 114 loans to speed the process, and every year its Global Development Finance report lists hundreds of privatizations carried out in the Bank's borrowing countries.

I submit that we should stop talking about privatization and use words that tell the truth: we are talking about alienation and surrender of the product of decades of work by thousands of people to a tiny minority of large investors. This is one of the greatest hold-ups of ours or any generation.

Another structural feature of neo-liberalism consists in remunerating capital to the detriment of labor and thus moving wealth from the bottom of society to the top. If you are, roughly, in the top 20 percent of the income scale, you are likely to gain something from neo-liberalism and the higher you are up the ladder, the more you gain. Conversely, the bottom 80 percent all lose and the lower they are to begin with, the more they lose proportionally.

Lest you thought I had forgotten Ronald Reagan, let me illustrate this point with the observations of Kevin Phillips, a Republican analyst and former aid to President Nixon, who published a book in 1990 called The Politics of Rich and Poor. He charted the way Reagan's neo-liberal doctrine and policies had changed American income distribution between 1977 and 1988. These policies were largely elaborated by the conservative Heritage Foundation, the principle think-tank of the Reagan administration and still an important force in American politics. Over the decade of the 1980s, the top 10 percent of American families increased their average family income by 16 percent, the top 5 percent increased theirs by 23 percent, but the extremely lucky top 1 percent of American families could thank Reagan for a 50 percent increase. Their revenues went from an affluent $270.000 to a heady $405.000. As for poorer Americans, the bottom 80 percent all lost something; true to the rule, the lower they were on the scale, the more they lost. The bottom 10 percent of Americans reached the nadir: according to Phillip's figures, they lost 15% of their already meager incomes: from an already rock-bottom average of $4.113 annually, they dropped to an inhuman $3.504. In 1977, the top 1 percent of American families had average incomes 65 times as great as those of the bottom 10 percent. A decade later, the top 1 percent was 115 times as well off as the bottom decile.

America is one of the most unequal societies on earth, but virtually all countries have seen inequalities increase over the past twenty years because of neo-liberal policies. UNCTAD published some damning evidence to this effect in its 1997 Trade and Development Report based on some 2600 separate studies of income inequalities, impoverishment and the hollowing out of the middle classes. The UNCTAD team documents these trends in dozens of widely differing societies, including China, Russia and the other former Socialist countries.

There is nothing mysterious about this trend towards greater inequality. Policies are specifically designed to give the already rich more disposable income, particularly through tax cuts and by pushing down wages. The theory and ideological justification for such measures is that higher incomes for the rich and higher profits will lead to more investment, better allocation of resources and therefore more jobs and welfare for everyone. In reality, as was perfectly predictable, moving money up the economic ladder has led to stock market bubbles, untold paper wealth for the few, and the kind of financial crises we shall be hearing a lot about in the course of this conference. If income is redistributed towards the bottom 80 percent of society, it will be used for consumption and consequently benefit employment. If wealth is redistributed towards the top, where people already have most of the things they need, it will go not into the local or national economy but to international stock markets.

As you are all aware, the same policies have been carried out throughout the South and East under the guise of structural adjustment, which is merely another name for neo-liberalism. I've used Thatcher and Reagan to illustrate the policies at the national level. At the international level, neo-liberals have concentrated all their efforts on three fundamental points:

* free trade in goods and services
* free circulation of capital
* freedom of investment

Over the past twenty years, the IMF has been strengthened enormously. Thanks to the debt crisis and the mechanism of conditionality, it has moved from balance of payments support to being quasi-universal dictator of so-called "sound" economic policies, meaning of course neo-liberal ones. The World Trade Organization was finally put in place in January 1995 after long and laborious negotiations, often rammed through parliaments which had little idea what they were ratifying. Thankfully, the most recent effort to make binding and universal neo-liberal rules, the Multilateral Agreement on Investment, has failed, at least temporarily. It would have given all rights to corporations, all obligations to governments and no rights at all to citizens.

The common denominator of these institutions is their lack of transparency and democratic accountability. This is the essence of neo-liberalism. It claims that the economy should dictate its rules to society, not the other way around. Democracy is an encumbrance, neo-liberalism is designed for winners, not for voters who, necessarily encompass the categories of both winners and losers.

I'd like to conclude by asking you to take very seriously indeed the neo-liberal definition of the loser, to whom nothing in particular is owed. Anyone can be ejected from the system at any time--because of illness, age, pregnancy, perceived failure, or simply because economic circumstances and the relentless transfer of wealth from top to bottom demand it. Shareholder value is all. Recently the International Herald Tribune reported that foreign investors are "snapping up" Thai and Korean companies and Banks. Not surprisingly, these purchases are expected to result in "heavy layoffs".

In other words, the results of years of work by thousands of Thais and Koreans is being transferred into foreign corporate hands. Many of those who labored to create that wealth have already been, or soon will be left on the pavement. Under the principles of competition and maximizing shareholder value, such behavior is seen not as criminally unjust but as normal and indeed virtuous.

I submit that neo-liberalism has changed the fundamental nature of politics. Politics used to be primarily about who ruled whom and who got what share of the pie. Aspects of both these central questions remain, of course, but the great new central question of politics is, in my view, "Who has a right to live and who does not". Radical exclusion is now the order of the day, I mean this deadly seriously.

I've given you rather a lot of bad news because the history of the past 20 years is full of it. But I don't want to end on such a depressing and pessimistic note. A lot is already happening to counter these life-threatening trends and there is enormous scope for further action.

This conference is going to help define much of that action which I believe must include an ideological offensive. It's time we set the agenda instead of letting the Masters of the Universe set it at Davos. I hope funders may also understand that they should not be funding just projects but also ideas. We can't count on the neo-liberals to do it, so we need to design workable and equitable international taxation systems, including a Tobin Tax on all monetary and financial market transactions and taxes on Transnational Corporation sales on a pro-rata basis. I expect we will go into detail on such questions in the workshops here. The proceeds of an international tax system should go to closing the North-South gap and to redistribution to all the people who have been robbed over the past twenty years.

Let me repeat what I said earlier: neo-liberalism is not the natural human condition, it is not supernatural, it can be challenged and replaced because its own failures will require this. We have to be ready with replacement policies which restore power to communities and democratic States while working to institute democracy, the rule of law and fair distribution at the international level. Business and the market have their place, but this place cannot occupy the entire sphere of human existence.

Further good news is that there is plenty of money sloshing around out there and a tiny fraction, a ridiculous, infinitesimal proportion of it would be enough to provide a decent life to every person on earth, to supply universal health and education, to clean up the environment and prevent further destruction to the planet, to close the North-South gap--at least according to the UNDP which calls for a paltry $40 billion a year. That, frankly, is peanuts.

Finally, please remember that neo-liberalism may be insatiable but it is not invulnerable. A coalition of international activists only yesterday obliged them to abandon, at least temporarily, their project to liberalize all investment through the MAI. The surprise victory of its opponents infuriated the supporters of corporate rule and demonstrates that well organized network guerillas can win battles. Now we have to regroup our forces and keep at them so that they cannot transfer the MAI to the WTO.

Look at it this way. We have the numbers on our side, because there are far more losers than winners in the neo-liberal game. We have the ideas, whereas theirs are finally coming into question because of repeated crisis. What we lack, so far, is the organization and the unity which in this age of advanced technology we can overcome. The threat is clearly transnational so the response must also be transnational. Solidarity no longer means aid, or not just aid, but finding the hidden synergies in each other's struggles so that our numerical force and the power of our ideas become overwhelming. I'm convinced this conference will contribute mightily to this goal and I thank you all for your kind attention.

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Made In Palestine

guitahadam — Thu, 10 Mar 2005 13:10:04 GMT

A Benefit for the
MADE IN PALESTINE EXHIBITION
The first comprehensive exhibition of contemporary Palestinian art in the U.S.

http://sanfrancisco.tribe.net/event/0cbdefd3-0f5c-4f55-8b81-4886610c068e?_message_resource=info.listing.forwarded&r=10535

Too bad I'm in Europe....I wish I could go

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Important Labor Issue in CA

riotgrrl — Tue, 08 Mar 2005 01:54:41 GMT

What they are talking about is seriously fucked up. Please help us prevent this. It is especially fucked up because it targets the service industry workers who are the least able to stand up for themselves.

See Below:

No Rest for the Weary
By David Bacon
t r u t h o u t | Perspective

Friday 25 February 2005

<http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/022505H.shtml>

San Francisco - Time to eat in the middle of the workday
sounds pretty simple - something most people take for
granted. Yet in reality, many, if not most, people who
work in restaurants have to put in their entire shift
without stopping.

That's a violation of California labor protection laws.
But the state Chamber of Commerce and the restaurant
industry would like to brush that law aside. Now
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has made a proposal that
will help them. The governor's new regulation would
allow employers to simply inform workers of their right
to a lunch break, rather than actually provide one.
Further, it would eliminate a requirement that employers
pay an hour's pay for every break they fail to provide.

Nationally, twelve million people work in restaurants -
over 40,000 in San Francisco alone. While some labor in
family-owned businesses, many work for chains owned by
huge corporations. One if fifteen adults in the US has
worked at McDonald's, for instance, at some time in
their lives. That makes the change one that affects a
broad range of people.

According to a cook at one famous San Francisco
restaurant [afraid he'd be fired if his name was used],
"there's a lot of work, and they don't let you take a
break, even when you're hungry. From the time I began
here, I never had any time to eat. If I tried to take a
meal break, they'd come up after five minutes and tell
me to go back. You can't eat in five minutes. They tell
you, eat after you leave. I've had to work without
eating, and it makes me feel bad. But I've done it so
that I don't have any problems."

Not all workers are so accepting. In fact, in the last
couple of years, restaurant workers have begun filing
cases against their employers for not providing lunch
breaks. One big chain, The Cheesecake Factory, has been
the target of many such complaints. Patty Senecal, a
former Cheesecake Factory worker in San Francisco, says,
"In the two years I was there, they never gave us
breaks."

Once people like Senecal began filing complaints,
however, the company implemented a strange system to
still keep people working for hours without stopping
"The Cheesecake Factory had us come in an hour before
our scheduled shift," she recalls. "If you had to be at
work at five, you'd come in at four. You'd get in your
uniform, and you'd fold napkins for half an hour. Then
you would clock out for a break, and then work your 8-
hour shift. You were not allowed to eat during these 8
hours, or leave the vicinity. If you did, you'd get
reprimanded and written up. Technically, they'd say your
break was during your shift, because you'd come in an
hour earlier to fold napkins."

Working for hours without a break can be dangerous to
health. "It's very exhausting to work a full shift
without eating," Senecal explains, "and if you look at
the health of people in the restaurant industry, it's
terrible." Nevertheless, that's what employers like The
Cheesecake Factory wanted. "If you took food into the
back during your shift and tried to eat it, you'd get
written up. Some servers would try to sneak a cigarette,
and they would get written up. Once, after working all
day I just sat in this chair out of my customers' view,
because I was so tired. I immediately got lectured and
yelled at. For just sitting down."

Even before the Governor's proposal to weaken the law,
workers had to risk their jobs to enforce it. Marilyn
Smith, who helped Cheesecake Factory workers fill out
the state complaint forms, found that she faced
retaliation from her employer for doing so. She was
suspended, and her shifts reassigned. "They were angry,
and they're still angry," she says. "From the start, the
company moved against me. I have to watch my back. I
know that every move that I make is a big deal now. I'm
paying a price for it."

Governor Schwarzenegger's proposal would stop what
Cheesecake Factory workers are doing to defend
themselves, by making it much harder for anyone to sue
for violations of the lunch break regulation and others
like it. In just one settlement, the owners of the
Chili's restaurant chain, Brinker International, had to
pay a settlement to its workers that totaled $10
million.

At the same time, resources for enforcing existing law
are shrinking in the budget morass, and some of the
Governor's proposals to streamline government would have
made enforcement even harder. Schwarzenegger proposed
last year to abolish the Industrial Welfare Commission,
which sets the state regulations for lunch breaks,
minimum wage and overtime. California currently has
better protections than the Federal government provides,
but the new proposals would eliminate the state agency
that writes these protections. And under the Bush
administration, the Federal protections are likely to be
weakened as well. Public outcry recently forced him to
abandon that proposal.

While restaurant workers are among those most affected
by the meal break rule, other low wage workers in the
retail and janitorial industries also have a long record
of complaining that they don't get mandated lunch
breaks. Schwarzenegger's proposals benefit all these
industries that employ large numbers of workers
dependent on state protections. And those industries
have been generous to the Governor. The funds set up for
his initiative campaigns, and to pay his high living
expenses, have received generous donations. Target and
Wal-Mart each gave over $200,000, and The Gap was close
behind. And he received over $20,000 from the California
Restaurant Association, as well as individual restaurant
and hotel owners.

The state Division of Labor Standards Enforcement has
held a series of hearings around California, in
preparation for adopting the Governor's recommendation.
The Chamber of Commerce organized large delegations of
restaurant owners to testify in support. Without a
widespread public outcry, there is little doubt that the
change will be implemented.

So the next time you sit down in a restaurant to eat,
look into the eyes of the person who put the plate in
front of you, or who cleared it away after you ate your
fill. When you hear that she or he doesn't need a meal
break, ask yourself these questions: Could I work an
entire shift without eating or sitting down? And if my
boss cheated me, or violated the law, would I have the
courage to protest?

---

David Bacon is a California photojournalist, who
documents labor, migration and globalization. His book,
The Children of NAFTA: Labor Wars on the US/Mexico
Border, was published last year by University of
California Press.

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

choose your own revolution--the website

revolushawn — Fri, 18 Feb 2005 07:45:12 GMT

(I originally put this in the listings section, but i decided to post it directly so more folk who might be interested would see it.)

I just had an idea and I wonder if it exists or if there are capable webmasters out there that can make it happen.

I got the idea when I happened upon a website that let's people send virtual gems via email. you choose what you want from a menu of picture options and then send it to someone as a token of virtual love. It's obviously promoted by gem industry folk as a way to plant and spread the idea of buying gems in people's heads.

THE IDEA:
What if there were a site for virtual revolution?

There could be a menu of options in various categories--race relations, sexuality, the environment, gender roles, meaningful work, wealth distribution, urban planning/neighborhood design, etc.

Each option would be a paragraph and/or picture showing what a society would be like if that option were chosen.

Folk would choose options in several (or each) categories, thus piecing together a vision for what a liberated society would look like for them.

Then they could email their vision to friends, and then the friends would be encouraged to try it...and so on...

Conversations could be inspired...

Folk who wish fervently for radical change but never seriously thought about it being possible might start to open their minds a little.

This could be a meme that really spreads and gets folk's imaginative juices flowing.

A choose your own adventure site for talkin' 'bout a revolution...

The first step to getting people to act for change is getting them to imagine change.

Although I'm too busy on other stuff to make this idea real, if you decide to tackle it and wanna network with others on it, email me on tribe or at <imagineaworld@gmail.com> and I'll connect all the folk who respond with each other. Be sure to include an email address.

--Shawn

If you want to build a ship, don't drum up the men to gather wood,
divide the work and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the
vast and endless sea.
--Antoine de Saint-Exupery

posted in anti-oppression - 1 reply

feedback on non-hierarchical organizing

revolushawn — Tue, 11 Jan 2005 19:30:54 GMT

hey folks!

I've been worried about the rent control campaign I'm a part of ( http://pasadena4all.org ), and I wanted to use this forum for some reflection and to get feedback from any of y'all.

My hope in getting the campaign off the ground was to be merely a spark that would quickly become part of a larger fire. But lately I've been feeling like the candle that others light their matches on, and I don't like the feeling. And I don't wanna burn out.

I fuckin' hate bosses and sometimes I feel like I have to be the one to remind folk of our commitments and whatnot. I feel like a friggin' boss alot, and it sucks.

Early on--when we were merely in the planning stages--it was easy for me to feel like I was just one among many big picture thinkers. But then, as it came time to put our plans into action, I ended up taking a lot of the tactical leadership--largely because of my experience. But also because of my "Fuck fear. Let's act!" attitude. And my strong voice/rhetorical skills.

Typical markers of a hierarchical effort started to appear: people looking to ME to figure out what should happen next...ME being the one to call and remind folk about meetings...people telling their contacts to call ME instead of taking the role of being a point person themselves...

True enough, within all this there have been wonderful shifts: people who originally needed me to go petitioning with them ended up being able to do an excellent job themselves...people who needed my prompting on what to say in public forums became able to do it themselves...people began to recruit/plug-in their own contacts, instead of relying on me to do it.

Now we're in a new phase of the campaign. We're not gonna reach our original deadline so we've decided to stop petitioning (we're doing a voter initiative) and instead focus on one-on-one house visits to shore up commitments among our base before we re-start the petition drive.

However, I feel like we're almost at square one again: people need ME to go on house visits with them and will not make the calls themselves...people call ME to say when they can't come to a meeting...

One recent bright spot: at the last meeting when we were catching somebody who'd been away up to speed on our new tactical plan, it was somebody ELSE who took the role of explaining the rationale, and the importance of getting concrete time commitments over vague promises of support.

As I now reflect I'm thinking that I need to do three things to stop feeling like I gotta be the boss:
1) stop acting like a boss. let go of my attachments to a particular outcome in the campaign so I can let go of trying to steer shit so much. when people look at me in meetings to see what should happen next, look at 'em like I have no idea what the answer is, and what are you lookin' at me for?

2) focus more on training folk and more effectively helping them get the tools they need to succeed on their own, unassisted by me.

3) concretely push people to take leadership. decide not show up at a meeting. bring more of the work that I'm trying to do to the others--as a work in progress rather than a finished polished product. be more supportive of various ways folk wanna show leadership, even if I think their idea is a little kooky or undoable.

or even if I fear that it is an intentionally unrealistic cop-out...

I guess that's a big part of it all, too: my fear of being let down by others.

Damn...

--Shawn

Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage.
--Anais Nin

posted in anti-oppression - 7 replies

Spring Challenging White Supremacy Workshop Aps

Tue, 25 Jan 2005 05:55:19 GMT

Hey all,
for those of you who know or havce heard of Sharon Martinas this is her last year organizing the workshop. Next year will be the younger generation. I encourage you all to check this out though while Sharon's on board. If you're seriously interested or know someone who is send me a tribe message and we can arrange a time to chat. (I've been through CWS and am one of the organizers so can answer amny Qs.)

AN INTRODUCTION TO GRASSROOTS ANTI-RACIST ORGANIZING:
Sundays, March 6 to June 12, 2005 in San Francisco

This is an anti-racist training workshop for grassroots social
justice activists who want to work for racial justice and challenge white
privilege in all their social justice work. It is a project of the
Challenging White Supremacy Workshops of San Francisco.

GOALS: The workshop will introduce participants to:
* An historical analysis of the U.S. white supremacy system and the
legacies of resistance to white supremacy in communities of color;
* An historical, institutional analysis of white privilege, its
intersections with other systems of oppression, and its effects on social
justice movements;
* Analyses, strategies and practices of some Bay Area grassroots
racial justice work;
* Examples of some Bay Area anti-racist organizing in predominantly
white social justice movements; and
* Practicing and modeling respectful and accountable behavior in
all our anti-racist work.

WHEN AND WHERE: The workshop will meet on Sundays from 4pm to 7:30pm in
San Francisco. The location is near BART and bus stops.

* Friday night, Sat/Sunday March 4,5 & 6: Orientation (participation in all
3 times are required for participation in the workshop):
Friday night: 7-9:30pm; Sat & Sun 3pm-8pm

* March 13: What is White Supremacy?
* March 20: How Mother Earth Became a Piece of Real Estate
* March 27: Legacies of Liberation
* April 3: Women of Color Feminism and Organizing
* April 10: Creating an Anti-Racist Agenda
* April 17: Challenging State Violence: The 'Heart of Whiteness'
* April 2: Grassroots Anti-Racist Fundraising
* May 1: Organizing for Racial and Economic Justice
* May 8: Shinin' the Lite on White Privilege in Social Justice Movements
* May 15: Organizing for Immigrant Rights
* May 22: Anti-racist organizing in mostly white social justice
movements
* June 5: Anti-Racism and Anti-Imperialism: Palestine Solidarity
* Sat June 11: Accountability and Solidarity:
* Sun June 12: Evaluation and Next Steps

RACIAL JUSTICE PLACEMENTS

Every participant will be expected to volunteer 6-8 hours per week
in a racial justice organization. cws will arrange placements for all
participants, unless you are already volunteering or working with a racial
justice organization. As of Jan. 1, 2005, the cws racial justice placements
for Spring 2005 are:
Attica to Abu Ghraib Conference, Books not Bars (a project of the
Ella Baker Center for Human Rights), California Coalition for Women
Prisoners, Californians for Justice, Childcare Collective, Critical
Resistance, cws workshop, Freedom Archives, Greenaction, Institute for
MultiRacial Justice, Jews for a Free Palestine, Just Cause Oakland, Legal
Services for Prisoners with Children, People's Grocery, POWER (People
Organized to Win Employment Rights), SF Day Labor Program & SUSTAIN (Stop
US Tax-Funded Aid to Israel Now).

'WORKSHOP AS A LABORATORY' PROGRAM
The workshop program is based on the concept that anti-racist
analysis and practice go hand in hand to create 'reflective action.'
As a workshop participant, you will have the opportunity to:
* Practice and Model Respectful Behavior' to challenge white privilege;
* Practice small group anti-racist facilitation skills;
* Practice 'Each One Teach One' anti-racist organizing;
* Practice grassroots anti-racist fundraising;
* Strengthen your practice of accountability and solidarity in your
racial justice work; and
* Strengthen your capacities to analyze and discuss different strategies of
grassroots organizing in Bay Area communities of color and in predominantly
white social justice movements.

COSTS: $10 with application, $125 registration; = $135 total.

FOR MORE INFO & APPLICATION:
Email 'cws@igc.org' for an application form.
www.cwsworkshop.org.
Applications must be received by Saturday Feb. 1, 2005. cws will
call you to arrange a phone discussion as soon as we get your application.
Early registrants will have priority in choosing their cws-arranged racial
justice placements. All applications received after Feb. 12, will be put on
the waiting list.
Questions???? Please call 415-647-0921!

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

article

Scruffy — Sun, 16 Jan 2005 19:59:29 GMT

http://www.splcenter.org/intel/intelreport/article.jsp?pid=835
Wickstrom is still around - and looking for Butler's job.

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

Bush "starts" to redeem himself

Fern — Tue, 28 Dec 2004 16:04:08 GMT

I thought this would be of interest to some of you.

George Bush has constantly been attacked over his commitment to help bring an end to the Middle-East conflict, as well as his commitment to ease the plight of Africa (Re. Debt & AIDS).
In the last couple of days he has made 2 very bold moves...

...............................Sorced from SAPA......................................

*SUDAN-BUSH

US President George W. Bush has signed a two-billion rands bill promoting peace and providing aid for refugees in Sudan. The Sudan Act aims to respond to the conflict in Darfur.. providing support for the deployment of additional African Union forces to the region. The bill also sanctions the government of Sudan.. for its failure to intervene to stop the atrocities in Darfur ..and authorises 600 million rands as an incentive for warring parties to reach a peace agreement.

sapa hs 24/12

*MID-US-AID

The US government has donated 120 million rand to the Palestinian Authority to help fund next month's presidential election. A statement issued by the US embassy in Tel Aviv says the funds will be used for projects earmarked as priorities by the Palestinian finance ministry. Former Palestinian president Yasser Arafat was completely boycotted by US President George W. Bush. However, the White House is now looking to the expected election of PLO chairperson Mahmud Abbas to kickstart the stalled peace process.

sapa hs 28/12 din

................................................................................................

Its a start Bushy, its a start...so how about you stop invading other countries & drop the debt of Africa now?

posted in anti-oppression - 1 reply

Tsunami HELP

Fern — Thu, 30 Dec 2004 16:57:55 GMT

I work for a news broadcaster & I am a freelance photojournalist.
Yesterday, I was assigned to the Tsumani's hardest hit areas to take pictures and file stories of the damage and cleanup, aswell as aid operations.

After flying in lastnight we were taken to a camp to rest off the jet lag. When I woke up in the morning I saw things that news broadcasters are not allowed to air and news publishers (paper/internet) are not allowed to publish. Bodies everywhere - children, mothers, old people...children seperated from their parents...people crying over the bodies of dead relatives.

What is supposed to be the happy silly season, turned into a nightmare for many who have not only lost loved ones, but also lost everything they have. Lastnight I saw people wandering around still looking for family members or just looking for a place to sleep.

I am not anybody importent, but I humbly urge Tribe members to pledge their support. Millions is needed feed, house and clothe people from small children to women, men and old aged. There is also a huge need for medical supplies. It doesn't only include giving money but also basic food stuffs, blankets, clothing etc etc

Please contact one of the following organisations below to find out how you can help....

posted in anti-oppression - 2 replies

Racism in Tsunami hit areas

Fern — Sat, 01 Jan 2005 17:13:34 GMT

Today I witnessed something really really sad. I would not have been suprised if I had come accross this anywhere else in the world, because sadly, racism exists in society today still.

I was sitting in the relief camp trying to take pictures of how the Tsumani victims are coping and living day to day in this camp, also how they have adapted to this temporary living conditions.

As I was taking photos of kids playing, I noticed a new relief group walking into the camp. First thing I noticed was that they were Jewish because of the little covering on their heads, and because their boxed supplies and gear had a jewish marking on it. One elderly gentleman walked towards a crowd of people and asked for all "Jewish people" to step forward.

I was totally shocked that someone would send a team to come and assist a single "group/race/nationality" in a disaster situation that has affected millions of people...not only Jewish tourists!

It turns out they were an American Jewish organization. We, myself and 2 of the photographers that witnessed this with me, have decided that we will write a BIG letter to their leadership (& send copies to various newspapers) as soon as we leave.

It totally shocks me that we still find open forms of racism like this during this day and age, and during a time like this when millions are affected. How can you be selective about who you are going to help when millions suffer? It was really sad.

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

Anti-racism discussion/education group in SF or EB?

dannyk — Tue, 07 Dec 2004 00:11:03 GMT

Hey folks, I am looking for a place to have some more intentional discussion/education around of racism/white privilege. I did CWS a few years ago..and have been to lots of other trainings, but I would really like to participate in something like a discussion group, book group of mostly queer folks in sf or the eb? I would especially love a group that had some interest in discussing the ways that class and white privilege interact.

thanks!
-danny

posted in anti-oppression - 2 replies

HUNGER STRIKE THIS WEEK!

Liz4whirledpeas — Tue, 30 Nov 2004 21:38:59 GMT

HUNGER STRIKE BY INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' REPRESENTATIVES AT THE UNITED NATIONS!

Today, November 29th, 2004, at 11 am, we, Indigenous Peoples' delegates,
declare a hunger strike and spiritual fast inside the United Nations
Palais des Nations in Geneva, during this 3rd week of the 10th session
of the Intersessional Working Group on the United Nations Draft
Declaration for the Rights on Indigenous Peoples.

We, Indigenous peoples' delegates from different countries, undertake
this action, with the support and solidarity of Indigenous Peoples and
organizations from around the world, to call the world's attention to
the continued attempts by some states, as well as this UN process
itself, to weaken and undermine the Draft Declaration developed in the
UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations and adopted by the UN
Subcommission for the Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of
Minorities in 1994.

The Sub Commission text has also been endorsed and supported by hundreds
of Indigenous Peoples and organizations around the world as the minimum
standard required for the recognition and protection of Indigenous
Peoples' rights internationally.

We delegates who will undertake the hunger strike, along with the
undersigned Indigenous Peoples, organizations, tribal governments,
Nations, communities and Networks, call for the Sub Commission text of
the Declaration to be sent back to the UN Commission on Human Rights
with the message that in 10 years, proposals by States to weaken or
amend the text have not gained the consensus of the Working Group
participants, which include both states and Indigenous Peoples.

Mr. Luis Chavez, the Chairman Rapporteur of the Working Group should
report this reality and not present a "consolidated text" as if it was
"close to consensus." The Commission on Human Rights must establish a
process that does not provide a handful of States an opportunity to
weaken the human rights of Indigenous Peoples. The process also must
take into account the voices of the great numbers of Indigenous Peoples
from all parts of the world.

We will not allow our rights to be negotiated, compromised or diminished
in this UN process, which was initiated more than 20 years ago by
Indigenous Peoples. The United Nations itself says that human rights are
inherent and inalienable, and must be applied to all Peoples without
discrimination.

We request that the Secretariat of this session immediately inform the
Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights and the High
Commissioner herself of this action. We also request that the
Secretariat arrange for the hunger strikers to be able remain in the UN
during the entire week of the session.

Indigenous delegates participating in the hunger strike inside the
United Nations include:

Adelard Blackman, Buffalo River Dene Nation, Canada ;

Andrea Carmen, Yaqui Nation, Arizona United States ;

Alexis Tiouka, Kali ña, French Guyana ;

Charmaine White Face, Ogala Tetuwan, Sioux Nation Territory, North
America ;

Danny Billie, Traditional Independent Seminole Nation of Florida, United
States;

Saul Vicente, Zapoteca, Mexico.

Send expressions of solidarity from Indigenous Peoples and supporters
for the "hunger strike for Indigenous Rights" and for the adoption of
the current text of the UN Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples to the UN Session during this week.

E-mails to: indigenousolidarity@yahoo.com

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

Arafat Dies

Fern — Thu, 11 Nov 2004 18:53:38 GMT

MADIBA ARAFAT

Former president Nelson Mandela has paid tribute to Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, who died today. Mandela calls Arafat one of the oustanding freedom fighters of his generation. Madiba notes with sadness that Arafat died before his dream of a Palestinian state could be realised. "A misunderstood revolutionist, but one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter. Yasser only sought freedom for his people. I hope that one day his vision and dream of a pure and sovereign Palestinian state will become a reality soon."

statement ex zelda grange edit Fern 11-11 3

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

Swat Police at BART

Ms. Fill in the Blank — Tue, 02 Nov 2004 00:05:06 GMT

I had this on another thread, but felt this would also fit here.
This was on the 29th of Oct

So I just got home after a long day of work.
I am a little triped out and pissed.
I got off BART and there were bart police wearing SWAT gear on. When I first looked at them I thought they were the Military, this guy had so much hardware on,an a big machine gun.
I asked him what was up with all the hardware? He handed me a flyer, stating that dure to the Pres election, there was going to be much heavier presence, of police in full tactical SWAT gear
I feel that this guy in SWAT gear is more of an intemidation, and for protection.
I have to say, it scares me the way things are headed.
I have never seen this happen here in S.F.
I just talked to a friend of mine, she thinks this is normal, she is not even triping.
She said we are on orange alert. We have been on this alert before, and I have never seen this.
I feel if this guy gets in office again, that this time of policing will be part of the norm.

Has anyone else felt this??

posted in anti-oppression - 2 replies

idealist.org

tinker, tailor, soldier, spy — Thu, 04 Nov 2004 16:04:34 GMT

idealist.org is a great website for jobhunting in the non-profit world. they have a zionist organization, hadassah, listed on their website. what do you all think about that?

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

anti-oppression training for queer youth of color in SF

tmiwok88 — Sat, 30 Oct 2004 05:29:41 GMT

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!!

The Love and Justice Project (L&J) will be
providing an anti-oppression training for its
youth
organizers on November 7th. L&J is opening
the
training to any lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender,
two-spirit, queer and questioning youth of color
who would like to attend. We are asking any
guests to commit to the entire training and sign
up
in advance. Refreshments Provided. Please
contact Mario Balcita for more information.

Who: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender,
Two-
Spirit, Queer and Questioning Youth of Color.
25
and under

What: 3 hour Anti-Oppression Training

When: November 7, 2004 @ 11:00am 2:30pm

Where: Communtiy United Against Violence
Office

Why: .because the revolution continues!

www.lovesjustice.org

Mario Balcita

Love & Justice Program Director

Community United Against Violence

160 14th Street San Francisco, CA 94103

Phone 415.777.5500 ex 311

24hr Support Line 415.333.HELP

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

looking for submissions for book

MarKissSagee — Wed, 27 Oct 2004 20:18:34 GMT

Looking for Submissions, and Interviews for a book

Black, Men, and Love Looking for Submissions, and Interviews for a book

Black, Men, and Love

Black men write on love, loving and the love ethic –Using love to subvert Racism, and stereotypes

Looking for Submissions from Poets, actavist, Black Male Feminists, Teachers, Community Leaders, Queer, Same gender loving, Straight, All black men.

Looking for essays on doing creative H.I.V. Prevention for the African American community as an act of love, Poems on love, how being Black, Male, and loving dispels stereotypes, activism as an act of love and community, love stories, and involvement in social work.

Also will be interviewing.
Aids activist/workers
Church Leaders
Black male social groups, and as many black men as possible

Submissions should be 1000+ words if they are in essay form

Submissions and questions can be sent to

BlackMaleAndLove@yahoo.com

Or
NaNaChata777@yahoo.com

Black men write on love, loving and the love ethic –Using love to subvert Racism, and stereotypes

Looking for Submissions from Poets, actavist, Black Male Feminists, Teachers, Community Leaders, Queer, Same gender loving, Straight, All black men.

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

Haiti is not that far away

Kathryn — Tue, 05 Oct 2004 20:13:37 GMT

A massive, violent upsurge in repression has occured in Haiti
>>during
>>the past four days, aimed at silencing the Lavalas movement and
>>supporters of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in Haiti. On
>>Thursday September 30, Haitian police fired upon thousands of
>>unarmed demonstrators who called for the return of constitutional
>>order. On Saturday, police surrounded a private radio station
>>where
>>three leading Lavalas parliamentarians had denounced the violence
>>on
>>the air. After a six hour standoff police stormed the building
>>and arrested them without warrant. Dozens of other Lavalas
>>activists have been illegally arrested in the past few days, and
>>the
>>police have conducted raids on the populous neighborhoods of
>>Port-au-Prince, which are the backbone of the Lavalas movement.
>>Bel
>>Air (-- located in the center of the city) is under virtual siege.

>>
>>We urge you to call, fax, and write the US and UN officials listed
>>below. Demand that they stop this wave of violent repression and
>>protect the rights of Haitian citizens.
>>
>>
>>
>>FAX OR CALL Ambassador James Foley and UN Officials in Haiti!
>>
>>
>>
>>U.S. Ambassador to Haiti: James B. Foley
>>
>>PHONE: 011.222.0200 OR 011.222.0354
>>
>>FAX: 011.509.223-9038 OR 011.509.223.1641
>>
>>
>>
>>UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH)
>>
>>PHONE: 011.509.244.9650.9660
>>
>>FAX: 011.509.244.9366/67
>>
>>** Kofi Annan's Special UN Envoy to Haiti: Mr. Juan Gabriel Valdes
>>
>>** UN Military Commander in Haiti: Lt. General Augusto Heleno
>>Ribeiro Pereira
>>
>>** UN Commissioner for Human Rights in Haiti
>>
>>
>>
>>Please Fax the MINUSTAH office Attention to the 3 listed above.
>>Better yet, send 3 separate letters addressing them individually.
>>
>>
>>
>>Contact Haiti Action Committee for more information:
>>
>><http://www.haitiaction.org/>www.haitiaction.org
>><mailto:haitiaction@yahoo.com>haitiaction@yahoo.com
>>510.483.7481

posted in anti-oppression - 1 reply

Anti-oppression activites for groups

Leone — Mon, 27 Sep 2004 20:34:20 GMT

I've given a few anti-racism trainings and have been to lots, and i should probably do my own research on this, but I really need to get back to work right now, so maybe I will have to wait on filling in my part, BUT, I'd like to try and compile some new activities that help people understand power and priviledge, oppression, how to work on your own shit, how to work on shit with others. You know. That sort of thing. I'm primarily interested in finding some new activities for groups of people who've both done lots of anti-oppression work and are totally new to the idea. I'm particularly into activities that involve small groups of people where people who have done lots of anti-opression work can get some practice talking and teaching. Any ideas?

posted in anti-oppression - 1 reply

Discrimination against trans person on Folsom weekend

sandstar — Tue, 28 Sep 2004 22:42:18 GMT

A genderqueer person was asked to leave at the Revels of Venus event (Sunday) at the Cherry Bar on Folsom weekend for not being "trans enough" according to event promoter Ren Davis Phoenix.

The event was billed as dyke and trans inclusive. Rev. Michael, who identifies as genderqueer and is male bodied, was there with the person who calls him her wife. They both identify as genderqueer in some way - in fact, the night before (Saturday) they hosted an art show all about their relationship and their identities as trans.

Event promoter Ren Davis Phoenix asked Michael to leave the event after saying that he is not genderqueer since he is not presenting as female. Ren also pointed to several other people including myself, my wife Turtle, my friend Joli(e) and declared us all to be trans but not him since he is male bodied.

According to Ren's profile at www.dykedaddydiva-sf.org/about.html s/he is a "self-identified transgendered, female bodied person beyond specific M/F preferences" yet while s/he organized this event as dyke and trans inclusive, s/he decided that Michael, a male bodied person who identifies beyond specific M/F preferences was not "trans enough" to remain at the event.

Please distribute widely. You can reach Ren Davis Phoenix at redsphx(at)aol(dot)com

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

US deports Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens)

Fern — Wed, 22 Sep 2004 08:38:38 GMT

US-CATSTEVENS

The artist formerly known as Cat Stevens - Yusuf Islam - has been refused entry into the US. A plane bound for Washington from London was diverted after passenger Islam showed up on a US watch list. Officials say United Airlines Flight 919 had already taken off from London en route to Dulles International Airport when the match was made between the passenger and the watch list. The plane was met by federal agents at Maine's Bangor International Airport. He will be sent back to London

Sapa-AFP Mbu 22/09 rwi

posted in anti-oppression - 3 replies

NOT IN MY NAME!

Fern — Sat, 28 Aug 2004 14:29:53 GMT

Uri Davis
11 Apr. 2002, Sakhnin

I write as an individual citizen of the State of Israel; Chair of AL-BEIT: Association for the Defence of Human Rights in Israel; and expert on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Honorary Research Fellow at the Institute for Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies, University of Durham and the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, University of Exeter.

Witnessing on TV news bulletins the Israeli armour roll into Ramallah and other cities in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip; and shocked by the intensifying war crimes and state terrorism perpetrated by the Israeli occupation army against the Palestinian people allegedly in response to Palestinian individual and/or militia acts of terrorism; and dismayed by the invasion of the Israeli tanks into the Headquarters of President Yasser Arafat in Ramallah - I am motivated to write and urge fellow members of my tribe, men and women, people of Jewish background committed to the values of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to intensify their action to stop the atrocities caused by the Israeli occupation and perpetrated by the Israeli occupation army.

As an individual human person I have the humanitarian duty, like all other human persons worldwide, to raise my voice and mobilize to the best of my ability against injustice and against the perpetration of war crimes wherever they may be committed. As a citizen of the State of Israel, let alone a citizen of the State of Israel classified as a Jew, I have an additional responsibility to shout in protest louder and mobilize more urgently against injustice and war crime perpetrated by my Government, since, as a citizen of the State of Israel, and as a Jew, these atrocities are, alas, committed in my name.

I therefore raise my voice as loud as I am able to and shout: NOT IN MY NAME! Not in my name as an individual person. Not in my name as a citizen. Not in my name as a Jew.

As an expert on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict I am acutely aware that the Palestinian people, expelled and ethnically cleansed from their homeland under the cover of the 1948 war, resisting for nearly forty years the Israeli occupation of 1967, and struggling for their survival in the ugly shadow of the Sharon Government, are now threatened with the horrific dangers of additional massacres and renewed ethnic cleansing.
The Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is fully committed to the maintenance and expansion of the illegal Israeli settlement project in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip. Unless the Government of the State of Israel is firmly made to understand that its failure to end the Israeli occupation and illegal Israeli settlement projects will meet with US, European and international sanctions - it will, I am afraid, not be deterred.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, and a good many of his Ministers, seem to believe that, if necessary, they would be justified to advance their illegal designs for the occupied West Bank (including Jerusalem) and Gaza Strip also through the perpetration of war crimes on a massive scale, attempting to repeat the mass ethnic cleansing perpetrated by the Israeli army under the cover of the 1948 war, and expel the Palestinian people resident in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip - this time under the cover of "war against terrorism".

I appeal to my fellow Jews in this critical circumstance, those of us committed to the values of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, please urgently intensify your action in defence of the Palestinian people victimized by the Israeli occupation and threatened with renewed mass massacres and ethnic cleansing. Do not allow the fact that Israel will not mass annihilate Palestinians in gas chambers and burn their bodies in crematoria blind you to the cruel inhumanity of the Israeli occupation and the real danger hanging over the Palestinian people of massacres and mass expulsion from their home villages and towns.

At this time Israeli troops are sealing off Ramallah and other Palestinian cities. I get e-mail reports to the effect that people are not allowed to go out nor allowed in. Those travelling, desperately searching for alternative ways and traveling in groups, have Israeli troops firing upon them. Women with infants and toddlers in their arms, who were trying desperately to flee from Ramallah, together with their young children, are reduced to running along in the rain through the fields, slipping and falling on the rocks, trying to reach safety, while Israeli jeeps speeding across the terrain pulling up from every direction shoot at them, chasing down people, hunting them in the fields.

With Ramallah and other Palestinian localities under total and extended curfew, Israeli troops are reported to systematically break into homes, tear families asunder, take away every man 15-60 years of age and herd them into detention camps and/or dump them in the Gaza Strip. Many families are not able to trace their relatives and fear for their lives. People of Jewish background, committed to the values of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in concert with all persons similarly committed to universal values must act, mobilize and lobby without delay and apply whatever leverage they has vis-à-vis the State of Israel demanding SANCTIONS against the State of Israel NOW with the view to effect an end of Israeli violations of UN Security Council resolutions, notably the recent UN Security Council Resolution 1402, and not wait until we hear that hundreds if not thousands of Palestinians have been annihilated in mass massacres similar to Sabra and Shatila twenty years ago and Deir Yasin, Duwayma and Tantura fifty odd years ago.

I regret to say that unless the Government of Israel is faced with withdrawal of Jewish contributions, suspension of US aid to Israel, suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and UN sanctions - the Government of the State of Israel, a rogue state, is likely not to heed the voice of humanity as reflected in the values of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Nothing short of sanctions will do.

Jews! Stand up and be counted! Shout so that the entire world hears: NOT IN OUR NAME!

posted in anti-oppression - 1 reply

pos vs neg

Organizizer — Sat, 29 May 2004 23:05:39 GMT

y'know what? Given a choice, I'd rather talk about what I'm for than what I'm against. even tho it may seem like just wording, it can make a difference in focus and energy level. also, providing a clear vision can be helpful. as demonstrated by the power of MLK's "I Have a Dream" speech.

ie- "I'm for racial equality", "I support a race-neutral society" - as an alternative to "I am anti-racist". one assumes struggle and opposition, the other makes space for agreement and peace.

posted in anti-oppression - 8 replies

what are you doing to be an anti oppresser?

MarKissSagee — Sun, 22 Aug 2004 14:28:29 GMT

i am makeing this post to here from others , to here what they /we do to do the unlearning process of anti oppressin ..I myself tend to put things through a modern femanist filter ..i once had to ask myself how much do I want to perticipate in the oppression machine in all its form , and when I got an answer i started the process of makeing myself the opposite of oppresion , by checking my language , understanding my privledges , and so on ..so I would like to here from all you beutifull folks

posted in anti-oppression - 1 reply

***911////PLEASE HELP///spousal abuse

xqzmi — Fri, 06 Aug 2004 05:19:28 GMT

i know this might be the wrong place for this, but i am desperate...and anti oppression should not only be for a general political stand point.

i really need some links and hotline numbers i can pass on to one of my friend.

i can't focus right now to look any up....i am so so so upset about her condition. i wish i could save her immediately and fix the situation...but, like all things, it takes time and her actions to get her completely out of such a harmful environment....

posted in anti-oppression - 4 replies

Call for submissions: The Cultural Appropriation Reader

tmiwok88 — Fri, 30 Jul 2004 23:03:27 GMT

PLEASE FORWARD WIDELY
Call for submissions: The Cultural Appropriation
Reader

Editor is now accepting submissions for The
Cultural Appropriation Reader. Write your heart
out!

What is Cultural Appropriation/Cultural
Colonialism? Are there acceptable forms of
cultural “borrowing”? How does one appreciate
culture without taking it on,
or seeming to conquer it? Vent your anger/get
livid about it. What’s okay and what’s not?
Medicine? Spirituality? Clothes? Words? Art?
Self-definitions? How do
folks create a truly “radical” space for themselves
without just stealing from others?

Still need more ideas?
The sacred as fashion-one person’s God as
someone else’s shower curtain: Quan-Yin, Kali,
Siddhartha, Shamanism, Bindis, dream catchers;
Rituals and
ceremony, sweat lodges, burning sage, tea
ceremonies, belly dancing, henna,
dreadlocks, “Mohawks”, the New Age movement,
Buddhism, Djembes,
Didjeridoos, pseudo-Rastafarianism, drumming
circles, talking sticks, etc.

I want to hear about the appropriation of
language, queer words, disabled words, women’s
words, prayers, sacred words, red words, black
words, brown
words, yellow words, hip hop words, terms such
as “true that”, “bling bling”, “Two-Spirit”;
appropriation vs. reclamation; using quotes to sell
products, etc.

Tell me about how stealing culture reinforces
systemic oppression. “Working class” fashion:
mesh hats, trucker paraphernalia, mechanics
jackets, stickers that
say “trailer trash”, etc.; Kanji tattoos, “tribal”
tattoos, etc.

All these (mostly white) “movements” comparing
their struggles to the Civil Rights
movement: “We’re just like Rosa Parks!” Che
Guevara’s image, Bob Marley’s
image, etc.

I’ve started this project because every book that I
can find that talks about this topic is hugely
academic, written in such abstract language that
I’d have to
pursue a Master’s degree just to make sense of it.
Yet cultural appropriation is something that we all
encounter on a daily basis. I’m looking for gut
reactions,
feelings, writings from the heart, opposing
viewpoints, thought processes, etc.

Deadline for submissions is October 1, 2004.
Email submissions preferred via word
attachment: thecar@redpride.com
OR send by ground mail with SASE for reply to:
The CAR
5319 Dover St.
Oakland, CA 94609.
Please do not send originals, as they will not be
returned. Previously published work is accepted,
please inform editor when and where it was
published and who holds the
copyright.

posted in anti-oppression - 5 replies

Land of the Free?

Fern — Sun, 11 Jul 2004 16:08:02 GMT

After reading through various posts in this and other related Tribes I frequently started questioning the democracy of America or even the statement "land of the free." Is there still an American Dream, or is it reserved for a privilidged few?

I remember during the years Apartheid in South Africa. We marched through streets with slogans saying "Freedom in our lifetime" and how we all talked and dreamt of having the "democracy" America has.Now I am not so sure that is what we truly wanted. By reading everyones posts I got the idea that the segregation laws were not dropped from the constituional books, but rather repackaged...someone pls tell me how near or far is my feeling from the truth?

In South Africa it was made sure that our constitution included people of all color, religion, sex, language etc as long as they were South African. Again, via various posts in tribes, I got the feeling that some sectors (of race, sex or even religion) have been excluded from the constitution of America?

Someone educate me? :)

posted in anti-oppression - 11 replies

RESYST Seattle event

tmiwok88 — Wed, 21 Jul 2004 02:45:06 GMT

Please pass word along.

Wa'do!

Qwo-Li

***
RESYST Seattle & American Friends Service
Committee Present...

Cop in the Head: Confronting Internalized
Gender Oppression, Transphobia, and
Sexism

July 24, 2004
10:00am-6:00pm
Seattle, WA

Co-Facilitated by Colin Kennedy Donovan and Qwo-
Li Driskill

SPACE IS LIMITED: MUST PREREGISTER.

See registration form below or contact Colin and
Qwo-Li at:
Email: resyst@resystseattle.org
Phone: 206-329-1606

This workshop is for people who identify as
genderqueer, trans, sissy, butch,
femme, MTF, FTM, and all others who feel they
transgress gender categories in
their lives and identities. Using Augusto
Boal's "Cop in the Head" interactive
theatre techniques and dialogue, we will
investigate the complexities of
gender, gender histories, internalized and
external transphobia and sexism, and
the impacts of violence / power / oppression on
our communities.

Wheelchair accessible.

About the facilitators:

Colin Kennedy Donovan is an anti-racist
Irish/English/German/Spanish
trans/genderqueer (dis)abled activist, poet,
writer and performer. S/he has
facilitated workshops and performed throughout
the Pacific Northwest. Hir work
appears in Clamor Magazine, Revolutionary
Voices: A Multicultural Queer Youth
Anthology, Turning the Tide, and XCP:
Streetnotes. S/he is also the author of
the radical (dis)ability zine F uck Pity.
http://www.cripqueer.resystseattle.org

Qwo-Li Driskill is a Cherokee Two-Spirit and
Queer also of African, Irish,
Lenape, Lumbee, and Osage ascent. A poet,
activist, performer, and educator,
Qwo-Li is the founder of Knitbone Productions: A
First Nations Ensemble. Hir
writing appears in numerous publications
including Nurturing Native Languages,
Many Mountains Moving, Revolutionary Voices, and
Speak to Me Words: Essays on
Contemporary American Indian Poetry. S/he
performs, lectures, and facilitates
workshops throughout United States occupied
Turtle Island. Visit hir online at
http://www.dragonflyrising.com

RESYST Seattle is a political and cultural
resource for GLBT/Queer activists and
educators, particularly youth of color, young
women, (dis)abled youth, working
class youth, trans youth and other young people
from marginalized communities,
working to build a movement of youth united for
radical social change.
http://www.resystseattle.org

American Friends Service Committee:
http://www.afsc.org/pacificnw/seattle.htm

This workshop is made possible through the
generous support of A Territory
Resource, and Resist, Inc.

***
Registration Form

"Cop in the Head: Confronting Internalized
Gender Oppression, Transphobia, and
Sexism"

July 24, 2004
Seattle, WA
10:00am-6:00pm

Return this registration form by July 21, 2004
to:

resyst@resystseattle.org

or

RESYST Seattle
1816 Bellevue Ave, #205
Seattle, WA 98122

---
Name:

Address:

Phone Number:

Email:

What is the best way to reach you?

Do you have any disabilities?

If so, what accommodations will you need to make
sure this workshop is
accessible?

Briefly tell us what you would like to get out
of this workshop:

Anything else you would like us to know:

The following demographic information is
optional and will help the facilitators
design a workshop for the participants:

Age:

Gender Identity:

Sexual Orientation:

Racial/Ethnic Background(s):

Religious Background(s):

To reserve your space in the workshop, please
email this to:

resyst@resystseattle.org

RESYST Seattle
1816 Bellevue Ave, #205
Seattle, WA 98122

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

What's Next?

kight — Thu, 03 Jun 2004 18:09:05 GMT

Learning about oppression is great, but what do you do with that knowledge?

I'll give a couple examples of where I'm unstuck and of where I'm stuck, mostly dealing with race issues because that's what I'm coming to terms with right now:

1. I'm a building manager. I've changed the "rules" to qualify applicants, because I think they pose as indiscriminate while favoring whites.

2. My partner and I want to join a communal place, but they all seem primarily white. Is this because white people have more money to buy places for communes? Is it because white people are more into "commune culture"? Is it because whites and POC don't like to live together?

An example is an EcoVillage in San Mateo, which is 20% Latino, but the EcoVillage is 100% white owned (which we wouldn't be doing anything to help).

How do we raise issues like this? Should we even?

What role do white people play in changing the world of racial injustice?

posted in anti-oppression - 2 replies

visa regulations, INS and being trans

kight — Tue, 25 May 2004 19:42:32 GMT

"Before I do that I have to return to Cyprus for two years (damn visa regulations) and hope and pray that the INS doesn't stop me from coming back for being trans (ask me all about it!!)."
-T.J.

Okay, I'm asking. Tell me all about it!!!

posted in anti-oppression - 7 replies

Looking for...

Catherine — Sun, 30 May 2004 16:47:38 GMT

Hey there-

I am looking for a copy of an HBO special called "Born Rich", it was a documentary that came out about two years ago. It includes a bunch of interviews wih ruling class kids that I thought I might be able to use to illustrate the ruling class' attitudes for an anti-oppresion workshop I am designing.

Anyone who has a copy (or suggestions for alternative videos!!) please let me know!

C

posted in anti-oppression - 3 replies

2 important events

tmiwok88 — Sat, 29 May 2004 05:23:45 GMT

2 important events are happening at the state capital of California in Sacramento on june 2nd and june 9th. The first involves health care and the second involves legislation banning the "redskin" mascot in Californias public schools. The info is below.
By the way, I moderate a tribe called California NDN to discuss and post things important to NDNs in the state here (all are welcome to join, of course).

***Wednesday june 2nd 2004
Join the Action for Indian Health Campaign on the west steps of the State Capital from 12-4 pm. Tell legislators not to cut Medi-cal, Alcohol & Substance Abuse calWORKs and Tribal TANF Programs (basically Arnolds proposed cuts will have a serious impact on NDN health programs here in California).
BBQ,Speakers-open mike, Register to Vote, Live music by Loose Arrow, Mary Youngblood, and Traditional Singers & Dancers.

****The Alliance Against Racial Mascots is planning a DAY OF ACTION on Wednesday, June 9, 2004. Please join us as we visit the offices of many California Senators, and the Governor and urge for the support of AB 858 (Goldberg).
We will be meeting at the office of Assemblymember Jackie Goldberg at the State Capitol at 8:30 AM where we will break into groups for our scheduled appointments.

ALLARM hopes to have an amazing turn out to counter the intense opposition that will be at the Capitol that day from "Redskins" schools such as Gustine High School and Tulare Union High School. Let's show our Senators that WE will not tolerate the use of racially offensive and derogatory "Redskins" mascots!

For more information on the lobby day, please contact Juliana Serrano at (213)250-8787 ext. 211 or by email at jserrano@nccj.org.

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

Tools for Change ~

Marcus — Fri, 05 Mar 2004 19:15:10 GMT

Dear folks,

Please consider these two resources for creating change in the world...

http://Liberationtheatre.tribe.net

http://HealingArts.tribe.net

One of the most promising methods I've encountered to address
oppression in everyday life is the work of Augusto Boal, a theatre artist from Brazil who created the Theatre of the Oppressed. This method uses theatre to identify collective problems / oppressions in communities. It can also address the internalized voices of oppression that individuals carry around with them !

Since I believe this work can really make an impact to create community & social change, I set up the Theatre of Liberation group to help spread information about trainings, workshops, conferences, and events which address Theatre of the Oppressed, and related methods. http://liberationtheatre.tribe.net

Liberation Theatre is theatre which opens people's minds and hearts to new possibilities in life for personal transformation, addresses social issues, and helps us to realize and discover how we want to make change in the world.

Group members who desire to work on eradicating racism may be interested in the work of The Mandala Center for Awareness, Transformation, & Action which presents workshops such as :
"ANTI-RACISM FOR WHITE FOLKS" - which uses Theatre of the Oppressed methods. www.mandalaforchange.com

Events like this are listed on the Theatre of Liberation site.

I also have a great interest in the use of art for healing purposes, and so to promote connections around art, drama, poetry, music, and dance/movement therapies we now have
Healing Arts. http://HealingArts.tribe.net

Peace,
Marcus

posted in anti-oppression - 3 replies

Big BROTHER Britain, 2004.......

Sergei — Wed, 05 May 2004 06:59:22 GMT

hallo mates, check this out:

Big Brother Britain, 2004

Four million CCTV cameras watch public. UK has the highest level of surveillance

-------------------------------------------------------------
Estimates suggest that residents of a city such as LONDON can each expect to be captured on CCTV cameras up to 300 times a day, and much of the filming breaches existing data guidelines.

Britain, the most-watched nation in the world, research has revealed.
-------------------------------------------------------------

Full article:

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/this_britain/story.jsp?story=480364

posted in anti-oppression - 1 reply

AXIS OF JUSTICE!!!!!

Sergei — Wed, 05 May 2004 06:44:39 GMT

Hello guys,

I found out this interesting website, you might want to check it out:

www.axisofjustice.org/

Axis of Justice is non-profit political organization formed by Tom Morello of Audioslave and Serj Tankian of System of a Down. Its purpose is to bring together musicians, fans of music, and grassroots political organizations to:

fight for social justice together.

We aim to build a bridge between fans of music around the world and local political organizations to effectively organize around issues of peace, human rights, and economic justice.

No war!!!, Peace and Love.

hope find it useful,

s.

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

inviting ppl to join anti-oppression

angeladeyohalevi — Fri, 12 Mar 2004 21:43:38 GMT

i have a policy in place now of sending ppl who are joining the community guidelines and a little note telling them that by joining they are agreeing to abide by them.

so, please, if you want your friends in this tribe, direct them to the main page or send them to me rather than inviting them directly. i don't want folx not getting that info as they come in. also i want to see who is coming in so i can welcome them personally.

thanks so much! ~ angel

posted in anti-oppression - 12 replies

new anti-racist tribe

angeladeyohalevi — Mon, 12 Apr 2004 07:00:00 GMT

http://anti-nazis.tribe.net

thought y'all should know.

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

Life and Death in the City Rant!

Robert — Sat, 10 Apr 2004 05:05:55 GMT

I don't know if it's my glum frame of mind recently, or...the weather perhaps? It's a time of year as I write this during which it's consistently grey and overcast, yet cold enough to make you wonder if it just might snow instead of rain. So, maybe the generally bleak external environment is having an adverse affect on my inner perception of things. Whatever, the case may be, I just couldn't help noticing the other day as I rode my bicycle to work how ugly and rundown the core of the inner-city is becoming.

As I maneuvered my way through congested traffic and gritty sidestreets, it semed like every minute or so, in whatever direction I happened to look, a scene right out of the pages of a Charles Dickens novel jumped out at me. Abandoned, dilapidated buildings with chipped, peeling paint, all the colour faded from old and worn bricks, with garbage strewn all over the front and sides. Aging, rundown prostitutes coughing and hacking as they strolled the strip, hoping to entice a 20 dollar trick with the remnants of whatever good looks they may once have had. As I moved closer to the inner core from my place out in the west end, I also couldn't help noticing that the sidewalk demographic was heavily dominated by those who live on the margins: the homeless; the mentally-ill, wandering from nowhere to nowhere while talking to themselves or barking at traffic; winos; crack addicts; and the ubiquitous crews of bored youth from the projects, all dressed up in the latest hip-hop gear with no place to go, really. Most residents in this part of the city, however, stay inside, well off the streets, locked up safely in their apartments and houses with their TVs and computers the only things keeping them in contact with the outside world as night settles in. No doubt about it, this part of town can be pretty desolate and barren after the hustle and bustle of rush-hour traffic subsides.

Sadly enough, I was actually GLAD to get to work because it at least offered the warmth of the familiar and known compared to the harsh unpredictability of the streets.

This probably goes a long way towards explaining why I'm not exactly Mr. Chuckles lately. It's hard to smile very often when the whole world looks/feels dirty, chipped, cracking, grey, faded, chaotic and cold. Seeing people all around you dropping like flies with nobody there to pick them up isn't very heartening, either. But, it's happening far too often to far too many people for comfort nowadays. And, all this is taking place right in the heart of capitalism's "developed" world! I never thought I'd live to see the day when the world would start to look THIS harsh and ugly. I remember a teacher of mine from high school telling me that if there was a paradise on earth, we were living in it. He went on to say that a friend of his had visited the ghettos and projects here in Canada and was absolutely amazed by how well-kept and clean they were. He said that ghettos where he was from (Detroit) were REAL ghettos. After that conversation, I felt pretty good about living in Canada and more hopeful about the future in general. 15 years later, though, and it feels like the poor areas here in Toronto have become just as atrocious as anywhere in the United States.

I couldn't even begin to imagine what people must be forced to endure in capitalism's colonies, the area of the world most of us know as the Third World. At least I couldn't until I came across a very informative essay by Mike Davis in the most recent issue of the New Left Review called "Planet of Slums." It's a pretty insightful essay in that it both paints a picture of what life in the slums of the developing world must be like and destroys the notion put forward by many of the apologists of neo-liberalism that unfettered capitalist globalization would be some kind of benevolent palliative for the problems of the region. Allowing multinational capital the flexibility to move its operations across borders to where labour was the cheapest was supposed to provide the panacea of jobs and increased levels of "wealth" to those countries already devastated by neo-colonialism and brute accumulation. The playing field between the First and Third Worlds was supposed to be levelled a bit by the free, unregulated global market...or so the argument went, anyway.

The plain fact of the matter is, however, that the Structural Adjustment Programmes mandated by the IMF and World Bank have proven to be about as beneficial to the people of the Third World as a "great natural catastrophe" (in the words of Nigerian novelist Fidelis Balogun). Small-scale rural farmers around te world were forced to compete in the global marketplace with large-scale industrialized First World agribusinesses as subsidies and tariffs on imports were removed. The result? A mass exodus of the countryside's poor to the urban centers, where they hoped to find whatever means of subsistence they could. The wave of privatization and massive downsizing of the public sector, however, only served to ensure that things weren't much better there, either. In fact, these policies resulted in the almost overnight creation of a whole new sector of the destitute in cities around the world as the middle classes rapidly disappeared and the gap between the richest and poorest widened dramatically.

Even though neo-liberal economists and theorists assured critics that globalization would mean more jobs and prosperity in the developing world, it becomes pretty apparent after reading this article that its predominant feature has been the globalization of misery. Shockingly enough, those who currently reside in urban slums around the world comprise 78.2 percent of the population in poor countries and a third of the total global populace. As if this weren't enough, by the year 2020 urban poverty could affect 45-50 percent of the total global populace living in cities. And, by 2035 the world could be faced with the staggering prospect of having to deal with 2 billion slum dwellers by CONSERVATIVE estimates. With "lifeline infrastructures" around the world being rapidly dismantled by compliant nation-states, the only certainty is that the world won't be ready to deal with this deluge of the immiserated at all.

Too many people I talk to still think that this state of affairs isn't terribly relevant to those of us living in the technologically-developed and prosperous First World, that we have nothing to worry about in the land of television sets, computers, mega-popstars and celebrity multi-billionaires. Pick up the newspaper on any given day of the week, or take a little leisurely stroll through the downtown core of our cities, however, and a different picture may begin to emerge. Downsizing, restructuring, unemployment, privatization have all become prominent keywords and issues in popular discourse. The news of public-sector employees on strike as they battle to keep their jobs has become so prevalent it now almost fails to qualify as newsworthy anymore. As the social safety net our forefathers fought so long and hard for is dismantled seemingly overnight, our streets have become increasingly violent as the poor fight amongst themselves for whatever scraps are left over once the all-sacred bottom-line has been satiated. And, as the drug trade becomes the only real career option left for far too many of the burgeoning underclass, the shooting deaths that dominate headlines now will fade to the back pages as they become more frequent and therefore banal. So, the prognosis isn't good, folks, even for those of us who live in the land of milk and money.

Overall, as capitalist globalization tosses more and more people everyday "on the scrap-heap of history," cities EVERYWHERE are likely to become surreal amalgams where deindustrialized war-zones of exploitation, misery and despair coexist alongside the fantasy high-tech entertainment centers and gated communities of those relatively few still needed by the system to reproduce it. I'm not prescient enough to be able to predict with any degree of certainty what the ultimate outcome of such a social dynamic might be, but it's sure to be a wild, tumultuous ride with not much smooth-sailing ahead for most of us. The streets are, indeed ours, and in the near future hundreds of millions will be forced to live on them. How many will be forced to die on them is another question.

Rant over. Here's the article I'm referring to:

http://www.newleftreview.net/NLR26001.shtml

http://arghfuckkill.blogspot.com

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

Trans Mission Festival . . . open letter/response concerning racism

tmiwok88 — Tue, 06 Apr 2004 21:59:56 GMT

This was posted on friendster by one of my Seattle Friendsters, and I thought there might be some interest here so here ya go . . .

For those who are interested...

Qwo-Li

****************

March 31, 2004

Dear Nick,

My bones ache for a radical multiracial
Trans/Genderqueer movement that
practices the values it espouses. They groan
under the enormous weight of work
that must be done in the world before this
movement is a reality. First
Nations people and other people of color/non-
white folks have done a massive
amount of anti-racist organizing, educating, and
resisting in the Americas for
over 500 years. Seeing how far we still have to
go, even within communities
that believe they are doing radical work, breaks
my heart just a bit more.

I’m frustrated with the response I have received
thus far regarding my concerns
around racism within the Trans Mission
Festival. In my original letter, I
asked some very specific, direct, non-rhetorical
questions that have yet to be
answered. I’m going to ask them here again in
hopes for a response: Are First
Nations folks a part of the
organizing committee? If not, why? If there are,
are they an integral aspect
of the organizing, or being used as tokens? Are
there other folks of color/non-
white folks on the organizing committee? What
are the answers to the questions
above in regards to other folks of color?

The responses I have received from you have felt
thin at best, defensive and
patronizing at worst.

You wrote, “I want to assure you that I am
personally committed to anti-racist
politics,
and that at the same time I am trying to
organize a lot of logistics in the
best possible way - with attention to the fact
that this does not just mean
pleasing the majority/privileged folks.” A
commitment to anti-racist politics
and organizing does not mean those politics fly
out the widow in the process of
negotiating logistics. I’m not even sure why
this statement was mentioned in
your response, except in defensiveness to my
questions regarding whether or not
the Trans Mission Festival is committed to anti-
racism. If there was truly an
anti-racist process integral to your organizing
process there would be no need
to state any dichotomy between anti-racist
organizing and organizing logistics.

You say, “I also think we were pretty clear as a
group that because this isn't a
conference and because our resources are
limited, it is not our intention to
offer workshops on every topic and have a
specific slot for every type of
diversity that exists in our community. That
would be completely
impossible.” This, again, feels very
defensive. You may call your event a
festival with workshops and performances, or a
conference, or whatever you
wish. That does not change the fact that as
organizers you distributed a call
for performers and workshops. Of course you
can’t accommodate workshops on
“every topic and have a specific slot for every
type of diversity that exists
in our community.” Has this actually become an
issue? Have there been
workshop proposals on “every type of diversity
that exists in our community?”
Or, are you simply saying that you cannot
accommodate requests from people of
color to work in separate spaces? If this is the
case, perhaps you should
simply make it clear that you are organizing for
white people, and people of
color/non-white folks are welcome to attend the
event as long as they are
willing to participate in events designed for
white people. Further, I’m not
sure how having limited resources means you
cannot engage in anti-racist
organizing. And, if the problem is that you
only have four core organizers,
perhaps you should invite several First Nations
folks and other folks of
color/non-white folks to be a part of the core
organizing.

You continue, “On that note, perhaps it would be
better to do an anti-racist
workshop or something in that vein.” Why would
I as a First Nations person
want to facilitate a workshop on anti-racism for
white people rather than
create spaces for other First Nations folks to
engage with a process of healing
from the invasion of our lands, abuse of our
children, and attempted
eradication of our peoples? It seems like a
very basic pillar of anti-racist
(or otherwise anti-oppressive) organizing not to
expect people you have power
over to teach you how to be anti-oppressive. My
people, both First Nations and
African, have been forced to work for white
people for far too long. While my
skills as a domestic servant are honed from the
good tutelage of my sisters,
mother, and grandmother based on the wonderful
educational systems and peculiar
institutions of European North America, I have
no desire to clean up white
folks’ mess, be that scrubbing their toilets or
helping them unlearn racism.
And, before I challenged you on racism within
the creation of this event you
wrote, “Your website looks great - it looks like
a lot of what you do would fit
in really well.” And yet, this is suddenly no
longer the case.

Your response to me after your meeting with the
group feels like you are
back-peddling in order to avoid dealing with
issues of racism within your
group. You write, “Most
people were pretty clear that we want
a ‘festival’ atmosphere rather than a
‘workshop’ one.” I see no reason why these are
mutually exclusive, and
considering that your call for participants
included workshops, and your
website mentions workshops, it seems strange
that you are including the
disclaimers to me about workshops. You point
out that there are only four core
organizers, and that you don’t have “the
resources to attract people to
specific workshops” which seems like whitespeak
for “we won’t be able to get
people of color here because we aren’t really
engaging in anti-racist
organizing.” I want to make clear, despite the
tone of your letters to me,
that my concerns are not isolated or personal.
This is not an issue of getting
individual people to a workshop, this is about
the fact that the Trans Mission
Festival is engaging in typically white
supremacist organizing. I was told
that there would probably not be enough First
Nations people at the event to
have a workshop focused on our issues. You
informed me of this early in the
organizing. If your intent for workshops was a
skills-share, as is now
reflected on your website, it should have been
made clear in your initial call.
(And, on that note, I would argue that there
are few skills more important to
First Nations people and other people of color
than to find ways to survive the
continuing destruction of our peoples and the
continuing occupations of our
homelands.) If you would like this to be a
white only space, which is the
atmosphere being created, you should simply say
that. If this is not your
intention, there needs to be a radical
restructuring of racial dynamics and a
true commitment to anti-racist organizing which,
quite simply, is not
happening. Your event is still focused on white
concerns, white aesthetics,
and white people. I will not be attending this
event, and regardless, my
questions and concerns all boil down to this:
you are building a white
supremacist Trans movement. Why? If this is
not your intention, then there
needs to be immediate and radical shifts in your
organization, organizing, and
event.

This letter is only the very surface of my
concerns about the Trans Mission
Festival. As someone with chronic illnesses,
I’m not able to put the time and
energy into addressing them all. Your most
recent letter in response to Louis
Cruz is one I could spend another several pages
addressing. It was a sadly
typical response white folks dole out to people
of color who challenge them on
their racism. Further, not only am I concerned
with the racism of this event,
but the bike ride, hike, and pool party show no
consideration for anti-ableist
politics, and stating on your website that there
will be a sex party without
also including information on physical and
emotional safety not only isolates
survivors of sexual abuse, but potentially
continues conditions in which abuse
can be perpetrated. I wish I could address
these other concerns thoroughly,
but am unable to at this point.

In short, Nick, our actions--not only our
theories--create the world. The
actions the Trans Mission Festival are currently
taking create a world in which
First Nations people and other people of color
are further wounded by a white
supremacist world. I am grateful to be a part
of communities that can help me
suture the wounds that experiences like this
leave on my body.

In Struggle,

Qwo-Li Driskill

'siyo folks,

Here's a follow-up letter from the Trans Mission
Festival after my open letter to them, and
letters other folks wrote as well..

I wanted to pass word along.

Wa'do!

Qwo-Li

****

We, the organizing committee of the Trans
Mission Festival would like to
acknowledge important concerns that have been
brought to our attention in
the past couple of weeks. We have been
operating without a clear
anti-racist lens or policies. While this was
not our intention, as an
organizing committee of all white people, we
failed to take responsibility
in recognizing our privilege in a racist culture
and we have not adequately
acted upon our responsibility to actively stop
the systemic effects of
racism in which one priviledged group has the
power to inadvertently define
the whole of the community. We failed to
actively recognize our privilege
as white people and the restrictions that that
privilege would place on
those who would want to be part of the
festival. As an organization, we
want to build and celebrate community and we
need to be sure that we are
creating a festival that represents and reflects
and inclusive and
anti-oppressive community. In this process we
have developed a evolving
outreach and accessibility plan (which can be
viewed on our web site -
www.transmissionfestival.com) to make ourselves
accountable to creating such
a festival. We encourage input from the
community to help us in the ongoing
development of this plan. This has been
intense, important learning for us.
We’d like to extend our thanks to all who have
participated in this
process and all those who continue to do so.

Trans Mission Festival Organizing Committee

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

Noam has a blog

Robert — Sun, 28 Mar 2004 05:22:59 GMT

diggit here if ya wanna:

http://blog.zmag.org/ttt/

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

a good resource

Tue, 23 Mar 2004 08:39:01 GMT

http://colours.mahost.org

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

Message from Arik Diamant -- Courage to Refuse (Israel)

kevinfilan — Mon, 22 Mar 2004 18:09:27 GMT

I received this today in my inbox and thought I'd share it with the group. Courage to Refuse is an Israeli organization which is protesting IDF excesses in the West Bank and which is fighting for a peaceful solution to the Israeli/Palestinian crisis.

* * * *

Dear Friends and Supporters,

This morning at 5:30 am Sheik Ahmed Yassin was killed by the Israeli Air Force. The best trained pilots in the world, the ones who are supposed to be protecting Israel from its enemies, are engaged in missions of revenge that have nothing to do with Israel's defense and that leave no hope for a peaceful future in the Middle East.

Yassin was a dangerous man, but his assassination put us all in a greater danger. The use of the IDF for this reckless, illegal mission is unbearable. This is a danger to Israel's democracy.

Thousands of Palestinians jammed the streets of Gaza City for the funeral procession of Hamas founder and spiritual leader. Dozens of spontaneous riots and attacks against Israeli soldiers and civilians have been recorded so far. Regional experts are warning that a bloody future awaits us. Israelis are canceling their Passover vacations, preparing for the worse.

We must not let our leaders continue this vicious cycle of vengeance! We must not allow the IDF to be exploited for political acts of revenge. We must act now to stop the bloodshed. The voice of our Refusal must be heard before it's too late!

We at Courage to Refuse are trying to raise enough money to launch an effective, well aimed campaign based on Internet banners and Newspaper Ads, under the slogan (in Hebrew):

The bloodshed will not end unless we refuse.

The cost of this campaign, reaching millions of Israelis is $10,000. We must act quickly, the campaign must be launched before the week is out. We need the help of our supporters to finance this important project.

All donations made to Courage to Refuse before the end of the week will be dedicated to this cause. A Secure, Online Donations system is available on our website. Donations to Courage to Refuse are TAX DEDUCTIBLE in the USA.

Click here to go to our donations page.

(KF NOTE: I copied this in plaintext, but https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=1220 will take you to the link in question)

Let's make this happen.

Arik Diamant
Director
Courage to Refuse – www.couragetorefuse.org

posted in anti-oppression - 2 replies

Oppressed or merely 'socially disadvantaged'?

Tue, 16 Mar 2004 05:41:51 GMT

Hey All,

Here's something else that's been gnawing at me...'twould be wond'rous delightful if ya'll could share your thoughts on it:

Is oppression really a binary thing, or are there other states in between?

As an example, being a lesbian in the Bay area (Oakland/Berkeley) is not so cut & dried. Even though I think I do a good job of passing as 'boy', I guess not sometimes. My wife & I went out to dinner in Rockridge and WHOA!

I knew we were in for some discomfort when the waiter said 'how are you ladies doing this evening'. We made the yuppie clientele uncomfortable with our affectionate gestures...nothing that a het couple couldn't freely do in public, mind you. And when we started talking about our CHILDREN! it REALLY disturbed some folks.

Did we feel 'oppressed'? No. That's too strong a word. It's not like Walnut Creek, where we get refused service or are made to wait for the worst table while others who come in after us w/o reservations are seated first(true stories). That's probably the 'low end' of oppression?

It's pretty obvious that queer folk are still socially disadvantaged. Even in the Bay area. People keep you at a distance.

Another example would be a gay friend who lives in mortal terror that his fellow execs at a pretty big company will find out he's gay.

So, he's still a VP making some serious $$$, but always has to make excuses as to why he can't attend holiday parties & etc. Like the Tom Hanks character in 'Philadelphia', he's often overhead disparaging jokes/comments about LGBTs from the good ol' boys in senior management.

Is he oppressed? Not really, but still relegated to a shadow life.

After all, in polite society it's not considered good form to be overtly prejudiced. No, instead one is marginalized, excluded, treated with condescending 'noblesse oblige'.

It is a ghetto of the mind in which one dwells.

posted in anti-oppression - 17 replies

New Tribe

tmiwok88 — Sat, 20 Mar 2004 10:40:30 GMT

Thought I would post this here since I remember some Native people in the role call. I started a tribe "California NDN" to discuss issues relevant to the California Tribes and/or to discuss issues encompassing Native People of all tribes in a California context (Things happening in California concerning all NDNs).

posted in anti-oppression - 1 reply

interesting thread

bleu — Sat, 20 Mar 2004 07:40:04 GMT

http://cluster.tribe.net/tribe/servlet/template/pub%2Ctribes%2CViewThread.vm?threadid=ddbf0f3e-5808-44af-b2ae-20e7248c9db4&tribeid=222e4975-493e-4738-86a4-b004baafe5bf

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

community guidelines (first draft)

angeladeyohalevi — Fri, 06 Feb 2004 20:50:46 GMT

*1* speak for yourself and your own experience. let others speak for themselves. that does not mean not to be an ally, but to really openly listen and learn.

*2* own your privilege. if you don't feel that you are privileged in any way this may not be an appropriate community for you. educate yourself and share resources that you find useful. we all participate, willingly or not, in systematic oppression.

*3* be respectful. no personal attacks will be tolerated. the great thing about this type of interaction is the ability to step back and take a breath before answering.

*4* explicit oppressive speech of any kind (racism, homophobia, sexism, transphobia, ablism, etc.) will not be tolerated and the post will be deleted. after a second offense the poster will be banned. e-mail the moderator at angel@riseup.net if you disagree. oppressive speech that is less explicit should and will be questioned.

*5* (from earlier language guidelines) please, when using words that may be considered 'slurs' abbreviate in some form (ie: use asterisks, etc.). in addition, use quote marks to delineate when you are quoting. also, please consider whether the use of such words are integral to your post. if not, don't use them. if someone is offended, apologize. try not to get defensive. think about why it may be inappropriate for you to use such language. if you are not a member of the group being denigrated by the word, listen to experiences that are offered up without challenge.

*6* this is intended as a learning environment. please try be patient. this is not to say you should not challenge people, but try a gentle approach *before* clubbing someone over the head. :)

these are the guidelines i have come up with. i welcome input and will adjust them according to community needs. from now on when someone joins this tribe they will receive guidelines in the welcome msg. please give feedback. thanks everyone.

also, as this group grows, i am realizing that some co-moderation would really be lovely. if any one is interested in volunteering, please msg me. thanks.

posted in anti-oppression - 37 replies

Good -vs- Bad oppression

Mon, 15 Mar 2004 21:37:30 GMT

There seems to be more than a bit of ambiguity with this whole oppression thing.

Consider pedophiles. There is some molestin' bloke who just got out of prison, tried to move to Oakland, & now he's not able to stay long anywhere because of 'persecution'. Rightly so! This is the kind of oppression I can support!

How 'bout neo-Nazis or the KKK? Isn't it wrong to diss them for their views?

</stirring the pot>

posted in anti-oppression - 2 replies

I KNEW IT!!!!

Alecs — Fri, 12 Mar 2004 03:41:11 GMT

CA's Supreme Court put an injunction on gay marriages, thus making LGBTQQ folks second class citizens YET AGAIN!!...
All I gotta say is I KNEW IT!!!

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

great resources

angeladeyohalevi — Fri, 20 Feb 2004 01:06:04 GMT

i had been meaning to post a couple of these articles and then Leah said it all so perfectly. so i asked her if i could quote her.

this is reposted, (edited from a longer post) with permission from Leah, from the debunkingwhite community on live journal. the articles linked here are super resources for anti-racist activists and allies. i've been working my way through Tim Wise's essays and they are amazing.

"As white people you or I could forget about race at all because we don't have to deal with its legacy from day to day.

Race is a false concept, but the experience of race is real.

Here are a couple urls for you to read:

http://www.utoronto.ca/acc/events/peggy1.htm

http://www.zmag.org/sustainers/content/1999-03/mar_13wise.htm

Heck anything Tim Wise says is pretty much cool:
http://www.zmag.org/bios/homepage.cfm?authorID=96

The first article is an overview on what advantages we as white people have that are invisible unless we seek to learn about them, one of which is the privilege not to have to think about race.

The second talks about the statistics of "preferential treatment".

And the third is a link of all the articles Tim Wise has on that same site.

It's not about guilt it's about knowing who you are and what your societal position is and working to end racism. No guilt is needed.

Leah"

posted in anti-oppression - 6 replies

interesting definitions from the UIRTF

angeladeyohalevi — Wed, 03 Mar 2004 21:22:58 GMT

Prepared by the Undoing Institutionalized Racism Task Force to help inform the Human Services Department's work to undo institutionalized racism.

May, 2001

Racism: RACE PREJUDICE+POWER=RACISM, the theory or idea that there is a causal link between inherited physical traits and certain traits of personality, intellect, or culture and, combined with it, the notion that some races are inherently superior to others. Racism is a socially constructed system of domination, which benefits whites at the expense of people of color.

Race: A theory of specious classification of human beings used by whites which assigns human worth and social status using skin color for the purpose of establishing and maintaining privilege and power.

Specious: Seemingly fair but not so.

Prejudice: An opinion formed before the facts are known; a preconceived idea, usually one that is unfavorable. So, race prejudice occurs when anyone holds preconceived, unfavorable views towards other on the basis of race. Strictly defined, a preformed and unsubstantiated judgment or opinion about an individual or a group, either favorable or unfavorable in nature. In modern usage, however, the term most often denotes an unfavorable or hostile attitude toward other people based on their membership in another social or ethnic group. The distinguishing characteristic of a prejudice is that it relies on stereotypes (oversimplified generalizations) about the group against which the prejudice is directed.

Power: The ability to determine and enforce the rules and make legitimate superiority based on race, economic worth, age, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, and religion. An individual, institution, or government that acts with authority, and that exercises control.

Gatekeeper: Anyone in an institutional/organizational role or position who can grant or deny access to institutional resources or equity. Gatekeepers are, by structural design, accountable to the institutions they work for, and not the people they serve. They function as buffers between their institutions and the community.

White Superiority: The unconscious belief held by most whites that “white is right.” The belief that white organizational cultural expectations are the way things should be. The attitude that, in any group, the white member of the group will be the most knowledgeable, powerful, and influential. The fact that most societal expectations in the United States are established b white people in power, grounded in their own cultural backgrounds without regard for the variety of cultural possibilities.

Internalized Racial Inferiority: A process non-whites go through of believing, accepting, and internalizing inferior and subordinate images of themselves and their people, resulting in fear, anxiety, and uncertainty about challenging the institutions that have disempowered them.

Internalized Racial Superiority: A process Whites go through to develop a sense of superiority over non-whites, accepting and internalizing negative images and beliefs about people of color, and positive images and beliefs about themselves.

Institutions: Institutions are fairly stable arrangements and practices through which collective actions are taken. (Examples of institutions are government, business, unions, schools, churches, courts, and police)

Individual vs Institutional Racism: Racism is both overt and covert. It takes two closely related forms: individual whites acting against individual people of color, and actions from institutions created by and for whites against communities of color. We call these individual racism and institutional racism. The first consists of overt acts by individuals, which cause death, injury or the violent destruction of property. Television cameras can record this type; it can frequently be observed in the process of commission. The second type is less overt, far subtler, and less identifiable in terms of specific individuals committing the acts. But it is no less destructive of human life. The second type is evidenced in the operations of institutions and institutionalized within society, and thus receives far less public attention and condemnation than the first.

Example:
When white terrorists bomb a black church and kill five black children, that is an act of individual racism, widely deplored by most segments of society. But when in that same city – Birmingham, Alabama – five hundred black babies die each year because of the lack of proper food, clothing, shelter and proper medical facilities, and thousands more are destroyed or maimed physically, emotionally, and intellectually because of conditions of poverty and discrimination in the black community, that is a function of institutional racism.

Culture: The arts, beliefs, customs, institutions, and all other products of human work and thought created by a people or group at a particular time. A distinctive way of living built up by a group of people.

Ethnicity: Social and cultural forms of identification and self-identification. Membership in a group identified by connection to a place.

Discrimination: To discriminate is to make distinctions on the basis of preference or prejudice. It involves any situation in which a group or individual is treated differently and sometimes unfairly, based on something other than individual reason, usually their membership in a socially distinct group or category. Such categories would include race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability.

Racial discrimination: Any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life. (United Nations)

Oppression: A form of economic, social, political exploitation portrayed as good for everybody. Affirms a two-category system hierarchically arranged as superior and inferior. There exists a gross imbalance of power in this system.

Intersections of Oppressions: Accounts for the complexities of both identity and social relations. Recognition that identity operates within a matrix of domination. How people identify individually and within groups is varied and full of complexities. One-dimensional phenomenon is fundamentally essentialist.

Accountability: To hold answerable for.

Community Organizing: To assist members of a community to work collectively, so that the group can develop collective action on behalf of mutually agreed upon goals. Organizing is bringing the talents, resource and skills of people in the community together to increase their collective power to transform themselves and their community and work for social change. Organizing is different than mobilizing, development or service work. It involves building relationships and consolidating perspectives, thoughts and ideas into an organizational structure.

Sources

United Nations

Undoing Racism, R. Chisom & M. Washington, Peoples' Institute Publishing, New Orleans. 1997

Black Power, by S. Carmichael & C. Hamilton, Vintage. 1967

Institutional Racism in America, Knowles & Prewitt, Prentice-Hall. 1969

Websters Dictionary

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

PUEBLO and Just Cause Oakland are under attack! Please Read.

Teresa — Tue, 02 Mar 2004 19:15:15 GMT

Hi all, these 2 organizations are doing
incredible work and need your support.
You can learn more about PUEBLO at
http://www.peopleunited.org, and you can learn
more about Just Cause Oakland at
http://www.justcauseoakland.org/home/index.php.

Following is a letter that I received from a
friend:
~~~~~~~~
Dear Friends, Allies, Supporters, Comrades, and
Community Members,

PUEBLO and Just Cause Oakland are under attack!!
Members, board members and staff have been locked
out of the office in a questionably legal move
and prohibited from continuing to do the work of
the organization and our movement. In addition,
the Executive Director has been placed on unpaid
administrative leave indefinitely and the staff
have been placed on paid administrative leave
until March 3, 2004, with no certainty that they
will be allowed back to work.

On February 27, 2004 a questionable vote was
taken by two members of the Board of Directors to
indefinitely suspend the Executive Director
without pay. On February 28, while staff worked
in our offices, these same two Board members
demanded that staff and over 20 community members
who were also there at the time leave the
office. Today, March 1. 2004, PUEBLO and
Just Cause staff arrived at their offices only to
see a note attached to the door saying that the
offices have been closed until March 3, and that
all staff had been placed on administrative leave.

We believe that these attacks have arisen from a
divergence in vision and strategy regarding which
direction the organization should be heading.
While these 6 members and 2 Board members would
like to see PUEBLO remain primarily an issue
driven organization, the majority of our members
and the staff would like to see PUEBLO as an
organization that does both critical issue-based
organizing, as well as be at the fore-front of
building a movement for justice in Oakland and
the world.

The PUEBLO community is demanding a just, fair
resolution to this issue. We know that community
means all of us, not some of us or even one, two
or eight of us.

There are a number of different things that you
can do to lend your support.

1. Go to
http://www.PetitionOnline.com/PUEBLO4U/petition.ht
ml and sign on to the Save Pueblo petition.
Please forward widely—we are fighting to
collect over 500 signatures by tomorrow night’s
Board meeting!

2. Call the 2 PUEBLO members that are creating
all of this havoc, Gwen Hardy, Treasurer and
Vildred Dawson, Chair. Let them know that PUEBLO
is a community effort, not an 8 person
dictatorship! Urge them to solve this conflict
in a principled manner!

Vildred Dawson, Chair: 510.535.0664 or
510.551.4122
Gwen Hardy, Treasurer: 510.286.0156 or
510.654.8054 or 510.306.318

3. Print out the attached petition and collect as
many signatures as you can! Petitions can be
picked up, emailed, or faxed. Call 510.866.7105
for more information.

4. Print on organizational letterhead and sign
the letter of support included at the bottom of
this letter so that we can present them to the
Board at tomorrow night’s Board meeting. These
Board members need to know that we are committed
to fighting for justice, not “just us, “and that
they should do the same!

5. If you or someone you know has administrative
resources that you could share with us (i.e.
office space, a computer, phones, a desk, etc.)
please let us know asap. We can’t do the work
without them! Email savepueblo2004@hotmail.com
or call 510.763.5877 for more information.

Your support is greatly appreciated. Please feel
free to call or email us with any questions or
information.

--------------------------------------------------

February 29th, 2004

To Whom It May Concern:

I am a representative of _____________________.
My organization has worked with PUEBLO (People
United for a Better Oakland), Just Cause
Oakland, or Youth of Oakland United (Y.O.U) for
________ years. Our relationship has included
_____________________(examples: working together
in coalition against Measure FF, collaborating to
build the power of Oakland youth, campaigning
together for better air quality in East Oakland,
etc.)

We believe that PUEBLO -one of the few
organizations dedicated to building the community-
based power in Oakland –has made crucial
contributions to the social justice movement in
the Bay Area over the past 14 years. We
have been deeply impressed by the visionary
leadership of Dawn Phillips, by the hard work of
the PUEBLO staff, and by the growing power of
PUEBLO’s membership.

My organization is deeply concerned about the
recent actions of two members of the PUEBLO
board –including indefinitely suspending the
Executive Director, Dawn Phillips and removing
other staff members from the PUEBLO office –
because we believe that these actions threaten
PUEBLO’s capacity to organize Oakland’s
communities to fight for justice. Over the
years, these kinds of internal divisions have
hurt the progressive movement and weakened our
ability to win real gains for our communities,
and it has to stop.

We support the staff of PUEBLO in its efforts to
find a principled resolution of these conflicts.
We encourage this faction of the PUEBLO board to
engage in a fair and open negotiation with the
PUEBLO staff and Executive Director. We believe
that this kind of open process will put PUEBLO in
the best possible position to be accountable to
its membership and to advance its social justice
agenda. We strongly encourage them to reinstate
Dawn Phillips immediately and to allow the PUEBLO
staff to continue its invaluable work to organize
the people of Oakland to fight for community
justice.

In solidarity,

Name
Position
Organization

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

Donna Begay

tmiwok88 — Wed, 25 Feb 2004 11:21:34 GMT

Donna Begay is an assembly candidate. She is a California Indian. She was at the same-sex marriage rally in Sacramento. She also supported my tribe (Ione Band of Miwok Indians) at a recent meating in which several self interested people are trying to thwart the economic self-determination of our tribe that will benefit all in the area concerned. she is pretty cool and I for one, endorse her.

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

5th Annual White Privilege Conference

angeladeyohalevi — Thu, 19 Feb 2004 20:48:35 GMT

i will be trying to attend this. check out the website : http://www.whiteprivilegeconference.com/

this is one of the institutes within the conference that i found especially compelling :

FINDING WHITE ANTI-RACIST COMMUNITY:
A 2-day institute presented at the 5th Annual White Privilege Conference
April 28 thru May 1
Pella, Iowa

<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>
The white community often marginalizes anti-racist white
people. Yet white anti-racists are not fully part of com-
munities of color. Where then, do white anti-racists find
a community that speaks to all their needs?

<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>
We'll envision and examine the possibility of a
collective white anti-racist identity and community.

Why do we need it? What will it take? What will it look
like? What can it do? What are barriers to it? How might
it be dysfunctional? How can it be accountable to people
of color? How can it support social change? Where is it
now? How do we find it? How do we create it? How does it
fit with anti-racism in general? ...with anti-racist
people of color? ...with other people of color? ...with
anti-racist white people? ...with other white people?

<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>
Maybe a hundred or more small groups have cropped up around
the country. They have names like "Whites Against Racism"
or "White Allies Group." They don't know about each other.
They're the trees. Where's the forest?

<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>
At the institute, we'll use a combination of experiential
exercises and guided dialogue to build a community among
ourselves during the conference event. Calling on each
other as resources, we'll explore and test the possibility
of white anti-racist community as a seat of personal
renewal, and added source of strategic possibilities for
anti-racist social change.

<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>
The ally model has more than one side. As an anti-racist
white person who feels my core mission is working with the
white community, I couldn't survive without allies of color.

<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>
ABOUT THE FACILITATORS

Jeff Hitchcock is co-founder of the Center for the Study of
White American Culture and author of Lifting the White Veil:
An Examination of White American Culture in a Multiracial
Context. Over the past few years he has devoted considerable
thought and time to organizing a collective white anti-racist
presence in the United States.

Jorge Zeballos is a diversity consultant with particular
expertise on matters related to the Latino community. His
expertise also includes facilitating community dialogues on
race and race relations. Recently he has joined the board of
the Center for the Study of White American Culture, and
provided an ally presence to white anti-racist organizing
efforts of the Center.

<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>
Sometimes you just need to take a break and be with people
who think like you, feel like you, share similar experiences,
and look like you. We all need this, to sustain ourselves.

<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>.<>
COSTS:
Conference fee: $400 for the entire 4-day conference,
including the 2-day institute. Discounts available for
students, faculty, administrators, staff (K - Higher Ed.),
and nonprofit. Hotels run around $60 per night. Scholarship
aid available. For registration details, check
http://www.whiteprivilegeconference.com or call
Eddie Moore, Jr. at 641.628.5134

HOW TO REGISTER:
1. Go to www.WhitePrivilegeConference.com
2. Register for the conference
3. Make sure to register for "Finding White Anti-Racist Community"
under the section for Institutes and Special Events.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, contact Jeff Hitchcock at (908) 241-5439 or email jeffhitchcock@euroamerican.org

posted in anti-oppression - 1 reply

stereotyping of native americans at the 2004 grammy awards

angeladeyohalevi — Thu, 12 Feb 2004 23:09:02 GMT

did anyone see the grammy performance of outkast? i only saw a photo and i was sad and disappointed. the stereotyping and appropriation of native cultures brought up all the usual feelings of bitterness that it does for me. check out this petition to find out more :

http://www.PetitionOnline.com/2outkast/petition.html

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

gender-variant ally training

angeladeyohalevi — Thu, 12 Feb 2004 17:51:14 GMT

i will be co-facilitating part of this training. here's the details :

the PRONOUN SCHMONOUN LOW-DOWN
A gender-variant ally training open to all is happening this weekend!

Sunday February 15, 2004 from 1:30-5:30 PM
At the Pacific Center 2712 Telegraph Ave. in Berkeley, CA

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Think you know everything about gender-variance? Who does?
Come participate in a training/discussion designed to help us all be better allies to trans and gender-variant folks in our lives. We will also discuss various forms of activism around gender-variance, and ways to increase our commitments to
anti-oppression work in general.

This training is open to people of all experiences, including
gender-variant folks. We will be splitting the training into two parts, one of which will be more of a trans/gender-variant issues 101, for those to whom these issues are somewhat or completely new.

The second will cover more complex issues, such as outing/passing, being a good ally while struggling with our
own gender issues, a deeper discussion of the effects of ableism, classism, racism, and more on experiences of gender-variance, and other topics based on the group’s needs.

The facilitation will be from an anti-oppression
perspective, integrating experiences based on race, class,
ability, nationality, and other identities and experiences of
privilege and oppression into our discussion.

Please—attend, invite a friend or family member, invite your youth or other group.

Email pronounschmonoun@graffiti.net with “lowdown” as the subject, or call 510 594 1960, for more information.

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

interesting

bleu — Sun, 08 Feb 2004 04:19:42 GMT

I saw this url on another tribe and found it very interesting.

http://www.tolerance.org/hidden_bias/02.html

posted in anti-oppression - 1 reply

how do you confront oppression

angeladeyohalevi — Wed, 15 Oct 2003 19:26:54 GMT

so suppose you are standing around and someone makes a (fill-in-the-blank-ist or phobic) comment. how do you deal? how would you want someone to be your ally if the comment affected you directly? what about if it is a policy (at work, school or elsewhere) instead of a comment?

posted in anti-oppression - 20 replies

language (guidelines, please give input)

angeladeyohalevi — Sat, 31 Jan 2004 18:37:05 GMT

following up on the use of 'slurs' talked about in the post on MLK's b-day, i have come to the following conclusions.

when i started this i didn't post guidelines and i think that was a mistake. i was hoping to create community and then to have the community help create guidelines. however, now i am seeing that some basic guidelines are/were probably in order. however, i am open to discussion on this, so that's why i am posting this in a new thread. please respond with your input.

i have decided that, for the purposes of this tribe, in order to create safe space and successfully have discussions that are not watered down, that a middle ground is probably best. that said, guidelines on language are as follows :

please, when using words that may be considered 'slurs' abbreviate in some form (ie: use asterisks, etc.). in addition, use quote marks to delineate when you are quoting.

also, please consider whether the use of such words are integral to your post. if not, don't use them.

check your privilege. in other words, if someone is offended, apologize. try not to get defensive. think about why it may be inappropriate for you to use such language. if you are not a member of the group being denigrated by the word, listen to experiences that are offered up without challenge.

i believe one of the reasons that many ppl here joined was to learn from one another and to learn to respect one another. language is a mighty and powerful thing and here i hope we can all agree to use it with caution.

posted in anti-oppression - 28 replies

racist remarks

faith — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 04:46:32 GMT

I was at work today (i'm a hairstylist), and two of my coworkers were complaining about two customers. They were saying how annoying they were and then proceeded to say how they were "so Jewish."

I said "EXCUSE me?" and something to the effect that it wasn't nice what they said, and they were just like, "Well, it's true." I replied, "I don't like racial stereotyping."

I've been trying more and more to speak my mind when people make ignorant comments like that. I know that it probably won't change their minds, but at least I feel like I'm not just letting it go.

posted in anti-oppression - 10 replies

Martin Luther King's Birthday

Gilton — Mon, 19 Jan 2004 15:09:19 GMT

To all tribe members.
How many of you were around during the lifetime of Martin Luther King? Since I was and recall memorable experiences during that time, I thought it would appropriate for tribe members to recount what they remember about Rev. King and what they think his life meant.
Gil

posted in anti-oppression - 20 replies

help me-frustration with white boys

snappingturtle — Thu, 29 Jan 2004 01:06:40 GMT

i am so depressed about white boys right now. spent time in culturejamming tribe where they are all going on about how institution sexism and racism don't really exist. of course affirmative action was thier scapecoat. i am no fan of it and realize it use to limit people as much as include them but just trying to get through to these boys by private email to admit that they have inherant privledge based on their gender and percieved skin color. but according to them they don't-'they don't personally discrimate and people have to learn to stand up for themselve and not hid behind thier gender or race'. how can they create change when they can even see how they benifit from institutional racism and sexism? ugh.

posted in anti-oppression - 2 replies

appropriation (an insidious form of oppression)

angeladeyohalevi — Thu, 09 Oct 2003 23:48:53 GMT

This is the topic most on my mind that has to do with oppression right now. To quote Naropa University Cultural Appropriation policy:

"Where there is an unequal distribution of money, education and political power between groups of people, as there is here in the United States, it is all too common for cultural exchange to become twisted into cultural appropriation, in which the more powerful group uses what they have learned from the less powerful group in a disrespectful, exploitative, ignorant, or destructive way."

It also says, "Cultural appropriation occurs when members of the dominant culture borrow a non-dominant culture’s forms without adequate understanding of that culture or without permission from that culture."

So what does appropriation mean to you? How do you see it impacting your life as either a person of color or as a white ally?

posted in anti-oppression - 29 replies

rave act

tmiwok88 — Tue, 20 Jan 2004 11:31:32 GMT

DEA Uses RAVE Act to Shut Down Fundraiser

By Drug Policy Alliance
June 10, 2003

Only two months after the RAVE Act was passed by Congress it has been used by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to intimidate the owners of a Billings, Montana, venue into canceling a combined benefit for the Montana chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) and Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP). One of the biggest reasons activists waged a national campaign to stop the RAVE Act was the fear that it would be used to shut down political events like this.

On the day the fundraiser was set to take place a Billings-based DEA agent presented the venue owners with a copy of the RAVE Act warning them that they could face a fine of $250,000 if illicit drugs were found in the premises. The bands – most of which regularly played at the venue – were also approached and warned that their participation in the event could result in a fine.

Rather than risk the possibility of enormous fines, the venue decided to cancel the event. This blatant intimidation by the DEA was obviously designed to shut down the marijuana reform fundraiser. Unless the American people speak out against this attack on free speech, the DEA will be emboldened to use the law against other events they do not like, such as all-night dance parties, hip hop concerts, hemp festivals, and circuit parties.

Sponsored by Senator Biden (D-DE), the RAVE Act (also known as the Illicit Drug Anti-Proliferation Act) was first introduced last year. It proved so controversial then that two of its original co-sponsors withdrew their support because they feared it would send innocent business owners to jail. Business owners collected over 20,000 signatures in opposition to the bill. Protests against it were held around the country and tens of thousands of voters urged their elected official to oppose it. Controversy over the bill stalled it last year, but Senator Biden attached it to the popular "Amber Alert" bill without public debate or a vote of Congress earlier this year and sneaked it into law.

The RAVE Act expands federal law to make it easier to jail and imprison event organizers and property owners that fail to stop drug offenses from occurring on their property – even in cases when they take serious steps to reduce drug offenses. It applies to "any place", including bars and nightclubs, hotels, apartment buildings, and homes. Legal experts warned that the law was so broad that it could be used to shut down not only raves and electronic music events, but also Hip Hop, rock, and country music concerts, sporting events, gay and lesbian fundraisers, political protests, and any other event federal agents do not like.

On May 30th an agent of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) told managers of the Eagle Lodge in Billings, Montana that the Lodge could be fined $250,000 if anyone smoked marijuana during a planned benefit to raise money for a campaign to change Montana's medical marijuana law. After consulting their attorneys, the Eagle Lodge canceled the event.

The Drug Policy Alliance, National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, Students for Sensible Drug Policy, and numerous other organizations have begun a campaign to pressure the DEA to stop using the RAVE Act to shut down political events

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

'america' aka the u.s.

angeladeyohalevi — Mon, 05 Jan 2004 18:17:46 GMT

some people, myself included, are trying to get folks to say 'the u.s.' instead of saying 'america'. what do you all think of that?

ps. once i have stopped moving (homes that is) i will post about my experiences in the anti-oppression facilitator workshop.

posted in anti-oppression - 8 replies

Straight Allies Tribe: Spread the Word

organicscott — Tue, 13 Jan 2004 21:17:00 GMT

Are a straight ally for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer community? Do you want to be? Here is the place to be OUT about who you are as an ALLY!

http://straightallies.tribe.net

Consider this:
A straight ally is someone who is not LGBTQ but personally advocates for LGBT equal rights and fair treatment. Straight allies are some of the most effective and powerful advocates for the LGBT movement. These allies have proven invaluable personally and politically, and are increasingly important in the fight for LGBT equality. Indeed, their voices often have been heard while those of LGBT people have been ignored.

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

The vanity of compassion

Gilton — Tue, 30 Dec 2003 21:53:04 GMT

I feel and like so many people in this tribe. However, I am compelled to post this little piece by E.M. Cioran, one of the most subtlest and delicate thinkers of our times. He is what one would call an "organic thinker", an "anti-philosopher", perhaps an "anti-Christ". I have thought against him since I was sixteen and now in my fifties have I come to think abreast of him. He has deepened my Christianity far more than Nietzche or the atheists because he has proved to me that outside of redemption lie the dregs and detritus of men's souls:

The Vanity of COmpassion

How can one still have ideals when there ar so many blind, deaf, and mad people in the world? How can I remorselessly enjoy the light another cannot see or the sound another cannot hear? I fell like a thief in the night. Have we not stolen light from the blind and sound from the deaf? Isn't our very luccidity responsible for the madnman's darkness? When I think about such things, I lose all courage and will, thoughts seem useless, and compassion, vain.

For I do not feel mediocre enough to feel compassion for anyone.

Compassion is a sign of superficiality: broken destinies and unrelenting misery either make you scream or turn to stone. Pity is not only inefficient; it is also insulting.

And besides, how can you pity another when you yourself suffer ignominously? Compassion is as common as it is because it does not bind you to anything!

Nobody in this world has yet died from another's suffering. And the one who said that he died for us did not die; he was killed.

I would like your comments. I have other stuff I would like to share but only if people would like to read it. This piece came from Cioran's "On the Heights of Despair". His works tend to run in elite intellectual circles, among philosophers who cannot keep from thinking about him. He is usually extremely loved and hated all at the same time.

Kudos,
Gil

posted in anti-oppression - 27 replies

clear channel has reprogramed my sisters mind!

tmiwok88 — Thu, 08 Jan 2004 09:09:29 GMT

This is a funny but thought provoking story . . .

Ok, my sisters been acting crazy conservative lately, saying crazy shit . . .

My Boyfriend and I were quoting this FreakyCool song by Yoko Ono called "Ask The Dragon" in front of Mom, which started a conversation about Yoko and the bad rap she got as far as the Beatles go and how cool she really is which brought up the Clear channel thing (They own so many of our radio stations now). And I explained to my mother about how they own a crazy percentage of our airwaves and that they banned hundreds of songs after 9/11 inluding Imagine. I further explained Yokos Add Campaign in response to this ("Imagine Peace . . . Spring 2003" in the nations major newspapers). She then said, " Thats what happened to your sister, she listens to the radio constantly and Clear Channel has reprogramed your sisters mind".

posted in anti-oppression - 0 replies

anti-oppression's topics - tribe.net

New Moderator NEEDED

reverse racism

Stand with Tibet and Support the Dalai Lama Petition

hi there..

Performance Tonight! Saturday 9/8 Isak Immanuel

Sex in the name of peace, this Friday!!

Abort black babies = crime reduction?

interesting letter I got last week...

advice on workers rights

"hate-free zone" without zero tolerence?

from your moderator - anybody want a job?

"lame"- oppressive or acceptable?

vancouver police and racism

SUBMISSIONS WANTED - anti-racist feminist publication

An ethical question for you...

SUBMISSIONS WANTED - anti-racist feminist publication

san fran, green festival

about "safety" a new article by Tim Wise

community guidelines

an excellent site

a forum is born

Military Advertisement

Hands off Assata!

Unlearning Racism resources

Creating Change in Oakland CA Nov 9-13, 2005

roll call

Radical men and their thoughts on women

My rant against "Crash"

Rant

fucking humanism

online gallery: Eyes Wide Open - and exhibition of the human cost of the Iraq war.

anti-oppression work in 'fun' spaces

barf barf barf

history and info on neo liberalism

Made In Palestine

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choose your own revolution--the website

feedback on non-hierarchical organizing

Spring Challenging White Supremacy Workshop Aps

article

Bush "starts" to redeem himself

Tsunami HELP

Racism in Tsunami hit areas

Anti-racism discussion/education group in SF or EB?

HUNGER STRIKE THIS WEEK!

Arafat Dies

Swat Police at BART

idealist.org

anti-oppression training for queer youth of color in SF

looking for submissions for book

Haiti is not that far away

Anti-oppression activites for groups

Discrimination against trans person on Folsom weekend

US deports Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens)

NOT IN MY NAME!

pos vs neg

what are you doing to be an anti oppresser?

***911////PLEASE HELP///spousal abuse

Call for submissions: The Cultural Appropriation Reader

Land of the Free?

RESYST Seattle event

What's Next?

visa regulations, INS and being trans

Looking for...

2 important events

Tools for Change ~

Big BROTHER Britain, 2004.......

AXIS OF JUSTICE!!!!!

inviting ppl to join anti-oppression

new anti-racist tribe

Life and Death in the City Rant!

Trans Mission Festival . . . open letter/response concerning racism

Noam has a blog

a good resource

Message from Arik Diamant -- Courage to Refuse (Israel)

Oppressed or merely 'socially disadvantaged'?

New Tribe

interesting thread

*community guidelines* (first draft)

community guidelines (first draft)