activism
Grassroots campaigns have proven instrumental in bringing about political, social or environmental change; you've got to start somewhere-might as well start here.
Why to Not Silence Your Voice as a Black Female
The event was going better than I thought. This was finally our time. A young black woman living in Middletown, Pennsylvania created an anti-hatred, racist, sexist (all the above) demonstration and no one was stopping it even with the school media attention and interview. Until... in the distance we see two white boys walking up to the demonstration site. A huge flag supporting the 45th president, boots, geared up and ready to fight and hold on to their rights against women, people of color, and the true America that I love. One which is full of every nationality, sexuality, and walk of life co-existing and gathering to find their life's purposes. This was 2016. You might have thought that this was a sit-in from the 1960s and these boys were coming to take down the "disruptors." This itself showed me how important that safe space for expression of more progressive folks actually is for black people and for black women in particular. Why can't black women have an outlet? This is why I resonate so much with the Black Lives Matter movement that has finally put all black people on a pedestal four years strong and still kicking. That is powerful.
By SAYHERNAME Morgan Sankofa9 years ago in The Swamp
Why I Won't be at Pride this Year
Content warning; this is a personal piece written from the author’s perspective of the issue. The word ‘Q*eer’ will be used in it’s uncensored form throughout the article, as the author identifies with the term and has reclaimed that slur for himself. If readers are uncomfortable with the word it is advised that you refrain from reading the piece.
By Jason Everitt9 years ago in The Swamp
Suppression of Black Creative Minds
Over the course of years, black culture has taken over dramatically. Everything about our music, art, movies, businesses, literature, pretty much anything we create becomes a masterpiece within the eyes of other African Americans. However, most people aren’t able to express their true talent due to multiple reasons. We’re living in an age where discrimination, poverty and racial tension is at an all time high, positive reinforcement for blacks in America are crucially important.
By Christian Sinclair9 years ago in The Swamp
Appreciate Not Appropriate!. Top Story - July 2017.
EXTRA! EXTRA!! DO NOT APPROPRIATE MINORITY CULTURE!!! Ladies and gentlemen, Boys and girls, White people. I have heard a lot of bullshit in my life on why culture vultures (people who steal from other cultures) always appropriate the cultures of minority groups (like black, Latina, Native American cultures etc.) and believe me, it's a lot of bullshit (my next article will talk about one of them). On the other hand, I've had a lot of people (who happen to be white) ask me how they can appreciate rather than appropriate culture. My white colleagues often tell me that they listen to rap music and enjoy it very much (I don't know why they feel the need to tell me but...okay). The follow up is often a question asking me if they are appropriating black culture just by listening to rap music. First, the answer is no. Second, my humble self would like to give you some tips on how to appreciate rather than appropriate minority cultures.
By PHILLY THE AFRICANA9 years ago in The Swamp
Speaking in Hypotheticals
There is a political tidal wave just on the horizon. Most people have seen its effects already, as the waves preceding have begun to change the landscape. This wave is made up of the faces and voices of the newest generation of American, the Millenials. These kids, age ranging from forty to eighteen, have recently come of age in the political scene and already their voice is being heard.
By James Hildebrand9 years ago in The Swamp
Dear Liberals
Dear Liberals: So you say "Love is Love " and that you stand against racism, and you want equal rights for women, but you don't really mean it. Love is only love when it fits your definition. Racism is only wrong if you are the right color on the outside. Equal rights for women, but only if you are willing to drop your own morals and beliefs.
By Jenna Logan9 years ago in The Swamp
The Death of the Social Justice Warrior
Many of those that began their early days of political discourse on the web will have encountered use of this term at some point or another. Some, since its explosion of use in 2011, proudly attribute it to themselves, while others use it in a manner that is almost akin to a slur as an umbrella term for anyone whose views and standpoints lean to the left. As the "tumblr generation" (those who became active on the website and others of its kind around the time where the term became commonly used) came of age, and the global political climate shifted ever more to the point of noticeable widespread threat to human rights, the identity-politics-driven communities on these forums formed what could only be described as a subculture. Despite priding itself specifically on values of diversity and acceptance, the "Social Justice Warrior" movement still adhered to forms and models that would identify a cultural group as such, right down to aesthetics, language, behaviour, and groupthink.
By Jason Everitt9 years ago in The Swamp
Quit Blaming Immigrants
Immigrants are people moving from one country to another. Usually because they believe in the new country more. They think it will offer them better opportunities. I've never heard of an immigrant moving to a place where they think they will never be accepted.
By Phoenixica249 years ago in The Swamp
How To Be an Activist
Since a lot of us say one thing but act on another. Here's how to make a difference: Step One: Identify your beliefs. Do you support the idea of killing innocent people? Leaving the people who fought for your freedoms on the street to die? Do you support ignorance or education? Tax cuts for the people who need them or the people that don't? Or do you support what you're told to/what everyone around you supports without thinking for yourself? (Sheep and lemmings do not actually have legal voting rights in the US, that right is reserved for humans)
By Phoenixica249 years ago in The Swamp
