Wm.son

#Information #Protests #NoKings #Resisting #Race

I've been texting with a cousin who lives in MD. He is in an area with a lot of crime, sadly, but we were discussing history, the protests, and such. He shocked me a little as he was trashing democrats for creating "a culture of dependence " in minorities. He sees a driect line from that, the Civil Rights Act and immigration, to the crime he sees.

Days of texting ensued!

Turns out he is still on the side of liberals and centrists but has been listeing to a lot of socialist extremists.

He pointedly asked me why we don't see people of color in the huge crowds from No Kings last protest.

I didn't have an answer for him, except that many migh feel it isn't safe.

I honestly don't have nmany people in my circle I can ask or feel confortable asking.

Can anyone enlighten me as to why the huge crowds are mainly white and older? I was there, white, 65 years old.

Apr 2 at 11:47amWeb
Show threadNed Hamson4d ago
@Sfwmson you have already answered your question. People who are already targeted by ICE and police do not feel safe to protest - period,
Show threadSharonbw stands with Minnesota4d ago

@nedhamson1 @Sfwmson

I was just going to post the same thing. I'm happy to use my "white privilege" to stand for those who might be targeted.

Show threadWm.son4d ago

@nedhamson1

Thank you, I guess I wasn't sure if it was only that. I don't think my cousin, who has lived a very different urban life than I have would understand/accept it.

Show threaddisorganized tropical low4d ago
@Sfwmson my oldest is involved in organizing and he was telling me some time ago that white and older are the people with the time (aka socio-economic flexibility and freedom) to be there - and also that’s ok if those with privilege are out protesting for the rights, resources etc for those less privileged.
Show threadWm.son4d ago

@StephanieMoore

That's certainly me, but I have taken time off from work as well, back in the day. I realize not everyone can.

Show threaddisorganized tropical low4d ago
@Sfwmson precisely. And it may not even be just ability to take time off from work but also other responsibilities. We are caring for young kids and aging parents right now. Our ability to take time off from those things is even harder. But when we are a little older, and our kids are and our aging parents will have likely passed away … then we would have more flexibility. At present, we haven’t made it to any protests even though we are there in spirit. Stage of life matters.
Show threadWm.son4d ago

@StephanieMoore

Absolutely. I guess I was seeingif there was a different reason altogether. But I have my answer.