When it comes to the glorification of activism, I very often have mixed feelings. Being vocal about sociopolitical issues has its inherent consequences.
Depending on a given person’s vocalness and visibility, activism can sometimes mean rightful paranoia about police surveillance and infiltration — tactics that have been used by the FBI to dismantle civil rights groups in the past and in present.
For students, particularly students of color, the consequences can mean being unable to focus in school. It can mean panic attacks on the RU and uncontrollable tears when you have work. It can mean sacrificing class time for more sleep deprivation to attend demonstrations, canvass, phone bank, host events and trainings. And believe me when I say this all takes a toll.
While activism is not easy nor convenient, it is necessary and fruitful. The moments you lean on your community are healing, and over time you learn the importance of balance and mental wellness. But what happens when you take something rooted in struggle, pain and love and package it into a cute little box?
You get millions of people willing to proclaim #BlackLivesMatter without ever ensuring they do. People who have never given time to grassroots organizations, donated, taken initiative to educate the people around them or even thought about how to turn hashtags into actions. You get #TheResistance without any resisting, locking arms instead kneeling. You get people who don’t truly believe we have nothing to lose but our chains. Maybe because the chains aren’t on them personally. Maybe because the chains are more invisible.
No one arrives at the destination of “wokeness,” it is a continuous journey during which we must consciously make decisions to counteract and dismantle systems of oppression. It is never too late to get involved. Rather than grabbing your daily Alpine, walk to the Campus Y with your friends to Nourish’s alternative lunches for $5 (all proceeds go towards the Center for Civil Rights). Whether you choose to cook more often or visit Franklin Street or Nourish — there are alternatives to spending your money at an institution that disregards students’ safety.
If you disagree with the boycott or have questions, reach out to @UNCBoycott, @silentsamsitin and @_blackcongress on twitter. Contribute to the conversation on how we can strengthen the cause.
Students and community members have been subjected to numerous death threats and acts of aggression by those who support a statue erected in the name of White supremacy. The legislature, Board of Trustees and administration are waiting on a ticking time bomb.
Charlottesville is Chapel Hill. Silent Sam MUST be silenced. It won’t be easy, convenient or instant, but the struggle continues as long as the people are united.
