I think there’s a fake fantasy of solidarity that is like the rainbow: one of you, and one of you, and we’re all happy and we all look alike and we’re all together, and that’s really not what it is. It’s a fraught and constantly shifting series of relationships. And as much as it is a fantasy, it is also an absolute necessity because at least in the United States, change only comes from coalition, and if you’re out there on your own, you cannot transform the society. ...
ACT UP had a radical democracy structure in which people were allowed to disagree and they could function in separate spheres as long as they adhered to the one-sentence statement of unity, which was “direct action to end the AIDS crisis.” If you were doing direct action to end the AIDS crisis, really you could do anything. And the key to ACT UP was that they did not try to force homogeneity of analysis or strategy. Instead, there was simultaneity. So it’s not about compromise, it’s about coexistence—or as the Palestinians call it, co-resistance. ...
Activism is about opening a door that makes it possible for people to be effective where they’re at.
Sarah Schulman, interviewed by Sally Tamarkin for them, 12/15/2023.
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From Newsweek:
As a response to the [Trump Administration's] DEI rollbacks, the People's Union is planning a 24-hour economic blackout all day on February 28, beginning at 12 a.m.
During this time, participants are pledging to not make any purchases either online or in brick-and-mortar stores.
The People's Union is targeting Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy, but the group is also asking boycotters to refrain from spending money on fast food or gas, as well.
If consumers must make purchases, they are asked to buy only from small, local businesses.
The article also includes this quote from Kevin Thompson, founder and CEO of 9i Capital Group:
"History has shown us this—our ancestors leveraged economic pressure in 1955 during the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which lasted far longer than a single day and led to real systemic change," Thompson said. "While the impact of a one-day boycott may be limited, its true power lies in mobilizing a like-minded community. If this initiative sparks a larger movement, its long-term influence could extend far beyond February 28.
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WHY THIS MATTERS
- Corporations and banks only care about their bottom lines.
- If we disrupt the economy for just ONE day, it sends a powerful message.
- If they don't listen (they won't), we make the next blackout longer (we will).
This is how we make history.
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Image of a Diane di Prima button found at art predator.
