Thanks for mentioning my work and I HATE this punching down on a first time protester. Protests should be fun, families should be welcome and this kind of callout is so unhelpful to the movement. Highly recommend Loretta Ross’ new book on the subject, Calling In.
As someone who has not attended a protest yet, this mama’s post actually made me feel more like I could. It added brevity to a situation with incredible nuance and extended an invitation.
But then came the backlash…. So I guess I’ll stay home? Clearly my presence- as someone with similar privileges, childcare situation and sense of humor- is not wanted to support this fight.
I want to say “I know this isn’t about me”… but isn’t it? These current protests are for ALL Americans against this shit show. And as an educated white woman conditioned to be well-behaved, I’ve been actively de-centering myself since childhood.
(What’s that about well-behaved women rarely make history? Could Bouncy Castle Mama simply be the misbehaving court jester with a role to play in critiquing power and politics with satire?)
There isn’t an award for Perfect Protester, we’re all just aiming to show up. But the backlash to that post creates barriers to showing up.
Love the post, thanks for helping make a more welcoming community!
Thanks for mentioning my work and I HATE this punching down on a first time protester. Protests should be fun, families should be welcome and this kind of callout is so unhelpful to the movement. Highly recommend Loretta Ross’ new book on the subject, Calling In.
Thank you.
As someone who has not attended a protest yet, this mama’s post actually made me feel more like I could. It added brevity to a situation with incredible nuance and extended an invitation.
But then came the backlash…. So I guess I’ll stay home? Clearly my presence- as someone with similar privileges, childcare situation and sense of humor- is not wanted to support this fight.
I want to say “I know this isn’t about me”… but isn’t it? These current protests are for ALL Americans against this shit show. And as an educated white woman conditioned to be well-behaved, I’ve been actively de-centering myself since childhood.
(What’s that about well-behaved women rarely make history? Could Bouncy Castle Mama simply be the misbehaving court jester with a role to play in critiquing power and politics with satire?)
There isn’t an award for Perfect Protester, we’re all just aiming to show up. But the backlash to that post creates barriers to showing up.