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Are you an ally of Black Lives Matter?
Do you believe ‘Defund The Police’ is a tricky, if not bad political slogan?
Please keep reading—this is for you. #BlackLivesMatter
#DefundThePolice
Do you believe ‘Defund The Police’ is a tricky, if not bad political slogan?
Please keep reading—this is for you. #BlackLivesMatter
#DefundThePolice
This thread isn’t to break down what ‘Defund The Police’ means, it’s a thread to explore why you’re making the argument against the word and how it can be harmful.
It will take some introspection. With that mindset, let’s goooooo!
#BlackLivesMatter #DefundThePolice
It will take some introspection. With that mindset, let’s goooooo!
#BlackLivesMatter
#DefundThePolice
Let’s start off with some fill in the blank questions
1. “I believe _______ Lives Matter”
1. “I believe _______ Lives Matter”
2. “I ____ an activist/organizer with Black Lives Matter.”
You’re doing great! 
One last question.
3. “‘Defund The Police’ ___ a political slogan.”
One last question. 3. “‘Defund The Police’ ___ a political slogan.”
Awesome! 
It’s really important to first understand that activism≠politics.
Organizers on the ground are working toward changes in policy and legislation. It’s about advocating for, and saving, lives—not winning elections.
It’s really important to first understand that activism≠politics.
Organizers on the ground are working toward changes in policy and legislation. It’s about advocating for, and saving, lives—not winning elections.
Michael Brown was killed in Ferguson, MO in 2014.
His death, along with the protests that followed, sparked the #BlackLivesMatter movement.
In 2015, the same things were said about BLM that are being said about ‘Defund The Police’. https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2015/08/24/i-was-a-civil-rights-activist-in-the-1960s-but-its-hard-for-me-to-get-behind-black-lives-matter/
His death, along with the protests that followed, sparked the #BlackLivesMatter
movement. In 2015, the same things were said about BLM that are being said about ‘Defund The Police’. https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2015/08/24/i-was-a-civil-rights-activist-in-the-1960s-but-its-hard-for-me-to-get-behind-black-lives-matter/
At the time, Democrats were weary of saying “Black Lives Matter”—even if they believed in the cause.
They viewed it as politically risky and polarizing.
Activists didn’t budge and 6 years later? Black Lives Matter Plaza.
They viewed it as politically risky and polarizing.
Activists didn’t budge and 6 years later? Black Lives Matter Plaza.
These activists are advocating for their lives. They aren’t worried about winning or losing elections in the 2022 midterms, they’re worried about making it home alive—tonight.
Any attempt to speak over them or change their message is an act of violence.
Any attempt to speak over them or change their message is an act of violence.
By making people defend the use of ‘Defund The Police’—what they’re saying is a life-saving policy demand—you’re making them justify their right to live.
That’s traumatizing.
That’s traumatizing.
The reason why you want to call it a bad slogan is because deep down, ‘Defund The Police’ makes you uncomfortable.
It’s a major change. Society continually tells you the police are a force for good. ‘Defund The Police’ challenges that norm.
It’s a major change. Society continually tells you the police are a force for good. ‘Defund The Police’ challenges that norm.
POP-UP POLLTrue or False
“Growing up, I was taught that police for the most part were the good guys.”
We’ve seen people say that it turns off Republicans. Of course it does!
What also turns off Republicans?
“Pro-Choice”
“Common Sense Gun Laws”
“Obamacare”
Yet, these aren’t getting the same treatment as ‘Defund The Police’
What also turns off Republicans?
“Pro-Choice” “Common Sense Gun Laws” “Obamacare” Yet, these aren’t getting the same treatment as ‘Defund The Police’
Why? Because Dems believe in those things.
Activists and allies are not going to let go of ‘Defund The Police’ because it makes some people uncomfortable. Their lives are more valuable than your comfort—and rightfully so.
Activists and allies are not going to let go of ‘Defund The Police’ because it makes some people uncomfortable. Their lives are more valuable than your comfort—and rightfully so.
We’ll continue to support and defend activist’s use of ‘Defund The Police’ and in a few years time, people will eventually come around—just like people did with #BlackLivesMatter
Do you believe you aversion to ‘Defund The Police’ comes from a place of discomfort?
We ask that the next time you find yourself thinking that ‘Defund The Police’ “is a bad slogan,” you’ll pause and remember that your own comfort isn’t as important as a Black life.
Did this thread change your view on ‘Defund The Police’?
