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All Under One Banner have stolen the name of a Gaelic-language independence group for their own, nothing-to-do-with-Gaelic, group.
A thread. #Gàidhlig #Gaelic #YesAlba #IndyRef #AUOB
A thread. #Gàidhlig #Gaelic #YesAlba #IndyRef #AUOB
Yes Alba ( @YesAlba2014) was created in the run up to the 2014 independence referendum as a Gaelic-language grassroots group campaigning for independence. It was specifically created by young Gael activists.
It amassed over 30,000 likes as a Facebook Page: it campaigned, it fundraised, it produced Gaelic-language content about IndyRef...
So imagine the surprise recently when it's announced a brand new grassroots group has come out of AUOB, YesAlba! Henceforth referred to as 'not-YesAlba'.
Is it a continuation of the actual YesAlba? No.
Is it a Gaelic group? No.
Are any of the founders of the actual YesAlba involved in this new group? No.
Now this either means one of two things:
1. No one involved with AUOB and their new, not-Yes Alba group knew about YesAlba. Which is ignorance, and shows a lack of knowledge of already-existing grassroots organisations.
or 2. AUOB knew about YesAlba and didn't see any problem just straight up stealing the name themselves, even without being a Gaelic-language group. Which is ignorant, and shows a lack of respect for already-existing grassroots organisations.
(A third option, wherein AUOB knew about YesAlba and are trying to capitalise on the goodwill associated with the group for their new one, is a cynical take that I'm inclined not to believe at this moment).
Now you might say, it's only a name, what's the big deal? Good, I agree: AUOB can rename their new group, to avoid any confusion. If it's only a name, after all.
If you're not a minority-language speaker, I don't know how effectively I can get across to you the harm it does when folk think it's fine to just take the things you've built for themselves.
For not-YesAlba, it's a name for their new group. For actual YesAlba, it's a space wherein Gaels could discuss IndyRef in their own language, a community of folk coming together in resistance, organised by young Gaels hopeful for their future.
That space is now muddled and confused. There cannot be two Yes Albas. It doesn't work.
By taking this name for themselves, not-YesAlba is effectively shutting down the actual YesAlba, which sucks for independence, sucks for Gaelic-speakers, and, ironically, sucks for folk coming together for one cause.
Even if the actual YesAlba was completely done, and no members were planning to do anything for the upcoming IndyRef, taking the name would still be covering over an important part of the history of 2014.
When it comes to the next IndyRef, Gaels should have access to the space YesAlba created for them in 2014. They shouldn't have to make a new one, put all that work in again to establish themselves, or rename, just because AUOB fancy pinching the name.
What's more, Facebook doesn't let you rename a group that large. Actual YesAlba would have to start from scratch. Again, YesAlba's Facebook page has over 30,000 likes. According to the National, 'A total of 239 people took part in the vote' in not-YesAlba's recent election.
So actual YesAlba was here first, is much, much bigger and more firmly established, and gives a space to a minority-language group to speak on a national issue.
AUOB's not-YesAlba need to rename themselves immediately. #YesAlba
The best time for them to rename would have been the moment they came up with (taking) the name. The second best time is now.
According to the National, this new group 'is to be officially launched in January.' Now is the time to change the name, before it officially launches. This is the perfect time to do it.
On a note of personal preference, I reckon an apology is in order to actual YesAlba for this straight up disrespect and appropriation. But the renaming of this new group is what is key.
I’m hopeful that this is just some misunderstanding, and that AUOB will move to put things right quickly. Like I said, I'm not prone to a cynical take on it; I'm a believer in hope. If we’re all aiming for the same thing, this should be sorted with haste.
