As I’m diving back into direct action world for Palestine recently, I’ve heard myself say this phrase multiple times in the past few days: don’t glorify direct action. Don’t get me wrong - it is beautiful! We love to see it and I love to be part of it. AND it’s not more important or more impactful than other roles of liberation. It is just as needed as any other role.
I think, especially as a Leo, it’s easy for me to be swept away by the fantasy of making a big disturbance for justice! Getting into the face of cops for justice! OMG and the high after a direct action is the best feeling.
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While I feel like my wiring and disposition does really well with direct action, I also need the constant reminder that it isn’t any more valuable than the other things I do for liberation. Helping with the marketing of a campaign for Congo is valuable. My relationships with my friends is valuable. The work I do online is valuable. The art I make in private is valuable. The investment of learning abolition and emergent strategy is valuable. How I’m healing is valuable.
Yesterday I felt anxious about my role in society, and how things can change in a few hours! Today, I feel way more confident about it. I am attuned to how I want to spend my energy in this season. No need to think too far ahead. Right now, the combination behind the scenes support for liberation causes and direct action feels right. That’s it! I’m so tempted in writing out what I foresee being next, but I’m going to be good.
There are so many roles on this struggle towards liberation. It’s dangerous to glorify one role over other ones, because it encourages performance…overriding each individual’s tuning into their own existential destiny and liberatory expression. I hate that this is coming up for me, but it rings true. When I was in the christian church, we would say this all the time. The people doing logistics and setting up are just as important as the people leading music or speaking. LOL!
We all really need to work on thinking as a collective.
This is random, but I wonder if the dilemma I’m struggling with isn’t as generalized as I think. Maybe just the more expressive and outward people think like this. Maybe everyone else is perfectly content and confident in their roles.
What does Liberatory Imagination spark in me today?
Celebration of every micro + macro movement towards liberation. Of every role seen or unseen. Of seeds being planted in the rich soil of community and commitment of true freedom. Every inch of growth and forward movement should be celebrated with vigor.
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