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Politics and Activism

10 Things Only Social Justice Activists Will Understand

It's not easy being a social justice vigilante.

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10 Things Only Social Justice Activists Will Understand
Kindeya Chiaro

If you're passionate about fighting for social justice, there's a chance that these 10 things happen to you on a daily basis and are #relatable.

1. Accepting a friend request on social media, only to later see them sharing posts that are racist, sexist or homophobic.

Well, it was nice being friends with you for 10 minutes. But self care is important, and I love myself too much to see your hateful BS on my timeline.

2. Family gatherings can get super uncomfortable, so you try to avoid going altogether.

Family member: How's school going?
Me: Well I'm learning about the oppressive capitalist system that you support and how it subjugates and exploits everyone who isn't a wealthy white male. Can you pass the potatoes?
*cue blank stares and silence*

3. Talking to people who claim they "don't need feminism."

So you don't think it's a problem that women who work full time are only paid 79 percent of what men are paid? (And that gap increases for women of color) Or that in 2012, only 28.4 percent of speaking roles in the top 100 films went to women. And you don't think it's a problem that 1 out of every 6 American women has been the victim of sexual assault/violence?

4. Being infuriated that the U.S. still celebrates Columbus Day.

Remind me again why we honor a man who murdered thousands of Native Americans and displaced them from their homes?

5. People misinterpret your fight against police brutality as hatred for all cops.

Obviously, not all cops are bad. We know that. However, the systematic oppression of POC in law enforcement is a problem, and that's why we're protesting in the streets saying #BlackLivesMatter.

6. Trying to explain white privilege can be one of the most frustrating conversations.

Me: No, I'm not saying that just because you are white that you have never had to work hard or that nothing bad has ever happened to you. What I am saying is that there are societal privileges that benefit white people.
Person: But I've had to work for everything I have I'm not privileged!!!
Me: ......

7. But maybe not as frustrating as explaining cultural appropriation vs. cultural appreciation.

No, it's not okay to wear a Native American headdress for a music festival because you think it looks cute and trendy. When trying to have this conversation, I look to this video by Franchesca Ramsey for help.

8. Or even worse...receiving the dreaded "you're being racist against white people" comment.

No matter how many times you try to talk about why "reverse racism" doesn't exist, people (even white people who consider themselves allies) still argue that it's possible for them to experience racism. You could show them this video a thousand times, and some people still wouldn't get it.

9. Being told that your opinions are too radical.

I'd rather have opinions that will put me on the right side of history, than have ones that add to the oppression and dehumanization of marginalized groups.

10. You have the strongest bonds with the friends who fight for justice alongside you.


And together y'all are gonna change the world.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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