Trauma to Activism: Healing and Empowerment
Exploring the intersection of activism, trauma, and agency in the era of #MeToo. This insightful discussion delves into the importance of understanding and addressing personal trauma to fuel activism, highlighting the impact of various forms of oppression and the transformative power of translating trauma into advocacy for social justice.
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Presentation Transcript
Activism, Intersectionality, and Agency in the Era of #MeToo. Kenyette Tisha Barnes
Only when the questions become more important than the answers will the solutions emerge.- Mystere, Cique du Soleil.
Why? Why do only 3% of sexual crimes in the US lead to conviction Why are Black boys more likely to end up in prison than in college Why are undocumented women more likely to be victims of labor trafficking? Why do we allow animal breeding when thousands of healthy dogs and cats are euthanized in animal shelters every year? Why do we keep funding youth detention centers, yet schools lack funding for arts and afterschool programs? ???...........
What is your oppression? (cont.) White Supremacy Transphoba Classism Bodyshaming Sexism Misogynior Agism Ableism Religious Oppression (Anti Semitism/Islamophobia) Homophobia/Queerphobia
HOW TO TRANSLATE TRAUMA INTO ACTIVISM YOU TRAUMA CAN BECOME ACTIVISM. YOU MUST FIRST UNDERSTAND YOUR TRAUMA AND THE EFFECTS IT HAD ON YOU YOU NEED TO KNOW WHY ARE YOU HERE
Naming Your Trauma Most activists have a history of personal trauma! Name your trauma! Sexual violence, gender violence, queerbigotry, racism, classism, labor violations, human trafficking, housing discrimination, IPV, et al.
Check in about the IMPACT of your trauma Are you using activism as therapy? Are you using activism to experience vicarious retribution against your abuser? Are you using activism to numb the impact of your abuse? Are you using activism to address unmet needs of validation? Are you using activism to address your guilt? Are you using activism to be predatory & exploitive?
Exploitation in Activist Spaces PATRIARCHAL VIOLENCE CISHET MASCULINE DOMINATED LEADERSHIP. Sexual exploitation by older masc members Silencing of victims (Older fem members, also) Grooming young/adolescent fem members Rape, incest, molestation, coersed consent. All activist/ organized groups with Masculine leadership, are at risk of patriarchal violence
Exploitation in Activist Spaces HETERONORMATIVE VIOLENCE (QUEERBIGOTRY) Heteronormative Leadership Religious groups Traditional Civil Rights Groups* Masculine Dominated Groups (ex. MRA) Groups were rigid gender roles are enforced, have a high probablity for HNV.
Exploitation in Activist Spaces RACIAL/ETHNIC VIOLENCE Eurocentric leadership and culture Any space with White leadership Relegating minority members of subordinate roles Poverty pimping/porn Centering/Appropriation/Silencing
Exploitation in Activist Spaces ABLEIST DISCRIMINATION Able people serving in leadership roles Not providing accommodations for Hearing, Physically, and Visually Impared members Questioning the severity of someone s disability. Assuming a paternalistic posture towards disabled members. ABLEISM CAN OCCUR IN ANY ORGANIZATION.
Intersectionality in Activist Spaces Dr. Kimberle Crenshaw The concurrent oppression based on multiple identities (ex. Black queer femme) MOST NEW ACTIVISTS ARE HARMED BY INTERSECTIONAL ATTACKS. Black gay masc, facing racism, in a prodomiantly White cismale lead Gay rights group. A young Latina facing sexual harassment, in a cis masc-led immigrant rights group. A White hearing impaired man facing ableism from a White Nationalist org member.
Activism in the Margins Address intersectional oppression. Address heteronormative, and heteromasculine issues. Advocate for inclusion of members with disabilities, and address ableist beliefs, practices, and language. Be aware of your trauma and triggers Adopt a safe-space BE PREPARED TO LEAVE.
How does the oppression play out? IPV Rape/Sexual Violence Workplace Discrimination Desecration of Houses of Worship Forced fertility/abortion Child Neglect Gentrification Animal Cruelty For-Profit Prisons Monuments Human Trafficking Confederate Cash Bond Voter Suppression Terrorism
Who ARE THE GATEKEEPERS? THE GATEKEEPERS OF OPPRESSION ARE THOSE WHO BENEFIT FROM THE SYSTEMATIC MARGINALIZATION, DEHUMANIZATION, INHUMANE TREATMENT OR TERRORISM OF A TARGETED GROUP!
THE GATEKEEPERS ARE THE TARGET OF YOUR ACTIVISM!
Whats NOT Activism? Individual Grievances Legal Defense Reverse Racism Hate Groups Unprovoked Physical Altercation FirstThem Mens Right s Activists (PUA/mGOW) Swatting Misandry Groups CyberBullying Legitimate Infractions Doxxing
Mute R. Kelly Kenyette Barnes and Oronike Odeleye
Lessons Learned Name your trauma Understand your motivation to be an activist Be aware of exploitation and oppression in activist spaces. Lead with passion, but act strategically!
FINAL THOUGHTS Activism is addressing a systemic oppression, via a strategic, sustained action, with a desired goal. Most activists are survivors of trauma. Understand and be an ally for intersectional oppression in activists spaces. Activism can be risky! Delegate, and don t venture alone! Take care of yourself and lead with authenticity and passion
Thank You!!!!!! IG: kenyette_tish Twitter: @LegisEmpress FB: Kenyette Tisha Barnes
