Questions to Ponder

Discussion Starters

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

How does anti-racism space utilize a specific antiracism analysis without becoming hostage to it, or using it in ways that are destructive?
How does anti-racism space better incorporate and include an anti-oppression analysis that actively looks at and weighs other forms of social oppression and their impact on anti-racism work?
How can the class fragmentation in communities of color be addressed and mediated when trying to build anti-racist coalitions?
Is our tendency to fall into dichotomous thinking hindering our ability to compromise and build coalitions/collaborations with a long-term vision, mission, and strategy? What will it take to build coalitions that successfully address root causes of racism instead of merely addressing the symptoms?
What do new and seasoned antiracists need to keep doing the work and to do it more effectively?
What does the post 9/11, neoconservative climate mean for anti-racism and other social justice initiatives?
How can anti-racists better share lessons, strategies and information with one another? Are we reluctant to and if so, why?
Can an anti-racist analysis be augmented beyond the black white paradigm in a way that also takes in related, intersecting oppressions?
Lastly, how can antiracists, at all stages of the journey and at all levels of understanding learn to better work together and across difference so a truly multicultural, multi-generational movement of change can occur?

WHAT IS MOVEMENT BUILDING?

Movement builders understand that suffering and oppression are not enough to create a movement. A movement begins when the oppressed begin seeing themselves not just as victims but as pioneers in creating new, more humane society.

Movement builders are able to recognize the humanity in others, including their opponents, and therefore are able to see within them the possibility of change.

Movement builders are conscious of the need to go beyond slogans and to create programs that transform and empower participants.

Movement builders believe in the concept of two-sided transformation, both of our institutions and ourselves.

Movement building is intergenerational and involves children and youth and adults.

Movement builders can accept contradictions that develop in the course of a struggle. Great movements create great hopes but they can also lead to great disappoints. Ways are found to sustain strength.

Movement builders are able to take advantage of historical moments—the convergence of time and events. They seek transformation, not just reform.

Movement builders call forth a vision that is larger than the issue at hand—distinguishing between social reform and social transformation.

Movement builders strike a balance between control and autonomy—recognizing the importance of allowing people to make mistakes while persevering.

(Mostly inspired by Grace Lee Boggs)