Pacifist Anti-Racism by Sachio Ko-Yin
We see a need in our pacifist movement to develop and deepen our anti-racist analysis. This issue is devoted to articles related to nonviolence and anti-racist/ anti-oppression work, from a variety of viewpoints, all in search of the beloved community.
Mutiny against injustice and the methods of fighting without violence or hatred are now, as always, fundamentally important. But the movement that self-consciously spreads the nonviolent method is beset with certain stumbling blocks that keep us from the beloved community. If pacifism is to move forward, the development of an anti-racist pacifism is indispensable. I address these points to certain friends in the Caucasian pacifist movement in the hope of dialogue and mutual growth.
1. In renouncing violence the violence of racism must be fully identified. In growing to understand white privilege, privilege must be renounced. (What could be more Gandhian?) The injustice of a white supremicist cculture has an impact on every aspect of our lives. (as does sexism, classism, and homophobia). Oppression is not an issue separate from war. Anti-war activity must expose the racism of the war machine.
2. The American history of slavery and genocide shapes this nation today. As we open our mouths, this history must always be before our eyes.
3. The existence of the Caucasian bubble must be recognized. White activists tend to form and maintain relationships with other white activists. When white pacifists think of the political landscape, they are usually only aware of white pacifist groups, and the landscape of African American pacifism is below the radar. When the bubble is recognized, change can begin.
4. Over and over again, white activists initiate projects with other white activists, and reach out to people of color as an afterthought. Planning committees are almost exclusively Caucasian, even it the program planned is multicultural. If the means contain the ends, then multicultural outreach should be the beginning.
5. Work initiated by communities of color should be supported and amplified.
6. Beware of styles of nonviolence that come exclusively from the disaffected Caucasian experience, for example long lists of Caucasian heroes and priority of Caucasian music and food. The peace movement must be self-consciously multicultural in all things, bending over backwards to end old habits, and to welcome other cultures. Be conscious of political issues that are far from the day-to-day reality of people of color. Be mindful of expectations of time and funds that only certain people can afford.
7. Do not condemn or condescend to groups in oppressed communities that do not advocate nonviolence.
8. Be careful not to be pacifist isolationists. Distinguish between "kindred spirits" and "coalition partners." Caucasian pacifists should have a special kinship to nonviolent activists in communities of color. This relationship must begin in earnest. But this should not preclude them from being in coalition with groups that are not nonviolent -- this is also an important part of the work.
9. Often, King is invoked, implying that his '"real" message was anti-war, as if his work for racial freedom was not radical.
10. In thinking of pacifists of color, Gandhi and King are invariably invoked, but it's essential to honor the living pacifists of color!
11. At the opposite pole of anti-racist pacifism is 'color blind' pacifism. King is quoted out of the context of his work to imply that thinking about race is racism, which leads to a laissez-faire approach. "We'll keep doing what we're doing~ if people of color want to join us, they are welcome to." This approach in every instance leads back to the Caucasian bubble. Anti-racist pacifism must replace this paradigm with a radical multiculturalism at every stage of the work.
If you have questions or comments please contact Sachio Ko-Yin: 4050 Chestnut St., Apt. 1R, Philadelphia, PA, 19104; 215-387-5009.
The Anti-Racist Gandhi Manifesto:
A Working Draft by Sachio Ko-Yin
A Working Draft by Sachio Ko-Yin
Mutiny against injustice and the methods of fighting without violence or hatred are now, as always, fundamentally important. But the movement that self-consciously spreads the nonviolent method is beset with certain stumbling blocks that keep us from the beloved community. If pacifism is to move forward, the development of an anti-racist pacifism is indispensable. I address these points to certain friends in the Caucasian pacifist movement in the hope of dialogue and mutual growth.
1. In renouncing violence the violence of racism must be fully identified. In growing to understand white privilege, privilege must be renounced. (What could be more Gandhian?) The injustice of a white supremicist cculture has an impact on every aspect of our lives. (as does sexism, classism, and homophobia). Oppression is not an issue separate from war. Anti-war activity must expose the racism of the war machine.
2. The American history of slavery and genocide shapes this nation today. As we open our mouths, this history must always be before our eyes.
3. The existence of the Caucasian bubble must be recognized. White activists tend to form and maintain relationships with other white activists. When white pacifists think of the political landscape, they are usually only aware of white pacifist groups, and the landscape of African American pacifism is below the radar. When the bubble is recognized, change can begin.
4. Over and over again, white activists initiate projects with other white activists, and reach out to people of color as an afterthought. Planning committees are almost exclusively Caucasian, even it the program planned is multicultural. If the means contain the ends, then multicultural outreach should be the beginning.
5. Work initiated by communities of color should be supported and amplified.
6. Beware of styles of nonviolence that come exclusively from the disaffected Caucasian experience, for example long lists of Caucasian heroes and priority of Caucasian music and food. The peace movement must be self-consciously multicultural in all things, bending over backwards to end old habits, and to welcome other cultures. Be conscious of political issues that are far from the day-to-day reality of people of color. Be mindful of expectations of time and funds that only certain people can afford.
7. Do not condemn or condescend to groups in oppressed communities that do not advocate nonviolence.
8. Be careful not to be pacifist isolationists. Distinguish between "kindred spirits" and "coalition partners." Caucasian pacifists should have a special kinship to nonviolent activists in communities of color. This relationship must begin in earnest. But this should not preclude them from being in coalition with groups that are not nonviolent -- this is also an important part of the work.
9. Often, King is invoked, implying that his '"real" message was anti-war, as if his work for racial freedom was not radical.
10. In thinking of pacifists of color, Gandhi and King are invariably invoked, but it's essential to honor the living pacifists of color!
11. At the opposite pole of anti-racist pacifism is 'color blind' pacifism. King is quoted out of the context of his work to imply that thinking about race is racism, which leads to a laissez-faire approach. "We'll keep doing what we're doing~ if people of color want to join us, they are welcome to." This approach in every instance leads back to the Caucasian bubble. Anti-racist pacifism must replace this paradigm with a radical multiculturalism at every stage of the work.
If you have questions or comments please contact Sachio Ko-Yin: 4050 Chestnut St., Apt. 1R, Philadelphia, PA, 19104; 215-387-5009.
posted by Rich Gardner | 11:13 AM
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