By Sam Frescoe
http://samfrescoeproject.blogspot.com/
Welcome to the first installment of Sam’s Estimate. Sam’s
Estimate is an evaluation, assessment, or appraisal of a particular issue,
organization, or topic. Typically, items of interest are selected from the
current American discourse; however, some are selected otherwise. The Estimate
attempts to combine facts and philosophy in a thoughtful manner.
Opinion: a view or judgment formed
about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge
Perspective: a particular attitude
toward, or way of regarding, something; a point of view
Fact: a piece of information presented
as having objective reality
Philosophy: pursuit of wisdom; an
analysis of the grounds of and concepts expressing fundamental beliefs
Sam’s Estimate offers the opinions and perspectives of the
author. Facts are cited and philosophy is championed as mechanisms to inform
those opinions and perspectives. While the rigor demonstrated by The Estimate
is not satisfactory for a comprehensive defense, this post is not intended to
declare a matter “settled.” – Sam Frescoe
From the American Discourse
Black Lives Matter
(BLM) is the subject for this installment of Sam’s Estimate. BLM has been
present in the American discourse for some time now: from Ferguson, MO to New
York, NY, to Dallas, TX, points in between, and overseas. During that time I’ve
observed the media associate BLM with loud demonstrations, peaceful marches,
violent riots, and quiet sit-ins. Then, on 8 July 2016, media outlets began holding
up BLM as an ideological justification for the premeditated destruction of
human life. This change in scope is alarming, and why I selected Black Lives
Matter as the subject.
This Post is based on the following Black Lives Matter
publications (12 July 2016).
Getting Started
This post presents the Assessment in the following order: BLUF,
sentiment, the Assessment, and supporting comments. This post attempts to
address three questions: What is Black Lives Matter? Who is Black Lives Matter?
Why is Black Lives Matter significant? Arrangements
and sentiments associated with BLM are also discussed. There are bulleted
statements throughout the post that contain my thoughts, opinions and perspectives.
·
After an initial review of their web site, it
became clear that race, racists, and racism are cornerstone ideas that BLM
believes to be tangible, objective realities. So, before going forward, I want
to take some time to define terms.
o
Race:
(n) an arbitrary classification of modern humans, sometimes, especially
formerly, based on any or a combination of various physical characteristics, as
skin color, facial form, or eye shape, and now frequently based on such genetic
markers as blood groups.[1]
o
Racist:
(n) a person who believes in racism, the doctrine that one's own racial group
is superior or that a particular racial group is inferior to the others.[2]
o
Racism:
(n) a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human
racial groups determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving
the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to dominate others
or that a particular racial group is inferior to the others. – (n) a policy,
system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine;
discrimination. – (n) hatred or intolerance of another race or other races.[3]
·
Based on the total of the BLM website, I am
willing to assume the following: BLM is focused on the plight of human beings;
BLM intends to champion particular views, those of “Black” persons; and that
the term “liberation” is intended to convey a form of deliverance and
revolutionary intent.
·
To better understand the breadth and depth of
particular phrases, and sets of statements as a whole, I employ an examination
of synonyms; and then, attempt to reconstruct the spirit and intent of the
original thoughts using those synonyms. This is not an attempt to put words in
their mouths; whereas, an attempt to understand their thoughts.
Bottom Line Up Front
·
Black Lives Matter is popular.
·
Black Lives Matter is active.
·
Black Lives Matter is appealing.
·
Black Lives Matter is dangerous.
Popular Sentiment
“I support BLM's cause, but not its
approach.” – Barbara Reynolds [1]
·
Reynolds is an ordained minister and the author
of six books, including the first unauthorized biography of the Rev. Jesse
Jackson.
“…there are those who created the
atmosphere of blind hatred…racist institutions such as the Black Lives Matter
movement. All such demagogues need is a situation where there has been a confrontation
where someone was white and someone else was black. The facts don’t matter to
them.” – Thomas Sowell [2]
·
Thomas Sowell is an American economist, social
theorist, political philosopher, and author.
“…facts and evidence mean nothing
to the Black Lives Matter movement…” – Ben Shapiro [3]
·
Benjamin Aaron "Ben" Shapiro is an
American conservative political commentator, nationally syndicated columnist,
author, radio talk show host, and attorney.
“I consider this movement a love
movement. At its core, Black Lives Matter is a movement that fights for the
freedom and justice of black people in a world where these basic rights weren’t
afforded to men and women like Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Sandra Bland,
Michael Brown, Freddie Gray and countless others.” – Jesse Williams [4]
·
Jesse Wesley Williams (born August 5, 1981) is
an American actor, model, and activist, best known for his role as Dr. Jackson
Avery on the ABC Television series Grey's Anatomy.[5]
“What are the American rights not
afforded to black citizens? – Injustice to one American is an injustice to all.”
– Sam Frescoe.
·
On 27 Jun 2016, in response to Jesse Williams
BET Humanitarian Award speech, this comment was posted on two Facebook pages:
the Karen Civil page, the Huffington Post page. The estimated page-level
exposure included 2.5M views, 45K shares, 3K comments, and 21K reactions. Three
individuals replied.
·
“Alot” – Dana, a black female that expresses an
interest in men.
·
“If you are seriously asking the question, then
you are part of the problem he was talking about.” – Kevin, a black male and
homicide detective.
·
“Congrats…u said nothing.” – Stephanie, a white
female, wife, and mother.
Sam’s Assessment
Black Lives Matter (BLM) is social-political movement with a
discernable organizational structure. BLM has an actual and virtual presence in
modern American discourse.
- BLM
is popular with mainstream media. This recurring exposure contributes to its
rise as a popular face for social rebellion.
- BLM
is a well-organized, chapter-based, inter-state organization within the United
States. BLM also enjoys recognition overseas.
- BLM
is primarily reserved for black persons, black membership, and on message black
ideas. BLM clearly states that #BlackLivesMatter is for “Black lives.” BLM
openly discriminates in favor of black persons.
- The
BLM movement is antagonistic, disruptive, and aligned outside social norms.
- BLM
was founded by three black women. All three are activists. Two are writers
published with left-leaning media outlets. One is a community organizer. None
practice an analytic or empirical profession. None are aligned within institutions
that provide societal stability.
- Black
Lives Matter is associated with #BlackLivesMatter. #BlackLivesMatter is a
virtual/online discussion forum. It seems clear that BLM intends to use this
virtual space as a means to speak, organize, and associate.
- BLM
is an anti-white movement.
A foundational belief of Black Lives Matter is that black
people experience physical, political, economic, and social violence sanctioned
by the government; black people are powerless to stand against that violence.
- BLM
believes actors not aligned with BLM intend to eliminate black people.
- BLM
believes they have a responsibility to legitimize the existence of black people
in society.
- BLM
believes its governing principles are philosophically pure, and their motives are
morally straight. In turn, any opinion or action not aligned with BLM messaging
is attributable to the influence of white persons (White supremacy), past and
present.
- BLM
believes they are accountable to Black people in general.
Black Lives Matter intends to execute a type of campaign that
encompasses black persons (and society at large by extension). The campaign is
expected to be radical (outside the norm) in its nature.
- BLM
intends to realize revolutionary social effects.
- BLM
intends to mount political campaigns to assert the legitimacy and authority of
black people, exclusively. It is expected for objectives to focus on advocating
for new cultural goals to be achieved by new institutional means in order to
touch the populace in a radical way.
- BLM
intends to leverage the perceived authority of black people in society.
- BLM
leadership is limited to black persons of their choosing.
- BLM
intends to silence moderate messaging and non-conforming dissent.
Black Lives Mater recruits black persons in common society,
and seeks to recruit those aligned with fringe segments. Particular focus is
paid to those that are likely to harbor resentment towards societal norms. A leading
attraction for new recruits may be the intent of BLM to provide actionable
opportunities for black persons to act out in a “legitimate” way. Thus,
building their constituent base by leveraging pre-existing resentful attitudes
held by some black persons.
Black Lives Matter claims to “affirm” black lives; not all
lives, black lives. BLM seeks messaging favorable to black persons, black
contributions, black women, black gender dysphoria, and itself.
- BLM
has established a war-like footing against society at large by condemning its
non-black members for institutionalizing the dogma of murdering black people.
- BLM
proclaims to be against anti-black racism; and, proclaims its intent to be
exclusively Black in its beliefs, intentions, and memberships. In one hand, BLM
states an objective wrong (anti-black racism is systemic in society, no
exceptions) in the name of an objective truth (blacks have the right to live).
In the other, BLM states a subjective belief (racism is everywhere) as a way of
couching a commonly held experience (being dehumanized). However, if both proclamations
are regarded with equal moral weight, then a reasoned approach that guides
decisions regarding right and wrong, good and evil, virtuousness and
viciousness may not be strong enough to instill a reverence for universal
principles, morals, or values.
- Given
current events in the United States, and the lack of condemnation by BLM
leadership for violence done in the name of BLM, I recommend a renewed concern
about their willingness to violate the natural rights of every American citizen
(life, liberty, pursuit of wealth) in the name of “black” justice.
What is Black Lives Matter?
Black Lives Matter (BLM) claims to be a “chapter-based
national organization working for the validity of Black life” and focused on “working
to (re)build the Black liberation movement.” [1]
·
The “chapter-based” claim seems to be true. The
BLM website lists 37 chapters in the United States and one chapter in Canada.[2]
·
The phrase “validity of Black life” seems to be
speaking to the natural right to exist.
o
Synonyms for “validity” include legitimacy,
power, authority, and force.
o
Synonyms for “life” include existence and being.
o
Therefore, could the phrase be reconstructed in
the following ways? – “legitimacy of existing as black people” or “authority of
being black people”.
·
What does the phrase “(re)build the Black
liberation movement” mean? I associate this phrase with accountability or
intent.
o
Synonyms for “build” include shape, construct,
and create.
o
The term “liberation movement” implies a crusade
with a deviance characterized by new cultural goals achieved through new
institutional means. There seems to be intent to touch everyone in a radical
way.
o
Therefore, could the phrase be reconstructed in
the following ways? – “shape/reshape a new, socially encompassing, radical
crusade for black people” or “construct/reconstruct a new, socially encompassing,
radical crusade for black people” or “create/recreate a new, socially encompassing,
radical crusade for black people”.
Taken together, it seems reasonable
to me to conclude Black Lives Matter is defined by the following points.
·
BLM is a wide-spread chapter-based organization.
·
BLM believes they are accountable to Black people
in general.
·
BLM believes they have a responsibility to
legitimize the existence of black people in society.
·
BLM intends to execute a type of crusade that is
new and distinct, that encompasses black persons (and others by extension), and
is radical (outside the norm) in its nature.
·
BLM intends to leverage the authority of black
people because they exist in society.
·
BLM discriminates in favor of black persons;
therefore, is a racist organization.
BLM Position #1
BLM claims to be a movement to
resist dehumanization of black people. They are focused on responding to the virulent
anti-Black racism that permeates American society. [3]
·
What does the phrase “resist dehumanization of
black people” mean?
o
Synonyms for “resist” include fight back,
oppose, and defend against.
o
Synonyms for “dehumanization” include
desensitization, brutalization, and degradation.
o
Therefore, could the phrase be reconstructed in
the following ways? – “fight back against the brutalization of black people” or
“oppose degradation of black people” or “defend against the desensitization of
black people”.
·
What do the terms “virulent” and “permeates”
mean?
o
Synonyms for “virulent” include infectious and
malicious.
o
Synonyms for “permeates” include infuses and
spreads through.
o
In my opinion, “virulent” and “permeates” are
suitable adjectives to describe the immoral influence of racism in general.
·
Taken together, it seems reasonable to conclude
the following possibilities.
o
BLM seems to advocate for black people having an
intrinsic (inherent, fundamental, essential) value. – This is an absolute
truth, not because a person is black, but because a person exists.
o
BLM seems to believe that the nature of racism
is infectious and malicious. – I agree. Racism unjustly devalues people.
o
BLM wants others to believe that anti-black
racism has infused, and is spread through, American society. – I disagree. I
can say with confidence that racism does not hold a “spread through” status in
every area of American society.
·
In one hand, BLM is attempting to camouflage a
vicious act with virtuous intent: stating an objective wrong (anti-black racism
is systemic in society, no exceptions) in the name of an objective truth
(blacks have the right to live). In the other hand, BLM may be attempting to
use illustrative language; stating a subjective belief (racism is everywhere)
as a way of couching a commonly held experience (being dehumanized).
BLM Position #2
BLM claims to encompass more than “extrajudicial
killings of Black people by police and vigilantes”; and affirms the “lives of
Black queer and trans folks, disabled folks, black-undocumented folks, folks
with records, women and all Black lives along the gender spectrum” and “those
that have been marginalized within Black liberation movements.” [4]
·
BLM is reaching out to black people associated
with the fringe areas of society that are likely to harbor resentment of the
norm.
·
BLM is recruiting to black persons in common
society and those aligned to fringe elements in particular.
·
When combined with Position-1, I conclude that BLM
intends to provide actionable opportunities for black “fringe” persons to act
out in a “legitimate” way. Thus, building their constituent base by leveraging
pre-existing hateful attitudes held by some black persons. – This is racism.
BLM Position #3
BLM claims to be “an ideological
and political intervention in a world where Black lives are systematically and
intentionally targeted for demise.” Anti-Black racism permeates American
society. Black people face “deadly oppression.” [5]
·
What does the phrase “ideological and political
intervention” mean?
o Synonyms
for “ideological” include philosophical and moral.
o Synonyms
for “political” include governmental and doctrinal.
o Given
prior rhetoric, a synonym for “intervention” is intrusion.
o Therefore,
could the phrase be reconstructed in the following ways? – “philosophical and
governmental intrusion” or “moral and doctrinal intrusion”
·
What does the phrase “systematically and intentionally
targeted for demise” mean?
o Synonyms
for “systematically” include methodically and steadily.
o Synonyms
for “intentionally” include purposefully and calculatedly.
o A
synonym for “targeted” is directed, and for “demise” is death.
o Therefore,
could the phrase be reconstructed in the following ways? – “methodically and
purposefully directed death of Black people” or “steadily and calculatedly
directed death of Black people”
·
Taken together, it seems reasonable to conclude
the following possibilities.
o
BLM seems to advocate the idea that there is a “governmental
and doctrinal intrusion accepted by society where Black people are methodically
and purposefully directed to their deaths.”
o
BLM seems to advocate the idea that there is a “philosophical
and moral intrusion condoned by society where Black people are steadily and
calculatedly directed to their deaths.”
·
These are serious, and sweeping, charges. As a
result, BLM is establishing a war-like footing against society at large, and in
favor of black persons. – This is racism.
A Side Note – Start
I applaud the desire of individual
citizens choosing to associate together for the expressed purpose of
challenging government authority and/or voicing grievances to the same. – Those
are Constitutional rights accorded to all American citizens. – There is little
doubt that the accomplishments of the BLM founders, and their close affiliates
and supporters, are considerable.
Racism is a decision-making doctrine by
which a person or people group makes decisions concerning their interaction
with a differing person or people group on the basis of skin color.
However, I am deeply concerned by
what I perceive as systemic racism on the part of BLM. I disagree with the notion
that vicious beliefs, intentions, or actions become virtuous because they are
held and done in the name of justice.
BLM proclaims to be against
anti-black racism; and, with equal moral weight, proclaims its intent to be
exclusively Black in its beliefs, intentions, and memberships. – Given this
arrangement, how can BLM maintain a widely accepted and self-restraining
activism without compromising virtue?
·
If both statements coexist with equal moral
weight, then what are the limits of right and wrong, good and evil,
virtuousness and viciousness?
·
How does BLM measure accomplishment of its
objectives?
A Side Note – End
Who is Black Lives Matter?
Let’s begin with the founders: Alicia Garza, Opal Tometi,
and Patrisse Cullors. Three are activists. Two are writers published with
left-leaning periodicals, actual and virtual. One is a community organizer.[6]
None practice an analytic or empirical profession. None are aligned with the
current norms of government or social institutions.
1. Alicia
Garza (born March 4, 1981) is an American activist and writer. She has
organized around the issues of health, student services and rights, rights for
domestic workers, ending police brutality, anti-racism, and violence against trans
and gender non-conforming people of color. Her writing has been published by
The Guardian, The Nation, The Feminist Wire, Rolling Stone, Huffington Post and
truthout.org. She is the Director of Special Projects at the National Domestic
Workers Alliance.[7]
2. Opal
Tometi is a New York-based Nigerian–American writer, strategist and community
organizer. Tometi is a Co-Founder of the Black Lives Matter movement. She is
the Executive Director at BAJI (Black Alliance for Just Immigration). Tometi
collaborates with staff and communities in Los Angeles, Phoenix, New York,
Oakland, Washington D.C. and communities throughout the Southern states.
Tometi's work has been published by The Huffington Post, Time Magazine, The
Root.[8]
3. Patrisse
Cullors (born 1984) is an American artist and activist from Los Angeles,
California, is an advocate for criminal justice reform in Los Angeles and one
of the founders of the Black Lives Matter movement.[9]
Regarding rank-and-file membership, the BLM web site makes
the following statements:
2. BLM
Chapters reserve the right to limit participation based on the Black
self-determination principle [11]
·
It is clearly stated, #BlackLivesMatter is for
“Black lives.”
·
BLM intends to limit membership to black persons
of their choosing.
·
BLM limits “affirming” persons to black persons,
exclusively.
·
BLM intends to silence moderate messaging and non-conforming
dissent.
·
BLM is an organization exclusively for black persons,
black membership, and on message black ideas.
Why is BLM significant?
In my opinion, BLM is significant for the following reasons.
·
BLM is popular
o
BLM is a popular political activist organization
elevated by mainstream media.
o
BLM is the face of a popular social rebellion
with intentions to realize revolutionary social effects.
·
BLM is active
o
BLM intends to mount political campaigns to
assert the legitimacy and authority of black people, exclusively.
o
BLM is antagonistic, disruptive, and aligned
outside social norms.
o
BLM intends to realize its objectives by
advocating for new cultural goals to be achieved by new institutional means in
order to touch the populace in a radical way.
·
BLM is appealing
o
BLM is a well-organized inter-state
organization.
o
BLM is a black people only organization.
o
BLM condemns society at large for
institutionalizing the dogma of murdering black people.
·
BLM is dangerous
o
BLM is a racially motivated.
o
BLM believes its principles are philosophically
pure and motives morally straight.
o
BLM does not indicate reverence for universal
principles, morals, or values.
BLM Arrangements
BLM seems showcase several organizational arrangements:
real-world action, virtual-world action, affirmation, violence, and opposition.
Real-World Action
Real-world action was discussed in
the prior sections.
Virtual-World Action
BLM states that “#BlackLivesMatter
is an online forum intended to build connections between Black people and their
allies to fight anti-Black racism, to spark dialogue among Black people, and to
facilitate the types of connections necessary to encourage social action and engagement.” [14]
·
It seems reasonable that “#BlackLivesMatter is a
virtual/online discussion between persons interacting with the hashtag; and,
that BLM intends to use this virtual space as a means to speak and associate. Given
these constraints, I have no concerns (see the First Amendment).
Violence
BLM claims that #BlackLivesMatter
is intended to be a broad “conversation around state violence” with particular
interest in “the ways in which Black people are intentionally left powerless at
the hands of the state”[15]
and “deprived” of their basic human rights and dignity.[16]
BLM offers the following examples.
3. Black
women bearing the burden of a relentless assault on our children and our
families is state violence. [19]
4. Black
queer and trans folks bear a unique burden from a hetero-patriarchal society
that disposes of us like garbage and simultaneously fetishizes us and profits
off of us, and that is state violence. [20]
7. Black
folks living with disabilities and different abilities bear the burden of state
sponsored Darwinian experiments that attempt to squeeze us into boxes of
normality defined by white supremacy, and that is state violence. [23]
·
It seems clear that the working definition of
“violence” held by BLM needs to be understood. Unfortunately, BLM does not
define this term. So, to fill the gap, I offer my own definition.
o
Synonyms for “violence” include ferocity,
viciousness, aggression, fighting, and hostility.
o
Physical violence, a component of violence, is a
kinetic interaction between opposing forces, actual or virtual. Once implemented,
it is explicit, and relatively easy to identify once detected.
o
Political violence, a component of violence, is
a coercive interaction between opposing interests. Once implemented, the
defeated is forced upon by the victor, and may be difficult to accept after
being identified.
·
What does the term “state violence” mean?
o
Given the “state” qualifier, it seems reasonable
to conclude that BLM believes government sanctions aggression, fighting and
hostility (characterized by ferocity and viciousness) against black Americans. I
am assuming the term “state” refers to “government.”
o
In terms of physical violence, does BLM believe
the government is conducting kinetic operations against black people? – Yes.
o
In terms of political violence, does BLM believe
the government is coercing black people? – Yes.
·
Given both BLM statements, it seems reasonable
to offer the following conclusion.
o
BLM believes black people experience political,
economic, and social violence sanctioned by the government; and, black people are
powerless to stand against that violence.
o
BLM believes black people experience physical
violence sanctioned by the government.
Affirmation
BLM seems to establish a recurring
theme: affirmation.
What does the term “affirm”
(including its various constructions) mean?
·
Synonyms for “affirm” include support and
acknowledge.
·
Taken together, it seems reasonable to conclude
the following possibilities.
o
BLM seeks to support black persons, black
contributions, black women, black gender dysphoria, and itself. – This is
racism.
o
BLM seeks to acknowledge black persons, black
contributions, black women, black gender dysphoria, and itself. – This is
racism.
Opposition
BLM does recognize that they will
be opposed. BLM states that “those who
benefit directly and improperly from White supremacy to try and erase our
existence.” [32]
·
BLM is an anti-white racist movement. – This is
racism.
·
BLM believes any opinion not aligned with BLM is
attributable to the influence of white persons, past and present. – This is
racism.
·
BLM believes actors not aligned with BLM intend to
eliminate black people.—This is racism.
Your View
Your thoughts and perspectives are important. I invite you
to tell me what you believe at samfrescoe@gmail.com.
Please check out The Sam
Frescoe Project on Facebook.
Thank you. – Sam Frescoe
© 2016 – SamFrescoeProject.Blogspot.com
– All Rights Reserved
[1] Barbara
Reynolds, I was a civil rights activist in the 1960s. But it’s hard for me to
get behind Black Lives Matter.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2015/08/24/i-was-a-civil-rights-activist-in-the-1960s-but-its-hard-for-me-to-get-behind-black-lives-matter/
(accessed 160711) ; August 24, 2015
[2] Sowell,
Thomas. “The Demagogue’s War on Cops, the war on cops and racial strife are
exacerbated by race hustlers and the media.” 12 July 2016. National Review
Online
[4] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/jesse-williams-stay-woke-documentary-black-lives-matter_us_5739516ee4b077d4d6f3688a
(accessed 160628)
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