TheMarzipanDildo Thu 18-Jun-20 16:08:09
I can’t believe this thread 
Context is everything. Clearly this is a black power statement not a fucking show of subservience. It doesn’t really matter that the original taking of the knee happened in America because it means more than that now.
Some people seem to be quite wilfully thick on the subject of BLM.
I popped back into the thread, and also find it weird some posters/people are focussing on their being asked to 'take the knee' nobody is asking you to, or telling you too. No one is bullying or forcing you to act. You do what you want, but do not belittle the peaceful actions of those who choose to protest in this way or show their solidarity.
Kneeling is not only a sign of subservience and oppression; it is also a sign of respect, humility and honour. But, it is not the only way to show respect. Using appropriate language, hearing and not just telling, treating others like you would hope others would treat you. Being emotionally aware that everyone has feelings, and may feel strongly about past hurts.
Have any of you 'I won't do it lot'? ever been on any kind of protest march, some protestors get passionate and shout, some get angry, push & shove. Others, are just there - being present is enough; & there are those who just sign petitions or write letters.
I'd like to believe any policeman/woman who chooses do engage in this action of solidarity, by their personal choice. There are police who joined up to uphold justice and maintain law for all citizens. Police do not wear uniforms all the time, they have families and friends, so some may have witnessed racist behaviour in their everyday lives, and have strong feelings about it!
Re. the Black Lives Matter movement, I largely agree with the overall aims, cos' I am black British. However, in the UK, it should technically be BAME Lives Matter, as a result of the impact of Empire, remember we are still members of the Commonwealth (which is the empire with its now independent/free nations).
I don't agree with the idea of all these conspiracy theories about defunding the police, black power only etc. These are 'ultra' issues, they are not realistic or practical, & will generally only appeal to rabble-rousers.
Any political party will have parts in its constitution (if they have one) that not all members/supporters agree with - it's called being be human.
BLM is still a movement, I personally don't know any signed up members, just people who broadly agree with its overall aims.
As things move on, hopefully people representatives (? not just goverment appointees & noisebags) will sit down, represent and negotiate a short & long-way forward and framework to enable BAME equality, just treatment & opportunities in society, whilst making the changes palatable for all who will be involved and affected.
It will involve wider and better historical education, about our past, present & hopefully a more equitable or at least society; and this would covers a lot like the division of Africa, Irish Potato Famine, the Scottish crofters, working conditions in the mills and mines. And why people, emigrated to the Americas and Canada.
Any debates, practical discussions and strategies, will have to be country-specific, and maybe probably even county specific in some places. But, hopefully somehow, the Equality Commission will grow better teeth (with a stronger framework), and do what it was set up for, work with the Dept for Education, other key organisations and charities.
Time will tell, for some better co-ordinated changes, as opposed to just knee-jerk reactions.
Peace and Love