I have seen several posts on this sub criticizing signs for being too focused on being funny or too arts and crafty or focusing on the wrong issues.
Guys, this is not Tumblr. Starting arguments and criticizing the people who are coming to the protests is counter- productive. Leftists constantly fail to organize and create solidarity due to this kind of in-fighting.
Yes, times are scary and horrible things are happening, but the social movements that have succeeded have always centered joy, creative expression, and humor. It makes protests approachable and appealing, and is more likely to draw the numbers we need than doom-and- gloom protesting.
If you think the April 19th protests should focus on those who are being deported and disappeared by ICE, well I agree with you! You can say so without criticizing someone's sign and creating a post that generates time-wasting argumentation. We have one day left, you should be reaching out to your friends and encouraging people to join, not making the people that have already joined feel like crap because they like brunch or cosplay.?.?
We need numbers right now, not perfection and not purity. If you think people should be doing something differently, you can say: "I think we should do x instead of y," rather than "Doing y means you haven't woken up, and you're incapable of really engaging or staying the course, and your politics aren't authentic or whatever other criticisms you want to work in there.
For example: "If you don't like what you are seeing at protests, be an example of what you want to see and reach out in good faith to create that change. Go out today and post stickers or signs in your downtown area or your local library encouraging people to join the protests. Spread your vision into the real world. "
Don't do MAGA's job for them and alienate people by bickering with them, ESPECIALLY when they are out there in person.
Originally Posted By u/GentlewomenNeverTell At 2025-04-18 11:33:34 AM | Source
I think that this viewpoint is coming around. I'm seeing more and more people reject liberal "purity" tests and being more understanding of imperfection in allies.
It’s hard for most people to remember that the perfect should never become the enemy of the good. Sure remaking our entire capitalist system to put people and the planet first would be great but just making someone out there feel less alienated and alone in their troubles is a good step. Every journey starts somewhere and just because the next step isn’t in to paradise doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take that next step. But also just keep moving forward.