Discussion
Yesterday I was writing about my experiences trying to make change through exposing the misconduct of authority figures & demanding accountability.
It usually goes nowhere, & when it does result in something, it's always a small concession that doesn't change the overall situation.
As far as I know, one of the most radicalizing things you can do is earnestly & energetically try to make necessary change & demand justice in "the right way."
If you are persistent enough at it, you will learn that—in a sufficiently controlling system that adequately protects its authority figures—there is no such thing as persistent enough.
You protest, you speak up, you expose issues, you demand better, you tell everyone you know. And nothing changes. If you look closely, you will notice *why* nothing changes: it's because power structures insulate the powerful from attempts to bring accountability & get justice through those means.
"One reason people insist that you use the proper channels to change things is because they have control of the proper channels, and they're confident it won't work."
- Jon Stone, journalist
We've been so thoroughly indoctrinated in the idea that we can simply "stand up for what's right" without disrupting systems of power & profit, that for many of us the ONLY way to unlearn that belief is by testing it.
A lot of people believe in "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" fantasies, yet they never cast THEMSELVES in the role of Mr. Smith. If you really believe it, try it. You'll do some useful shit along the way (like documenting misconduct) & you'll eventually learn how NOT to make change.
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