Medium 11/11
Before engaging with this week’s materials, I was not extremely familiar with studying the Apocalypse in terms of social justice work and Black Lives Matter. I understand the “study of final things” in regards to the “Last Judgement” and the final destination of the soul because this is what I was exposed to throughout my life. When reimagining this concept, I wondered if the world has already experienced an “apocalypse” during previous social justice movements, such as the Civil War. I also question whether or not a true end of the world as we know it is a plausible conclusion.
Black Lives Matter’s idea of the “apocalypse” suggests the end of any system that perpetuates anti-black racism. This requires not only the dismantling of oppressive systems, but the logic that holds these systems together. This belief is inherently spiritual because it involves black individuals imagining a new and better world, or afterlife, while they are currently experiencing injustice. I believe all three materials echoed similar sentiments, such as the importance of a collective vision for the future that demands organizing in the current world. Even though their end visions may take longer than the present moment allows, Vincent Llyod emphasizes that “It is only by purging ourselves that we become prepared to work collectively toward a new future, totally different from the world we inhabit”. Black Lives Matter embodies this community engagement that focuses on what can be done in the present to improve the experiences of black individuals. This vision must take all oppressed people into consideration, because when one group is left behind, oppression remains. Walidah Imarisha recognizes that “instead of one ‘right future’, there are infinite futures, in a universe that is infinitely expanding”. She reveals that activists have the freedom to fight for liberation in the ways they see fit for their future, as long as their dreams push for justice. I believe this demonstrates the powerful nature of Black Lives Matter and their broad range of support from marginalized groups. This connection between people relates to an interesting aspect of the podcast, the non-linearity of time and intergenerationality of healing. By actively engaging in better visions for the future in the present, past trauma and burdens can be released which innately improves the experiences of those in the future. This allowed me to recognize the power of the imagination.
The Vision for Black Lives, created by the Movement for Black Lives, envisions more expansive life options for black people through the creation of a policy agenda. One of the most interesting aspects of this agenda is the emphasis on an inclusive future where nobody is left behind. This echoes the sentiments that if one marginalized group is excluded, then true justice will not be achieved. While I believe that this policy is extremely admirable and encouraging, I have a hard time investing full confidence in this idea. I believe that everyone can gain more rights and opportunities, but I struggle to believe in the complete destruction of systems of hierarchy. I suppose that dominant groups can be dismantled, but I also believe that they are reorganized into different ways which will prevent their total eradication.
#relg102
