Gentrifiers and Black Lives Matter yard signs

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why aren't there any BLM signs in SE DC where blacks are getting killed everyday

Oh wait not politically correct

Actions speak louder than signs

How many of you have even been out to a vigil

White person here. I live in SE DC. I've attended two BLM marches. Dh is actively involved with a national group formed to work just on these issues. I had wondered about whether to put a sign in the window and whether, as white gentrifiers, it was pretentious of us to do that. Then I thought - well, we are actively involved in these issues. It seems silly not to. So we did it.

BTW, a few of my black neighbors have been killed. Never heard anyone say that that was okay. I've attended 3 vigils for murder victims and at every one, people called on each other to live better and to stop hurting one another.

Pp, I'm so glad that you're concerned about black people getting killed every day in SE DC and you know that actions speak louder than signs. Have I seen you at any of these vigils? What groups are you working with in SE DC in an effort to keep our children safe? I'd like to know what kinds of things are going on and since you care so much about black lives, you must have an idea.

The one thing I actually agree with BLM is that whites aren't part of the solution

Until the black community (in those areas) takes responsibility for themselves nothing will change

The solutions are easy people who actually give a damn about life and themselves and public policy that doesn't reward being an unproductive member of society

You might be the most obtuse person on DCUM and that is saying something.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Virtue signaling is so obnoxious.

You beat me to it!

It is so obnoxious. Right up there with changing your FB picture.

OP, examine your reasons why you want this yard sign. Signs don't actually offer any support whatsoever.

In DC, maybe this is true. In other parts of the country, where there are MAGA and "Blue Lives Matter" signs all over the place, a BLM sign might actually force these people to recognize that there are those who disagree with them and those people aren't just urban elites.

I live in one of the areas that most strongly supported Trump. (I didn't). I've never seen a "blue lives matter" sign or, for that matter, many MAGA or Trump signs. Keep in mind that most of these people just want someone to notice their problems (health care costs, jobs for their growing kids) and vote based on how their parents voted and frustration with the status quo. Vilifying them or proclaiming your virtue with an ugly yard sign won't help change any minds.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here - this is a great discussion, thanks for all of the responses. My intent with a sign would be to do what others mentioned - indicate allyship with the intent of opening lines of communication with our neighbors. I think demonstrating awareness and recognizing white privilege (especially in a gentrifying neighborhood) is important and not something that we can assume everyone is on the same page about. We know and are friendly with all of the neighbors on our block already and make an effort to contribute to the neighborhood (shoveling the neighbor's walk, helping the older folks carry things, etc.). The point isn't to pat ourselves on the back, but to be kind because that's the right thing to do. (Plus it's easier to knock on the neighbor's door to borrow something if you already know their name!)

I actually work in social services in DC, so although I don't spend a ton of extra time outside of work hours, I do work in the community I live in (it's a lame excuse, but it's HARD to do anything between naps on the weekend!). I appreciate the reminders that if I am willing to put up a sign, I should be willing to sacrifice some actual time and energy to actions as well.

I don't have a problem with the signs, but it sounds like you have an Internet-y idea of race relations. Your neighbors may not care about "allyship" as expressed by a sign, when you are materially contributing to gentrification, deteriorating neighborhood schools, etc. "Demonstrating awareness" is also not going to take you very far when it comes to actually establishing relationships with your neighbors. TONS of people in my neighborhood have these signs; yet they are the WORST hypocrites when it comes to schools etc.

I am confused. Is it not possible that someone thinks their own kids will be better off going to school with mostly high SES kids, yet still object to violence against young black men by the police? Isn't BLM a statement of support for the basic idea that black people should not be shot by representatives of the state, rather than a sign of agreement with all political positions held by african americans?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have the sign that reads:
IN THIS HOUSE
WE BELIEVE:
BLACK LIVES MATTER
WOMEN'S RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS
NO HUMAN IS ILLEGAL
LOVE IS LOVE
KINDNESS IS EVERYTHING

You must be my neighbors.

[Anonymous]

Why do you need a sign on your front lawn to support a cause? More effective would be to volunteer or DO something rather than a shallow sign of status.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have one of those signs that says "wherever you're from, we're glad you're our neighbor" in English, Arabic and Spanish. Twice people have knocked on our door and thanked us for having it out there. That felt good if we are contributing in some way to a more welcome feeling. It's not a replacement for activism but I think it does matter.

Just out of curiosity-- how many of your actual neighbors speak Spanish or Arabic ?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here - this is a great discussion, thanks for all of the responses. My intent with a sign would be to do what others mentioned - indicate allyship with the intent of opening lines of communication with our neighbors. I think demonstrating awareness and recognizing white privilege (especially in a gentrifying neighborhood) is important and not something that we can assume everyone is on the same page about. We know and are friendly with all of the neighbors on our block already and make an effort to contribute to the neighborhood (shoveling the neighbor's walk, helping the older folks carry things, etc.). The point isn't to pat ourselves on the back, but to be kind because that's the right thing to do. (Plus it's easier to knock on the neighbor's door to borrow something if you already know their name!)

I actually work in social services in DC, so although I don't spend a ton of extra time outside of work hours, I do work in the community I live in (it's a lame excuse, but it's HARD to do anything between naps on the weekend!). I appreciate the reminders that if I am willing to put up a sign, I should be willing to sacrifice some actual time and energy to actions as well.

I don't have a problem with the signs, but it sounds like you have an Internet-y idea of race relations. Your neighbors may not care about "allyship" as expressed by a sign, when you are materially contributing to gentrification, deteriorating neighborhood schools, etc. "Demonstrating awareness" is also not going to take you very far when it comes to actually establishing relationships with your neighbors. TONS of people in my neighborhood have these signs; yet they are the WORST hypocrites when it comes to schools etc.

I am confused. Is it not possible that someone thinks their own kids will be better off going to school with mostly high SES kids, yet still object to violence against young black men by the police? Isn't BLM a statement of support for the basic idea that black people should not be shot by representatives of the state, rather than a sign of agreement with all political positions held by african americans?

I'm the "obtuse" poster and I agree with that who wouldn't. Do some homework on what BLM actually is before putting up a sign for something that you have no idea what it stands for.

[Anonymous]

I refuse to be labeled because of the color of my skin and the neighborhoods I am able to afford to live in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here - this is a great discussion, thanks for all of the responses. My intent with a sign would be to do what others mentioned - indicate allyship with the intent of opening lines of communication with our neighbors. I think demonstrating awareness and recognizing white privilege (especially in a gentrifying neighborhood) is important and not something that we can assume everyone is on the same page about. We know and are friendly with all of the neighbors on our block already and make an effort to contribute to the neighborhood (shoveling the neighbor's walk, helping the older folks carry things, etc.). The point isn't to pat ourselves on the back, but to be kind because that's the right thing to do. (Plus it's easier to knock on the neighbor's door to borrow something if you already know their name!)

I actually work in social services in DC, so although I don't spend a ton of extra time outside of work hours, I do work in the community I live in (it's a lame excuse, but it's HARD to do anything between naps on the weekend!). I appreciate the reminders that if I am willing to put up a sign, I should be willing to sacrifice some actual time and energy to actions as well.

I don't have a problem with the signs, but it sounds like you have an Internet-y idea of race relations. Your neighbors may not care about "allyship" as expressed by a sign, when you are materially contributing to gentrification, deteriorating neighborhood schools, etc. "Demonstrating awareness" is also not going to take you very far when it comes to actually establishing relationships with your neighbors. TONS of people in my neighborhood have these signs; yet they are the WORST hypocrites when it comes to schools etc.

I am confused. Is it not possible that someone thinks their own kids will be better off going to school with mostly high SES kids, yet still object to violence against young black men by the police? Isn't BLM a statement of support for the basic idea that black people should not be shot by representatives of the state, rather than a sign of agreement with all political positions held by african americans?

I'm the "obtuse" poster and I agree with that who wouldn't. Do some homework on what BLM actually is before putting up a sign for something that you have no idea what it stands for.

I think someone who puts up a sign saying Black Lives Matter does not necessarily agree with every position of the organization (such as it is - IIUC it is an informal network)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Lives_Matter#Loose_structure

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Virtue signaling is so obnoxious.

You beat me to it!

It is so obnoxious. Right up there with changing your FB picture.

OP, examine your reasons why you want this yard sign. Signs don't actually offer any support whatsoever.

In DC, maybe this is true. In other parts of the country, where there are MAGA and "Blue Lives Matter" signs all over the place, a BLM sign might actually force these people to recognize that there are those who disagree with them and those people aren't just urban elites.

I live in one of the areas that most strongly supported Trump. (I didn't). I've never seen a "blue lives matter" sign or, for that matter, many MAGA or Trump signs. Keep in mind that most of these people just want someone to notice their problems (health care costs, jobs for their growing kids) and vote based on how their parents voted and frustration with the status quo. Vilifying them or proclaiming your virtue with an ugly yard sign won't help change any minds.

I'm not vilifying them. Did I suggest that with my post? Saying that they -- and, hey, everyone -- might benefit from hearing multiple sides isn't vilifying anyone. I also live in a neighborhood that supported Trump and I see a LOT of blue lives matter/ Trump signs, and in the neighborhood's social media spaces people are constantly mocking black lives matter. It's not a good neighborhood to be a person of color, to say the least, for that and for a variety of other reasons.

So, yeah. I don't have a yard sign, but I do have a bumper sticker and even though I don't think I -- or any yard sign display-er -- deserves a pat on the back or ally cookie or whatever, I want to express my "speech" in this small way so that people can see it.

To each their own.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why do you need a sign on your front lawn to support a cause? More effective would be to volunteer or DO something rather than a shallow sign of status.

I agree that only having a yard sign is not enough. But I don't think that OP is suggesting that having a yard sign is her only form of activism.

Having a yard sign or bumper sticker or button or whatever is a very easy, very cheap, very small thing. But, I don't think it's harmful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here - this is a great discussion, thanks for all of the responses. My intent with a sign would be to do what others mentioned - indicate allyship with the intent of opening lines of communication with our neighbors. I think demonstrating awareness and recognizing white privilege (especially in a gentrifying neighborhood) is important and not something that we can assume everyone is on the same page about. We know and are friendly with all of the neighbors on our block already and make an effort to contribute to the neighborhood (shoveling the neighbor's walk, helping the older folks carry things, etc.). The point isn't to pat ourselves on the back, but to be kind because that's the right thing to do. (Plus it's easier to knock on the neighbor's door to borrow something if you already know their name!)

I actually work in social services in DC, so although I don't spend a ton of extra time outside of work hours, I do work in the community I live in (it's a lame excuse, but it's HARD to do anything between naps on the weekend!). I appreciate the reminders that if I am willing to put up a sign, I should be willing to sacrifice some actual time and energy to actions as well.

I don't have a problem with the signs, but it sounds like you have an Internet-y idea of race relations. Your neighbors may not care about "allyship" as expressed by a sign, when you are materially contributing to gentrification, deteriorating neighborhood schools, etc. "Demonstrating awareness" is also not going to take you very far when it comes to actually establishing relationships with your neighbors. TONS of people in my neighborhood have these signs; yet they are the WORST hypocrites when it comes to schools etc.

I am confused. Is it not possible that someone thinks their own kids will be better off going to school with mostly high SES kids, yet still object to violence against young black men by the police? Isn't BLM a statement of support for the basic idea that black people should not be shot by representatives of the state, rather than a sign of agreement with all political positions held by african americans?

You mean "black lives matter BUT I wouldn't EVER EVRR OMG! send my child to school with your black child!" No, that doesn't really work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here - this is a great discussion, thanks for all of the responses. My intent with a sign would be to do what others mentioned - indicate allyship with the intent of opening lines of communication with our neighbors. I think demonstrating awareness and recognizing white privilege (especially in a gentrifying neighborhood) is important and not something that we can assume everyone is on the same page about. We know and are friendly with all of the neighbors on our block already and make an effort to contribute to the neighborhood (shoveling the neighbor's walk, helping the older folks carry things, etc.). The point isn't to pat ourselves on the back, but to be kind because that's the right thing to do. (Plus it's easier to knock on the neighbor's door to borrow something if you already know their name!)

I actually work in social services in DC, so although I don't spend a ton of extra time outside of work hours, I do work in the community I live in (it's a lame excuse, but it's HARD to do anything between naps on the weekend!). I appreciate the reminders that if I am willing to put up a sign, I should be willing to sacrifice some actual time and energy to actions as well.

I don't have a problem with the signs, but it sounds like you have an Internet-y idea of race relations. Your neighbors may not care about "allyship" as expressed by a sign, when you are materially contributing to gentrification, deteriorating neighborhood schools, etc. "Demonstrating awareness" is also not going to take you very far when it comes to actually establishing relationships with your neighbors. TONS of people in my neighborhood have these signs; yet they are the WORST hypocrites when it comes to schools etc.

I am confused. Is it not possible that someone thinks their own kids will be better off going to school with mostly high SES kids, yet still object to violence against young black men by the police? Isn't BLM a statement of support for the basic idea that black people should not be shot by representatives of the state, rather than a sign of agreement with all political positions held by african americans?

You mean "black lives matter BUT I wouldn't EVER EVRR OMG! send my child to school with your black child!" No, that doesn't really work.

I get PP's point, but... I think I agree with the bolded.

You can't gentrify, slap a sticker on your yard and attend a SURJ meeting or two, and think that absolves you of what you're doing as a gentrify-er.

-- NP, and a gentrify-er (not in DC) who has seen some really ugly things done to her "old" neighbors by the "new" neighbors.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have one of those signs that says "wherever you're from, we're glad you're our neighbor" in English, Arabic and Spanish. Twice people have knocked on our door and thanked us for having it out there. That felt good if we are contributing in some way to a more welcome feeling. It's not a replacement for activism but I think it does matter.

Just out of curiosity-- how many of your actual neighbors speak Spanish or Arabic ?

According to Wikipedia, my neighborhood is 57% black, 15% white, 26% hispanic, and 2% asian. Don't know about Arabic.

[Anonymous]

What a bunch of black yahoos and white yahoos. You all alienate more people than you "ally" with. You are all alienating people left and right, with your signs, tshirts, words, and stupid thoughts that "you" are any different than "I".

Grow up already. It's not about A vs. B etc,, no Us vs. Them. There is only "we" and until that position is solidly adopted, there will be unrest.