Reply to Gentrifiers and Black Lives Matter yard signs

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]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.
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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.  [b]TONS of people in my neighborhood have these signs; yet they are the WORST hypocrites when it comes to schools etc. [/b] [/quote]

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?   [/quote]

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