Dr. Tommy Curry on Intersectionality & BLM: Forcing Academic Lenses onto Working Class Struggle

Summary

The transcript discusses the complexity of modern black activism, particularly around movements like Black Lives Matter. It contrasts academic-driven ideologies, such as intersectionality, with the real-world experiences of working-class black people. The speaker critiques the dominance of academic narratives in social media, arguing that they often fail to resonate with marginalized communities who are most affected by police violence. The critique extends to neoliberal tendencies within the movement, such as attempts to trademark hashtags, which are seen as prioritizing intellectual property over mass consciousness and activism.

Takeaways

• 📰 The speaker refers to a piece in The Times discussing DeRay McKesson and another black activist, highlighting the rise of a 'new movement' since the events in Ferguson.
• 🗣️ There is skepticism regarding this 'new movement' and its portrayal in mainstream media as it doesn't resonate with working-class black communities as strongly as it does with academics.
• 📊 The narrative emphasizes that black activism is often framed around intersectionality, including black women's and trans experiences, but this framing may not align with how marginalized black people perceive their struggle.
• 👥 Many of the protests, such as those for Eric Garner and Rekia Boyd, are led by working-class individuals who may not engage with or prioritize academic theories of intersectionality.
• ❌ The speaker critiques the over-representation of academic voices in interpreting black movements, suggesting that they may be disconnected from the lived experiences of working-class black people.
• 💬 The resistance and anger in black communities are primarily driven by the loss of black men to police violence, which the speaker feels is being overshadowed by academic discussions on intersectionality.
• 🔄 The speaker warns against imposing academic ideologies on movements, as they may not align with the real concerns of those actively protesting and resisting oppression.
• 📉 Academic theories such as intersectionality and deconstruction have not energized people to resist police violence as much as the direct impact of black men's deaths has.
• ⚠️ The speaker criticizes attempts to label working-class black people as sexist for focusing on the deaths of black men, arguing that this analysis pathologizes their activism.
• 💼 Efforts to copyright phrases like 'Black Lives Matter' are seen by the speaker as neoliberal and capitalistic, focusing on intellectual property rather than spreading consciousness among the masses.

Q & A

What is meant by the 'new movement' in the context of black activism mentioned in the transcript?

The 'new movement' refers to the recent wave of black activism, especially since the events in Ferguson. It highlights the rise of figures like DeRay McKesson and others, suggesting a shift in how black activism is being understood and engaged with, incorporating newer narratives such as intersectionality.

Why does the speaker critique the idea of intersectionality in black activism?

The speaker believes that while intersectionality may resonate with academics, it does not connect with working-class black people who experience racial violence differently. The speaker feels that focusing too much on academic theories can alienate those most affected by systemic racism.

How does the speaker describe the difference between academic views of the movement and working-class black people’s views?

The speaker argues that academics tend to frame the movement around concepts like intersectionality, while working-class black people focus more on the immediate issue of police violence and the deaths of black men. These communities may not be as concerned with the academic language used to explain their suffering.

What example does the speaker give to show the disparity between theory and the realities faced by black communities?

The speaker points out that while theories of intersectionality include various marginalized identities, the reality for many black families is centered around the loss of black men to police violence. This shows a gap between the theoretical framework of the movement and the lived experiences of these communities.

Why does the speaker believe academic language does not resonate with working-class black people?

The speaker suggests that working-class black people, who are the ones most affected by violence and systemic oppression, may not have access to or interest in academic theories such as intersectionality. Their concerns are more immediate and grounded in survival, not theoretical frameworks.

What critique does the speaker offer regarding the portrayal of black activism on social media?

The speaker is critical of how social media, dominated by academics, shapes the narrative of black activism. They argue that this portrayal may not accurately reflect the concerns and struggles of working-class black people, who are the ones actually engaging in protests and confrontations with police.

How does the speaker view the connection between black men’s deaths and the activation of social movements?

The speaker emphasizes that the deaths of young black men and boys, rather than abstract academic concepts, are what energize people to resist and form social movements. These deaths have a profound impact on families and communities, driving activism and resistance in ways that academic theories do not.

What does the speaker suggest about the ethical theories that guide some black movements?

The speaker argues that there is a disconnect between the ethical theories developed in universities, such as intersectionality, and the real-world struggles of black communities. They suggest that revolts and movements may actually contradict these theories because they are rooted in direct responses to oppression, not academic ideologies.

Why does the speaker critique the attempt to copyright the Black Lives Matter hashtag?

The speaker views the attempt to copyright the Black Lives Matter hashtag as a neoliberal and capitalistic move, more concerned with ownership and recognition than with spreading awareness or consciousness. This reflects a broader critique of how some elements of activism have been commodified.

What broader criticism does the speaker make about how black movements are framed and understood?

The speaker criticizes the framing of black movements as being too focused on academic and neoliberal ideals, which can overshadow the immediate, raw energy of working-class black people fighting against systemic violence. They argue that real activism should reflect the experiences of those most affected, not academic or capitalistic interests.