January 26, 2017 - 21:08
Contemplating the past two weeks of this semester, some tension comes up. I anticipate that tension will be a common theme throughout the semester just based on the real systems, tending to be extremely flawed, that we live in and study and attempt to break down. I appreciate the classmates who have posed questions that many would never ask in a group class setting. The assigned piece of writing that has resonated with me most thus far is ”Accomplices, Not Allies: Abolishing the Ally Industrial Complex.” The writer defines different Ally-types, such as Parachuter, “missionaries with more money,” and Floaters, those who hop from one issue to another and are action-junkies. There are many other Ally-types described. The main message is that to support real issues is not a one-time thing, or a one-way relationship. From the class discussion we had centered on this issue, it was boggling to hear how many of us interpreted the terms “ally” and “accomplice” in different ways, beyond the article’s explanations. I appreciate the article for its straightforward calling out of the pitfalls of being only semi-committed to a cause, movement, or organization. It’s frustrating to reflect on my own moments where I have been guilty of being semi-committed. I’m glad that this class brings exposing questions to the forefront. It is necessary to ask ourselves tough questions about our own involvement and intention within any actions we do or support. I hope we continue to question ourselves and each other in the respectful, yet direct way that has been ocurring in class so far.