Do you see what I see?
It is time to provoke dialogue by allowing white America to “see” the tragically unjust side of our culture reflected back upon us through the “eyes” of our brothers and sisters of color. - pajoly
This is an idea, somewhat formed. I conceived of it months ago at the tail end of the Ferguson crisis. I have socialized it with some friends of color, who think it very workable, but the opinions and activists' eyes I really need are here in the Daily Kos community. I also don't want a potentially good idea wasted by my own inaction, so I am offering it up to leaders who might be willing and capable to run with it; I'd support and help as I can.
Shaun's story today about the city of Chicago refusing to release video of police murders of innocent black citizens reminded me of the idea again this morning. That's a big problem with police worn body cameras - we are beholden upon the authorities to get the footage. The idea of Project Black I would be to flip the script.
This is the simple motto:
I SEE YOU
Follow me over for the mission statement and ideas for tactics.
I SEE YOU
Here's the mission as originally conceived by me:
Project Black I will leverage the viral tools of social media to not only provoke national dialogue about issues of race and privilege, but to raise mutual empathy that will lead to more tolerance, respect and, indeed, the social comfort level between the races.
We will be a positive force for change.
And here's the basic rationale:
We The People believe the unresolved issues of race and privilege are a black eye upon our society, and leaves unfulfilled the ideals of the American Declaration of Independence.
We recognize these are uncomfortable topics and we believe most Americans are not consciously biased. Still, too many have been silent for too long because they are simply unaware of the privilege inherent in being “white” in America and blind to the daily pain and institutional insults experienced by our fellow American citizens in the black community.
It is time to provoke dialogue by allowing white America to “see” the tragically unjust side of our culture reflected back upon us through the “eyes” of our brothers and sisters of color.
And here are the set of tactics, again, as originally conceived:
1. Flood Problem Cities with Wearable Cameras
Provide conflict hotspot communities with sets of cameras. Pre-inform respective city councils, local press and police departments that they will be watched and judged by the world.
Also produce and distribute “dummy” wearable cameras, so authorities do not know who has audio/video capability and who does not.
2. Mirror Contrast Uploads
Stage contrasting, but otherwise unscripted, “black” and “white” mirror scenarios using actors dressed identically following an exact routine to capture through their “eyes” in the 1st person how the public reacts differently to white and black people.
Upload to the Project Black I web site where each scenario is viewed in tandem in split screen so viewers can see the sharp contrast in how America treats whites versus blacks.
3. Local & National Business Support
Find businesses willing to endorse the Project Black I Values Statement to receive authorization to post the Project Black I logo on store fronts (virtual and mortar), which will send an “I see you” message to the public that it commits to treat all people as equals and all are welcome.
Businesses agree to publicize all video their own security cameras collect that captures law enforcement interaction.
Register these businesses online (if they want) to encourage their patronage.
***
Again, these are just ideas and maybe not good ones. I do think the idea would generate serious crowd funding. I think the base concept is sound, but it needs activist champions to tweak, crowd fund, and actualize. I also think it is possible to find meaningful commercial sponsors, and certainly NGO support. Without a doubt, were this properly formed as a non-profit, it could make massive revenue from merchandising that could be funneled into activism and education. The end goal is mutual respect, to help us all the "see" each other as equal beings.
Further, since I came up with this (and then left it fallow), up and coming leaders like DeRay McKesson have launched major initiatives that could be complimentary, like Campaign Zero. Project Black I would just be another vehicle in this expanding convoy driving towards lasting racial equity and justice.
As I close, I wanted to make clear the meaning of the naming "Project Black I" and the motto of "I SEE YOU." The first is of course a double entendre regarding the black eye upon this entire nation for this shame, and of course the "black" identifier referring to race. But less obvious might be the "I," which is a nod to philosophy, to being, to declaration of inherent value of a black person as being equal to whites. Regarding the motto, think a bit in terms of it's meaning from the movie Avatar, which again deals with a recognition of the being, not merely our physical manifestation.
In the end, frankly this idea is borne of my frustration as a white person with my own feelings of impotence, my own inertia, as people of color continue to be gunned down in the streets. It is also some parts shame; shame in my race's collective inaction, and in fact, hostility to BLM, and the attempted demonizing of its champions like Shaun King. I hope the community here accepts this from me in that spirit.
#BLM
#BlackLivesMatters
#CampaignZero