We wrapped up our annual campaign against racism with an inspiring ACTIVIST LIVESTREAM featuring Alba Hernandez from Feminist Collective of Romani Gender Experts and Shane O’Curry from INAR – Irish Network Against Racism 🙌
It was a deep and insightful conversation that allowed us to show different perspectives and feelings regarding the current challenges faced by anti racist activists, starting from the incorrect association between anti racism and cancel culture that has become increasingly popular, damaging decades of work by intoxicating public discourse.
If you have missed it you can enjoy it on our Instagram account at this link and share your considerations with us.
Our speakers answered the following questions:
- What annoys you the most regarding the current debate surrounding activism and cancel culture? What’s the most misunderstood thing in your opinion?
- Have you ever seen/felt like the concept of victimhood has been abused? By whom?
- Do you have any idea/inspiration on how to contrast this view and take-back some important concepts like freedom and rights?
Our Speakers’ Insights
Alba discussed the intersectional discrimination faced by marginalized groups like Roma communities, whose voices are often silenced because they do not fit the dominant white majority narrative. She critiques how the term “victim” is selectively applied within activist circles, privileging white activists while ignoring the harsher consequences suffered by others, particularly Roma women in extreme situations such as war. Alba calls for open dialogue, solidarity, and alliances to ensure concepts like freedom and rights are inclusive and accessible to all marginalized groups.
Building on Alba’s points, Shane warned against the rising backlash termed the “war on wokeism,” which distorts identity politics into a divisive tool that justifies violence and oppression for political and economic gain. He highlights the historical misuse of victimhood claims, referencing Nazi propaganda, and stresses the importance of contextualizing these issues within the power held by white men. Shane advocates for restorative justice, social change, and reclaiming freedom of speech by clearly identifying racism and violence, fostering broad coalitions, and uniting diverse struggles without erasing anyone’s suffering.
Everything is urging us to take bolder steps and be resilient in the face of current challenges, quoting Alba,
“WE CAN’T FORGET, WE CAN’T STAY SILENT”
So we stay behind our motto for this year, UNITED in Action, claiming back the narratives of freedom and rights.
We hope you found inspiration in these words and look forward to hearing more examples from the anti-racist community and thank you once again to @romanigenderexperts and @inarireland 💛
