queeranarchism: hater-of-terfs:Don’t Depoliticize Mutual Aid - from thecomradecloset (If any
queeranarchism: hater-of-terfs: Don’t Depoliticize Mutual Aid - from thecomradecloset (If anyone has the time to transcribe this so the content is more accessible, tag me and I’ll reblog.) The context of mutual aid is rooted in autonomist, abolitionist, and anti authoritarian praxis. To me, it has always gone hand-in-hand with finding ways to support each other however we’re able to, everyday.In the process, we make it more possible to agitate and dismantle, to move towards autonomy and collectivity, and ultimately build towards bigger shifts: the abolition of work and borders, land rematriation, and so on. Mutual aid is not a last-resort response to crisis, a stopgap until more resources are available, or an act of philanthropy. An anarchist and abolitionist practice of mutual aid means a disentanglement and divestment from institutionality, individuality, and coloniality. When I see nonprofits and other top down organizations referring to “mutual aid” it immediately feels disingenuous to me - especially if it preserves the status quo rather than disrupting it, if it’s done in the interest of building social capital for a singular entity, or if it seeks to maintain the credibility of the state. Mutual aid is NOT and never was a form of charity It’s not just material support and fundraising - though it can include that. It’s not limited to the transfer or redistribution of wealth-although that also needs to happen. (Underlined) Mutual aid is a guiding principle for practicing reciprocal & collective care. (End of underlined) Mutual aid can also look like: A daily practice within autonomous communities that aren’t recognized or supported by dominant institutions. An age-old means of defying authority, of weaving tight-knit and communal subsistence & resistance, of choosing what’s right over what’s defined by the status quo as “legal”. (Underlined) The outright dismissal of mutual aid as “not enough"is a result of its co-optation and depoliticization. (End of underlined) Mutual aid, like disability justice, is about reconfiguring our relationship to CARE - and our relationship to WORK. Mutual aid is an intentional consideration of each others’ capacity and needs. Mutual aid asks: will you fight for my existence in this world with the same commitment and dedication that I hold for you? -- source link
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