Objection from leftists to “identity politics” at Democratic convention

Some commentators on the DNC were repulsed by what they considered an overload of identity politics. Actually the very strong presence of women, Blacks, Latinos, disability activists–although entirely orchestrated for effect & political manipulation–is precisely what made the event so impressive & appealing.

That inclusiveness, which is only window dressing & does not reflect the political character of the DP in any way, is the schtick & gestalt that maintains a political hold on so many voters.

The identities of oppression are not counterposed to class as so many sectarian leftists claim but reflect the complexities & pervasive character of inequality under capitalism.

To mock the dominant presence of women, Blacks, Latinos, et al, is really at heart quite racist & misogynist. Would it have been more class-based & less objectionable if white men were more apparent & women, Blacks, et al in our usual subordinate, deferential positions?

Facebook links censorship of Kashmir posts to terrorism

To emphasize the meaning of FB censorship of posts about the siege in Kashmir, this was their statement quoted in a recent Guardian-UK article:

“There is no place on Facebook for content that praises or supports terrorists, terrorists organisations or terrorism. We welcome discussion on these subjects but any terrorist content has to be clearly put in context which condemns these organisations & or their violent activities. Therefore, profiles & content supporting or praising Hizbul Mujahideen & Burhan Wani are removed as soon as they are reported to us.”

Several of those censored & locked out are academics or otherwise employed by those who would not welcome associates who are libeled in this way. Allegations or insinuations of terrorism are the new McCarthyism & must be fought tooth & nail by those who value civil liberties.

The main point of course is to maintain the news blackout about the occupation & portray the struggle in Kashmir as terrorist insurgency rather than against a brutal occupation.

That’s what makes the damn petition so important to sign & circulate. Get with the program & sign it.

Petition against censorship of Kashmir posts on Facebook

The list of people being blocked from FB for posting about Kashmir grows by the day. Some have time limits, some appear permanent. None of the posts have been hateful or incited to violence but FB claims they violate community standards. Most of the banned are respected academics or activists.

I have been blocked for 7 days for posting about a Kashmiri man blocked permanently. I’ve never incited to violence in my life & actually objected & deleted any comments against Indians that were abusive. The discussions were entirely cogent & respectful.

It’s a concern that so few are signing the petition for free speech on FB. The signatures are not public so no one jeopardizes their own account by signing. Not signing means leaving people out in the cold when they need support.

Let’s try this again: https://www.change.org/p/facebook-stop-censoring-kashmiri-activists-on-facebook-reinstate-ather-zia-satyadeep-deep