Editing Worgs 2006
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*Violent revolts are justified by pointing to the actions of oppressors, with the goals of achieving retribution and forcing oppressors to respect Black humanity. These uprisings are seen as a reaction against systemic injustices and a means to address grievances directly. | *Violent revolts are justified by pointing to the actions of oppressors, with the goals of achieving retribution and forcing oppressors to respect Black humanity. These uprisings are seen as a reaction against systemic injustices and a means to address grievances directly. | ||
**For some African Americans, engaging in violent revolt is perceived as a way to reclaim or reconstruct their humanity, which has been undermined by oppressive systems like slavery or racial caste systems. | **For some African Americans, engaging in violent revolt is perceived as a way to reclaim or reconstruct their humanity, which has been undermined by oppressive systems like slavery or racial caste systems. | ||
*Violent revolt is not only a transformation of external circumstances but also as a personal liberation and transformation of the self. | *Violent revolt is not only a transformation of external circumstances but also as a personal liberation and transformation of the self. | ||
Key Argument: there is a connection between the fantasy of violent revolt and real life manifestations of it. | |||
Reality of African American Violent Revolt | |||
Violence has historically been a means of resistance since the embryo of African chattel slavery. | |||
Even nonviolent African Americans considered violence as a tool. | |||
Ex: Du Bois purchasing a gun after the Atlanta 1906 riots. | |||
20th Century- African Americans forming armed groups- byproduct of White violence (lynching, racial progroms etc.) | |||
Mass riot- common form of Black Revolt. | |||
Modern race riot- focus on destruction of property and representatives of White power. | |||
Understanding African American Violent Revolt | |||
Violent acts- from group frustration resulting from deprivation. | |||
Violence is cathartic. | |||
Dual nature of violent revolts–(cathartic and instrumental). | |||
Justifications for violence: | |||
Self defense. | |||
Limitations of the law. | |||
Violence is a key part of America’s founding. | |||
Violence is strategic. | |||
Black Fantasies of Violent Revolt | |||
African American creative works present fantasy of violent revolt. | |||
Four recurring themes: | |||
Justification for violence- description of long standing oppression and aggression. | |||
Need for respect from oppressors. | |||
Expression of rage. | |||
Desire for retribution. | |||
Image of revolt is a demolition of the current world order for a new one. | |||
Blaxploitation- films depict graphic images of Black people acting violently to relieve White viewers from oppression. | |||
Black Violence As Vengeful Self-Defense | |||
Vengeful self defense- violence is called for in defense of Black humanity but carried out with rage and desire for retribution and liberation. | |||
Violence can be means of reconstituting the humanity of the oppressed. |