Cedric Johnson's book critically evaluates the effectiveness of the Black Lives Matter movement and proposes concrete alternatives to address police violence and systemic racism.
The book challenges the reliance on symbolic gestures and calls for material solutions and tangible results in social activism.
Johnson examines the experiences and trauma of police officers, urging a nuanced understanding and empathy towards their circumstances.
The book proposes alternative solutions, like a public works program, to address the needs of the surplus population and create meaningful change and support for marginalized communities.
Deep dives
Cedric Johnson's Purpose in Writing the Book
Cedric Johnson's purpose in writing the book is to critically engage with the Black Lives Matter movement and evaluate its effectiveness in addressing police violence and systemic racism. He aims to offer a nuanced perspective that goes beyond a simple condemnation or endorsement of the movement. Johnson wants to encourage serious and transparent discussions about the material strategies needed to bring about real change. By examining the shortcomings of Black Lives Matter and proposing concrete alternatives, he seeks to contribute to the ongoing fight for black liberation and economic justice.
The Problem of Symbolism vs. Material Change
The book challenges the current emphasis on symbolic and rhetorical gestures in social activism, particularly in the age of social media. It raises important questions about the actual impact of these actions on the lives of marginalized communities and whether they are creating meaningful change. Johnson stresses the need to focus on material solutions and concrete strategies that address the root causes of police violence and systemic racism. This critique calls for a shift in the way we think about and engage in activism, moving beyond performative gestures and toward tangible results.
The Alienation and Trauma of Police Officers
The book delves into the experiences of police officers, highlighting their own alienation and trauma within the system. Johnson argues that police officers, as workers within capitalism, are subjected to the alienating effects of their profession. He emphasizes the impact of trauma and how it shapes their worldview and behavior. This perspective challenges the simplistic view of all police officers as bastards, urging a more nuanced understanding of their circumstances and the complex factors that contribute to their actions. By acknowledging the traumatic conditions within which police officers operate, Johnson sparks a conversation that encourages empathy and deeper analysis.
Examining the Surplus Population and Solutions
Johnson explores the concept of the surplus population, particularly within the African American community, and its relationship to systemic oppression and the criminal justice system. He proposes alternative solutions to address the needs of this population, such as a public works program that offers well-paying union jobs and focuses on the material conditions that contribute to inequality and violence. By shifting the discussion from a purely symbolic approach to practical strategies, Johnson aims to create meaningful change and support the most vulnerable members of society.
The importance of looking beyond personal blame
The podcast episode emphasizes the need to move beyond blaming individuals and instead focus on understanding and addressing systemic issues. It compares the tendency to blame police officers for their actions to the vegan movement's approach to factory farming, recognizing the importance of addressing the underlying system rather than solely targeting individual actors.
Challenging the narrative of policing and racism
The podcast challenges the idea that policing is solely about racism, highlighting the complexities involved and the interplay of various factors. It calls for a nuanced understanding of the police institution and its effects on both marginalized communities and police officers themselves.
The danger of oversimplification and symbolic activism
The podcast criticizes the oversimplification of issues and the prevalence of performative activism. It highlights the need for clear goals, strategy, and an understanding of the material conditions that impact marginalized communities. It argues for a shift towards truly impactful and inclusive actions that address underlying systemic problems.
The importance of clear and realistic goals
The podcast suggests the need for clear and realistic goals in social movements. It critiques the idea of demanding the complete abolition of the police, pointing out that such demands can hinder the effectiveness of the movement. Instead, it proposes focusing on achievable goals that resonate with a broader audience, such as well-paying jobs and community investment.
In Episode 59, we get together with DJ Fraser and Tara McGowan-Ross for the first episode of our new segment, Book Club. This month’s book is ‘After Black Lives Matter’ by Cedric G. Johnson. We were privileged to interview Cedric Johnson a few episodes back, but we wanted to delve even deeper into this masterful and important piece of political thought, which we encourage everyone to read.
If you’d like to follow along for the next episode of Book Club, we will be doing ‘The Ministry for the Future’ by Kim Stanley Robinson!
Jay Lesoleil is a writer, artist, and shelter worker from Montréal with a background in political anthropology. Jay is also one half of the podcast Fucking Cancelled.
Clementine Morrigan is a socialist-feminist writer, educator, and public intellectual based in Montréal, Canada. She writes popular and controversial essays about culture, politics, sexuality, and trauma. A passionate believer in independent media, she’s been making zines since the year 2000 and is the author of several books. She’s known for her iconic white-text-on-a-black-background mini-essays on Instagram. One of the leading voices on the Canadian Left and one half of the Fucking Cancelled podcast, Clementine is an outspoken critic of cancel culture and proponent of building solidarity across difference.
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