Ok but language is also violently ripped from its original context. Language is systematically softened, commodified, rendered useless through pointed ridicule. Language is eradicated. This happens because language is dangerous to systems of power, because once abuse is articulated it can be dismantled, which is why the Klan lynched Black people for learning to read and the first thing dictators do is ban books.

It’s why woke went from a rallying cry among Black youth to be cognizant of the political violence acted upon us by the criminal justice system to a fucking comedy punchline in like two years flat. Imagine if instead of being like let’s allow everyone to use this for whatever pet purpose they have, we’d instead have been like fuck that, this word isn’t for that purpose, we empathize with whatever struggle you feel you’re experiencing, but this is language we must protect for only a specific use case.

Language meant to protect and uplift and liberate the political, social, and economic underclass WILL face challenges from both people who seem like enemies and people who seem like allies. Difference is an ally would never want to disarm you of the weapon (language) you’ve fashioned to free yourself.

@favorite-flower-fella

@favorite-animal-person