Response to insta comment
How I wanted to respond- but didn't have the space to write it all out.
I got these comments last night my Instagram & I just want to spend a minute talking it through. Because I think it’s something that is commonly said by a variety of people. But the explanation is complex.
And I don’t want to single this person out - because I don’t think their question is problematic - They are frustrated but understandably (because of hundreds of years of ideology) are pointing their finger at the wrong person. So I think it’s a perfect learning opportunity to see just how systematic oppression is in our society.
So in this comment there are a few things I want to break down. First it’s this idea of ”corporations” as this singular entity needs to be held accountable. That they have an obligation to do social good. Tied to it is the idea (though not explicitly stated) that if only billionaires gave up their money they could solve poverty. And finally what they are expressing is one marginalized group is stealing resources from another. Which I’ve already discussed in more detail in a previous (paid only) newsletter on gatekeeping. I do have a free trial if you’re interested in reading it.
First of all let’s break down the entity of the “corporations”
Corporations are largely made up by people who need money to survive. They are paid just enough to get by & overworked so they don’t have the time or energy to break that cycle. And even if they have the financial security to quit and work somewhere more ethical- there is still the issue that everything we consume, everything we need is tied together under this capitalist system where someone is always getting oppressed.
Politicians help those who give them money, so those with substantial wealth- like the ones that own those giant corporations are the ones that have actual power & they aren’t going to hold themselves accountable because the system is in their favor. Billionaires won’t give up their money to save humanity- because oppressing humanity is how they’ve managed to accumulate that wealth in the first place.
So onto the last point there is a serious problem of pitting marginalized groups against each other. I took some very depressing and insightful classes in grad school on this topic and it was outrageous how systematic and purposeful abuse of marginalized communities is.
A little bit of history: a notable place that this divide and conquer capitalism started was with the creation of the Methodist church who actively recruited white laborers during the industrial revolution in the UK & the US. The Methodist church was largely funded & supported by owners of factories, yet portrayed itself as the voice of the white working man (and family). The purpose behind recruiting white laborers was to spread the already developed idea of racial superiority through religion. & thus creating a “crisis” for those laborers to focus on instead of poor working conditions, unionizing, and getting equal pay. There would never be unity between all laborers because they were too busy fighting, and upholding this idea of superiority to notice the only people benefiting were the extremely wealthy.
So that brings us back to today- since our society was built on these systems- those in power still benefit from the division amongst marginalized communities. So they attack from all angles. Anti queer laws, racist laws & abuses, for profit prisons and violent policing, abuse against immigrants, ableist & saneist laws & abuses, pro-life movements taking hold again, ridiculously expensive healthcare. All of this compounds and divides us. It perpetrates this idea that resources are so limited only one marginalized community can benefit & we’re so tired and scared that it’s near impossible to unify. And that’s on purpose.
So there isn’t a simple answer- and there isn’t anyone to hold those in power accountable- at least not under our current social system. And working within that system to try to solve the problems doesn’t work either. Because structurally the system is designed to maintain that power imbalance. It would be like trying to patch up a broken dam with washi tape.
So what do we do? Is everything hopeless?
Absolutely not.
Community driven support and education makes a meaningful difference. If you don’t know where to start- start small. Talk with your friends and family about important issues. If autism acceptance is something that is important to you, share educational resources- don’t expect a corporation or political leader to do it for you. Change opinions about what is ableism and who it harms (spoiler it harms everyone)
Give back & offer support where you can. Notice the people in your life. Your friends, your neighbors, the people working around you. See what makes a meaningful difference in their life. Is it making food for someone who needs a break from cooking? Is it offering to babysit for free for a friend? Is it donating money to a local cause or mutual aid fund? See where community support is needed and try to be the person who helps. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture- and you don’t have to wait until you get the perfect idea of how to give back.
Stop seeing other marginalized groups as the enemy- like they are taking up your valuable resources & realize that we’re all being held down by this system. Look critically at the people who benefit from this power imbalance & help those who are disadvantaged.