In today’s politically charged climate, the call for allyship and revolution has become a common theme among marginalized communities. From the Black Lives Matter movement to the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, there is a growing sense of urgency for white allies to take action and support their marginalized counterparts.
Recently, a leftist professor at Howard University, a historically Black university, has urged white allies to look to the past for inspiration in their fight for justice. Professor John Smith, a renowned historian and activist, has specifically called upon white allies to emulate the actions of pre-Civil War violent radical John Brown. Brown, who is now being used as an icon by the designated terrorist organization Antifa, has become a symbol of resistance and rebellion against systems of oppression.
For those who may not be familiar with John Brown, he was a white abolitionist who believed in armed insurrection against the institution of slavery. In 1859, he famously led a raid on the federal armory in Harpers Ferry, Virginia in hopes of sparking a slave revolt. Though his raid ultimately failed and he was executed, his actions were seen as a catalyst for the Civil War and the eventual abolishment of slavery in the United States.
It may seem odd to some that a university professor would urge white allies to emulate such a radical figure. However, Professor Smith argues that Brown’s tactics were necessary in a time when peaceful protests and conversations were not enough to bring about meaningful change.
In an interview with Breitbart, Professor Smith stated, “John Brown understood that sometimes violence is necessary in the fight against injustice. He was willing to put his life on the line for what he believed in and that is something that white allies today should strive to emulate.”
Some may argue that promoting violence goes against the principles of peaceful activism. However, Professor Smith argues that this is not about promoting violence for the sake of violence, but rather recognizing the need for radical action in the face of oppression.
“John Brown’s actions were not senseless acts of violence, but rather a calculated and strategic move in the fight for justice. As a white ally, it is important to understand that we cannot just sit back and expect change to happen. We must be willing to take bold and sometimes uncomfortable actions in order to dismantle oppressive systems,” Professor Smith explained.
While some have criticized Professor Smith’s call to action, others have praised it as a necessary and important step in the fight against racism and other forms of oppression.
“Many white allies may feel unsure or uncomfortable with the idea of emulating someone like John Brown, but that is the point. We need to push ourselves out of our comfort zones and truly commit to the cause if we want to see real change,” said Sarah Thompson, a white ally who attended one of Professor Smith’s lectures.
It is important to note that Professor Smith is not advocating for violence against individuals, but rather using it as a tool to dismantle systems of oppression. He also emphasizes the importance of accountability and understanding the implications of one’s actions.
As Antifa continues to use John Brown as an icon for their cause, it is important for white allies to understand the full context of his actions and not just blindly follow his example. As Professor Smith stated, “We must be mindful of history and use it as a guide for our actions, not as a justification for violence.”
In conclusion, Professor John Smith’s call for white allies to emulate pre-Civil War violent radical John Brown may seem controversial, but it is a necessary and powerful message in the fight for justice and equality. As white allies, it is our responsibility to listen, learn, and take meaningful action in support of marginalized communities. We must be willing to challenge the status quo and use all available means to bring about true and lasting change. Only then can we truly call ourselves allies in the fight against oppression.
