I want to make it perfectly clear that the inspiration for changing the banner is based on revulsion at continued systemic racism in the U.S., casual racism in everyday conversations and the imbalance in our justice system. When I mentioned it as a possibility to the staff, I thought it important to make a statement about where we stand for the sake of current and future black members. We have a history of anti-racist policies here, so it's really just a visually representation of that pre-existing stance. Just a very small gesture.
Given your stance on racism in the U.S., Editz, I wouldn't be comfortable having you be the person to make that statement for us. That is solely my opinion.
Making a brief statement of solidarity with a community that feels attacked right now isn't going to hurt any of us. It's the very least we can do. For those of us who see that this can be construed as virtue signalling, I agree. However, could you imagine the kind of backlash a grander gesture would be met with? People throw a fit over the slightest little nod to anti-racism. Part of me says, fuck it. Do the bigger thing. Lose members who don't give a shit, but I'm not a very active member, and I'd rather do things IRL than deal with the manufactured controversy here.
Given your stance on racism in the U.S., Editz, I wouldn't be comfortable having you be the person to make that statement for us. That is solely my opinion.
Making a brief statement of solidarity with a community that feels attacked right now isn't going to hurt any of us. It's the very least we can do. For those of us who see that this can be construed as virtue signalling, I agree. However, could you imagine the kind of backlash a grander gesture would be met with? People throw a fit over the slightest little nod to anti-racism. Part of me says, fuck it. Do the bigger thing. Lose members who don't give a shit, but I'm not a very active member, and I'd rather do things IRL than deal with the manufactured controversy here.
