Ultimately, the context of this (these) calls are different than ignorant calls for a general strike in the past for a few reasons:
1. It is being called for by someone affected by the situation. Social media calls in the past have often been called by people unconnected to the struggle or without any sort of connections to the work or others involved in the fight. Who are you calling for a strike? What is your role? Which gets into
2. Demands. With these calls for a strike, there are specific demands coming out for those in power to respond to. It’s not general dissatisfaction with capitalism, it’s not vague response to bigotry and oppression, there are goals. Ceasefire. Flow of humanitarian aid. End of occupation.
3. Very crucially, there is a spectrum for what is included in the general strike and a blatant recognition of how there isn’t time to prepare. Take off work (if you can), don’t go to school (if you can), don’t spend money (if you can), keep up pressure and protest (if you can), amplify Palestinian voices and sources, continue boycotting.
“Well I can’t call off work.” Neither can I, but there are items on the list I CAN do. Many people can’t attend protests but can pressure their reps. Many can’t pressure reps but can spread word on social media. Or financially support Palestinians. Or babysit for someone going to a rally. Or or or.
My law school once had a walkout. Those who couldn’t walk out wore something to show support. Signed petitions later. Pressured admin. If you “can’t do anything,” show support for those who can.
This is NOT the same as disorganized naive calls for strikes with no goals, no planning, and no thought.
Do not treat them the same if you cannot do everything asked. And do not waste your time asking Palestinians to forgive you for what little you can do when you could be doing any of the shit on this list instead.
kianamaiart
snowghoul
gummygunk
discoholicmusic
titsay
