Photo credit: City of San Carlos
Performative allyship pervades San Carlos signs to show how much we San Carlos integrity of society once an entire city council citizens care about minorities. Or perhaps decides that public resources should be used a racist passerby will decide that Black lives to convey such a message rather than to take This year, I signed up for the San Carlos do indeed matter once they see the message action to make clear, tangible results. I didn’t write this article to attack the YAC, Youth Advisory Council. During the two social plastered along Laurel Street. Meanwhile police brutality will continue, or San Carlos, or anyone. (Speaking of which, justice subcommittee meetings we’ve had so Black people will continue YAC supervisor far, the focal point has been contributing to the to live with their rights Carolyn Matoso Black Lives Matter movement, and rightfully can be contacted so. What have we come up with? How are we infringed upon, and the through the San going to change San Carlos from the inside systemic racism that has been rotting America’s Carlos Parks & Rec out? A 537-foot-long mural that says “Black Meanwhile police brutality promise of freedom and website if anyone’s Lives Matter.” If things go as planned, it will will continue, Black people will interested or has be painted on Laurel Street sometime in the equality for 300 years will continue to live with their rights remain unchanged. This any questions). near future. money could instead be However, I do infringed upon. This, to me, makes little sense. We are used to create resources for believe that the asking the city for a relatively large grant to integrity of an put towards the planning of this project alone, Black teens in San Carlos, organization and even more to commission an artist and or be put towards a charity that can make effective use lies not only in buy supplies—all for a mural that is predicted of taxpayer money. its purpose and to last, at best, half a year before wearing away. But rather than trying intention but in its (Or, better yet, could face the same fate as the to solve the bigger issue, efficacy and its ability to create real change. BLM mural we are buying into a sort of Having a noble goal or solid mission statement in Redwood performative allyship where doesn’t make a worthy cause. Having said City—painted San Carlos can feel good that, I do believe that the YAC is a worthy over by the city about itself while not having cause and is making mostly successful efforts who permitted While I appreciate the to make any real changes. San towards improving the San Carlos community, it in the first willingness to demonstrate Carlos harbors a vast majority but I also think that an organization with the place.) of middle to upper-middle authority to use taxpayer money should be While I solidarity, I think that the class white people, and like held accountable for the outcome of those appreciate the difference this mural will every other town in America, investments (especially if the outcome is willingness to make is nominal. has a racial makeup that is nothing at all!) demonstrate more than coincidental. solidarity, I While the term think that the “performative allyship” has difference this become all too familiar in the context of mural will make is nominal. Maybe it will convince some pedestrians to plant a similar individuals on social media, the underlying sign in their yards, and we can all have BLM issue becomes more threatening to the
BY CARLA ROBERTS Copy Editor
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