Written by: Melissa Marie Lopez, Senior Level Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
The Metaphor of “Do Not Let Them Take You to a Second Location”. “Do not let them take you to a second location” is a metaphorical concept that reminds us of the need to stay vigilant, resist the forces of division, and work together to build a more just and equitable world. This advice, often given to people at risk of being kidnapped or robbed, has broader resonance in the struggle for social justice, particularly in the context of institutional and structural systems that perpetuate oppression and inequality.
The tactics of divide-and-conquer
Institutional and structural systems that are steeped in race, white supremacy, and colonialism work to divide us and conquer us, often without us even realizing it. These systems rely on the collective compliance of those who work within them, whether knowingly or unknowingly. The goal is to maintain power and control over those who are marginalized and oppressed. By recognizing and acknowledging the ways in which these systems work to divide and conquer us, we can begin to resist them. We can reject the false narratives and false choices that are presented to us, and we can work towards collective liberation. The tactics of white supremacy and colonialism are akin to taking victims to a second location. They are designed to divide and conquer marginalized communities, thereby maintaining systems of oppression that benefit those in power. These tactics include gaslighting, microaggressions, tokenism, and more.
Gaslighting involves manipulating someone's perception of reality to make them question their own experiences and ultimately doubt their sanity. This can be seen in how institutions and systems of power use language to frame issues in a way that benefits their interests, often at the expense of marginalized communities. Microaggressions are subtle, often unconscious expressions of bias that can be experienced as insulting or invalidating to marginalized individuals. Tokenism is using the presence of a few marginalized individuals in positions of power to give the illusion of diversity and progress. These and other tactics are used to maintain systems of oppression.
Resisting oppression: Building alternative structures
One way to resist is to actively seek out information and education about these systems and how they operate. This means listening to the voices of those who are most affected by them, and elevating those voices whenever possible. It also means doing the work to educate ourselves and our communities about the ways in which these systems perpetuate harm. Another important way to resist is to actively work towards building alternative structures that are not steeped in white supremacy and colonialism. This means supporting and building up organizations that are led by people of color and working towards more inclusive and equitable systems. In addition to education and building alternative structures, it is also important to actively resist the divide-and-conquer tactics used by oppressive systems. This can involve building solidarity and coalitions with other marginalized communities, recognizing the intersections of our struggles, and working together toward common goals.
Conclusion: Dismantling oppressive systems
In conclusion, the concept of "do not let them take you to a second location" serves as a powerful metaphor for the institutional and structural systems steeped in race, white supremacy, and colonialism that continue to divide and conquer the collective. It is crucial to remain vigilant and resist the violent methods of oppression, which can be subtle and insidious. By refusing to succumb to these methods, we can work towards a more just and equitable society. It is up to each and every one of us to actively engage in dismantling these systems of oppression and building a better future for ourselves and generations to come. Social media and online communities can be powerful tools for building connections and coalitions, elevating marginalized voices, and resisting oppressive systems. Let us work together to create a world that values justice, equality, for building connections and coalitions across geographic and cultural boundaries. By using these tools to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable society. As community leaders, we have a responsibility to use our platforms to raise awareness about these issues and to provide a space for dialogue and learning. By doing so, we can help to create a world where no one is taken to a second location, and where justice and equality are accessible to all.
Melissa Marie Lopez, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Since 2020, Melissa has been the driving force behind the growth of the New Mexico Doula Association (NMDA) as its first Executive Director. As a vital community-based organization for doulas across New Mexico, NMDA has become a champion in the birth and reproductive justice movements. Melissa has worked tirelessly to create policies and systemic changes that protect reproductive health and minimize maternal morbidity, specifically for black and indigenous, LGBTQ, Transgender, and other communities. Her dedication to these causes has resulted in significant grant funding, and she has fostered productive partnerships with healthcare providers, community organizations, and government officials.
Her passion for birth and reproductive justice is what drives her to create positive change in her community. Melissa's reputation as an innovative and solutions-focused Executive Director is well-deserved, given her stellar background in healthcare and holistic wellness, and her proven record of building organizations from the ground up. But Melissa's passion for community work doesn't end with her role at NMDA. As the Founder/GM of Las Cruces Doula, LLC, Melissa and her collective of providers offer the full spectrum of doula services and lactation support, incorporating traditional and evidence-based approaches to care.
Resources:
Racial Equity Tools (https://www.racialequitytools.org/)
The Conscious Kid (https://www.theconsciouskid.org/)
Showing Up for Racial Justice (https://www.showingupforracialjustice.org/)
