Erynn Brook

Most social movements are not new, even if they’re new to you. Most injustices are not new, even if they’re new to you. Stop walking up to people in pain or trying to put out a fire and asking them what do we do? They’re already doing it. You’re the one who’s not doing anything.

“Oh I’m a fixer, it’s just how I am.” No you’re not. A fixer assesses the problems, researches the components, reads the instructions and gets the job done. You’re not doing that. You don’t get to be on the team just cause you saw the fire. Do the work.

The ability to sit around and debate best approaches is a privilege. If a bunch of people are throwing dirt on a fire cause that’s all they have, you saying “you know, a big hose with a lot of water would probably be more effective” is not helpful. Get your hands in the dirt.

If you own a fire truck, and you won’t use it to help without everyone stopping their work to throw you a parade, or else you’re gonna take your truck home and let it burn, then what the fuck is with your priorities?

People show up to social movements, walk up to people in crisis or in pain, and look for sympathy for themselves. Social movements create community, yes, but you aren’t owed community before you do the work. You wanna be an Avenger, better start doing some pushups.