Na, it's perfectly reasonable to expect people who claim to care and genuinely want to know, to make a minimal effort.
"I tried looking it up but couldn't find an answer, do you mind helping me out"? Sure, no issue here, wouldn't have even mentioned it. But to drop in to a conversation without knowing anything about the topic, and expect disabled (or otherwise marginalised) people who are personally impacted (and therefore constantly having to have the same emotionally laborious conversations over and over and over) to do the work for you before you've even tried? That's going to get (seriously fucking gently) called out every time.
I have the same poor quality search engines at my disposal, and have to sift through similar results.
There is also an easy way to recognise actual advocacy sources vs industry publications - is a disabled person writing from their personal experience? Advocacy. Is the article written by someone who isn't personally impacted? Irrelevant. Simple.
E: The fact that I went ahead and did the work for them anyway despite all of that (with, again, the gentlest of reminders that they could be doing it themselves), and people still find a way to complain about how supposedly unaccommodating I'm being is fucking wild..
It's almost as if there is no ethical consumption under capitalism... 🤔
And I'm not trying to be an ass, but in the same way I've just had to look up "paper straws unsuitable for disabled people" to provide you with the answer, you could have just done so yourself and come across one of tens of thousand of articles, videos, podcasts, and images addressing this specific topic.
https://www.eater.com/2018/7/19/17586742/plastic-straw-ban-disabilities
https://creakyjoints.org/advocacy/plastic-straw-bans-bad-for-people-with-disabilities/
https://www.a-zine.net/blog/2018/7/31/straws-are-not-the-issue
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jul/09/disabled-person-plastic-straws-baby-wipes
TL;DR:
(ID: 2 tables breaking down why each type of alternative straw might be unsuitable for different disabled people. If someone needs a more in depth description, please ask)
E: just for context
(ID: image of an old informational leaflet detailing the medical and accessibility benefits of single use bendy straws, which were invented for that specific use in the first place)
And the disabled people who have lost access don't.
For the sake of an item that constituted 0.003% of ocean plastics, and giving you a "win" you're further supporting the exclusion and marginalisation of disabled people.
Banning plastic straws did less than nothing to improve the environment (less than, because it made people like you think they've done their part, and focus less on the actual problem), and worse, it sprung up an entire multi billion dollar industry that makes and sells reusable straws that end up in landfill just as often, and will be staying there for significantly longer.
You getting a dopamine hit doesn't make something good or right.
The thing though is they replaced polluting single use straws with less polluting single use straws.
Single use straws only ever constituted 0.003% of ocean plastics, they were already less polluting than pretty much any other plastic in use today, and the alternatives are not suitable for many disabled people for many different reasons. The ban also removed accessibility, and put the burden on disabled people (and on retail staff to gatekeep us, which more often than not resulted in service being denied).
If they actually wanted to do something useful it would have been nice to have multi-use straws ie. metal/wood/or even hardened plastic. But I guess that wouldn’t be as suitable a source of income, and wouldn’t fit well with american consumerism and fast food culture, so here we are debating on the best type of single use straws.
They did, they literally created an entire multi billion dollar industry to make money off of the problem they created, and the virtue signalers flocked to buy reusable straws, which again, are not suitable for many disabled people who depend on single use bendy straws for literal survival.
As you said, the base problem comes from capitalism.
It is, stop getting distracted by the bullshit capitalists tell you so that they can sell you more shit.
The attack on single use straws was entirely symbolic (end completely useless) in the first place, and harmful for disabled people.
The problem was never straws, it was, and is, capitalism.
Focus on that, don't get drawn in to the superficial virtue signalling divisive and harmful distractions.
It's both, and you need to zoom out and see the big picture, the one where they coexist because one necessitates the other, to really appreciate the problem
(ID: aerial photos from South Africa and India showing the vast disparity between rich and poor existing directly next to each other)
Yup, it's a trap.
There is no way the cops haven't considered this, just like there's no way they will stop ICE when they inevitably turn up.
Even if we theoretically pretend that the cops mean well (they don't) - they are prioritising being the "good guys" and patting themselves on the back over the safety of the people they're using as props to that end.
If you want to help save people form immigration raids you hide them, you don't draw them out in big groups, especially not to a violently racist government agency.
The police are not your friend.
Do not trust them.
Na, he's only playing the one side - his own. Always has, always will. All billionaires do, that's how they ended up that way.
I'm definitely going to see if I can watch/download some when I have the time..
ID: drawing of a frog sitting on a lily pad that is floating on a river in a forest at sunset, there are some birds flying past. In the large setting sun is text:
"Nature's little menace.
A wet gremlin.
A swamp goblin.
Fear me."
credit: @radicallysunny
ID: A snippet from an old newspaper:
DANES SEE HITLER WAGING TARIFF WAR
Increases Virtually Ban Their Cattle-Scandinavian Papers Call for Reprisals.
Wireless to THE NEW YORK TIMES. COPENHAGEN, Feb. 10.-The recent cancellation of the Swedish- German trade treaty, with the resultant voiding of the most-favored-nation clause, has seemingly been used by the Hitler government as an opportunity to open a tariff war on the Scandinavian countries and the Netherlands.
ID: text says "what's the worst that could happen?" bellow it are two photos side by side of a ouija board rug on a floor, and of a robot vacuum cleaner being switched on
ID: From a Comrade posted:
"In the coming year, things will pop off. When they do, someone will volunteer to do security. They will possibly show up with a lot of battle rattle and a take-charge, can-do attitude.
Do not let them do security. Ask them to read some bell hooks. Ask them how many women they know trust them. Ask them to do some reproductive labor first, like working in a kitchen. Talk to them in depth about political theory. Understand their motivations and their relationship to violence and power.
Over half of people who want to do security, are people who should never do security. The biggest red flag for weeding out bad security people, is that they are eager to do security."
ID: drawing of a mantis in a pastoral scene, above it is text: "Bite some heads off if you need"
Credit: @Radicallysunny
...And fuck those who actively uphold it to maintain their own comfort at the expense of those more marginalised.
ID: A drawing of two mildly anthropomorphised earthworms, one has sunglasses on and an otherwise straight face, the other is screaming, a look of panic on their face. Above them is text: "It's time to decide if you want what's familiar or what's better"
Credit: @RadicallySunny
ID: In each of the 4 corners of the image is a drawing of an open matchbook, on the inside is a heart, and one of the matches' heads is heart shaped, in the centre is text: "IF STANDING UP FOR HUMAN RIGHTS BURNS A BRIDGE, I HAVE MATCHES."
Credit: @sheislimitless
ID: A scene from Legally Blonde of a conversation between Warner and Elle in the corridor at Harvard, in 4 panels:
Warner asks “Are you a man or a woman?”
Elle replies, smiling “I'm a communist”
Warner continues “No, I mean, what's in your pants?”
Elle looks confused “revolution.”
ID: Is this a pigeon meme where the person is tagged "cis society", the butterfly in their hand is tagged "trans people having a backbone about anything at all", and they are asking "is this destroying my free speech?"
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.dbzer0.com/post/37235684
Obviously reporting transphobic comments to a transphobic mod isn't going to result in any action, so I'm wondering if the admins are going to do anything about it?
(if someone needs an image description, please ask)
Obviously reporting transphobic comments to a transphobic mod isn't going to result in any action, so I'm wondering if the admins are going to do anything about it?
(if someone needs an image description, please ask)
Not everyone can, or needs to, be on the front lines and in the trenches shooting CEOs and blowing up pipelines, there are many other ways to help and organise which are essential not only to the resistance, but as building blocks for a better future
ID:
1 Title image says "How to resist an oligarchy" and has a drawing of 5 smiling people holding up their arms in a welcoming gesture
2 There are photos of trump, musk, zuc, and bezos next to text:
"Oligarchy:
a small group of people having control of a country, organization, or institution."
Their Goal:
For us to be overwhelmed, to ignore/avoid the growing information, and to feel helpless.
Our Goal:
Learn and focus on what we CAN do instead of why we can't."
3 text in a stylised frame says:
"Note: These suggestions are nothing new and may have to adapt to any environmental, governmental, and social changes that occur."
4 Drawing of a person holding a trey of freshly baked cookies, next to them is text:
"QUIET SUBVERSIVE:
If your calling is hiding ppl, driving women to clinics, mailing BC, or any illegal morally good activity, be paranoid.
Social media is not your friend. Zuck, Blue Sky, etc. will sell you out.
In order to be a Jane, you have to assume your life, lives of your Family/friends, and lives of the ones you are helping are in mortal danger.
As soon as you blast, "I'll hide Ann in my attic," you are no longer safe and not useful for this kind of work."
5 Drawing of a person handing out pamphlets to others, next to them is text:
"DISTRIBUTER:
This can be done by printing info. or providing online links.
For groups and orgs that can take the heat, such as Planned Parenthood, sharing and boosting their posts can be helpful.
If your calling is to print up red cards/make pamphlets, then anywhere you place this info is going to be targeted for destruction of materials.
Regularly drop off info and find new ways to get the word out. For smaller groups that need to stay somewhat obscure, be selective about sharing info."
6 There are 3 photos from mass demonstrations, between them is text:
"MARCHER:
Marches can be used for paying attention to which groups are attending.
Any group showing up with a banner is putting a giant target on themselves and they are going to need support. Volunteering with, or sending money helps them to continue showing up.
The focus of a march is disruption which can potentially lead to becoming a target.
Don't bring your phone. Don't share faces. Bring water and medical supplies.
Be prepared to be pepper sprayed, smoke bombed, hit by a baton, harassed if your face is passed around among fascists, and/or arrested/imprisoned."
7 Drawing of a person in camo, a paramedic, and a person adjusting their glasses, next to them is text:
"EDUCATOR:
These come in many forms: building, first aid, critical thinking, self defense, fact checking, science, map reading, psychology etc.
Anything that can help the quiet subversive, the information distributer, the marcher etc. etc. be more effective; keep up the good work of long threads and videos.
If you are not an expert, share media and videos from credible experts."
8 Drawing of a table with food on it, there are 3 people in line holding plates and 2 more serving up the food, above it is text:
"VOLUNTEER:
Soup kitchens, shelters, anywhere and everywhere people or animals are in need. Any and all good works towards our neighbors is resistance."
9 Drawing of a person curled up looking cosy, holding a pen and pad. There is also an image of the relevant book cover to the text beside it:
"REST:
Rest can be resistance.
From what I understand, it is about self care for the long haul.
For more information, I recommend reading "Rest is Resistance" by Tricia Hersey
CREATE:
Paint, write, draw, graffiti, design, music, videos, comedy.
If you are a creative person, use it to spread awareness, help raise funds, etc."
10 3 photos of places of worship, beside them is text:
"CHURCH GOER:
Historically, churches/synagogues/ mosques/temples have been a safe-ish place to gather in large groups and organize.
Anyone familiar with the history of black churches, or churches under Fascism, know there is potential for great good but also a risk of the church being burned, raided, bombed, or leaders being rounded up.
Whether you are a theist or atheist, consider finding a community that can gather and organize in large groups and become a regular contributing member.
As of 1/22/2024 ICE is legally allowed to raid churches, hospitals, and schools under illegal immigrant suspicion. They need a JUDGE ISSUED WARRANT. YOU ARE legally allowed to look at it and demand it.
11 Drawing of a person behind a stall, a photo of a large group of people behind a Planned Parenthood banner, and an illustrated banner for The Trevor Project. Between them is text:
"FINANCIAL SUPPORTER:
Every dollar has a potential to do good.
If you are able to put money towards a small business, especially if they are run by marginalized persons or groups, please do.
The billionaires won't be hurt and it won't stop them from aligning with Fascists but it will put money into hands of those needing to escape, needing aid, or in the hands of the above mentioned resisters."
Credit: Fablefulart
With regard to the astroturfing, are you saying that the sources people might find are AI? Sure, that's definitely a thing that is happening, but I'm not sure what I'm meant to do about that? I'm no better than the next person at recognising AI and would need to read through and make a call just like anyone else (and then we open a whole other can of worms of rating the writing and or expression levels, and potential use of assistive tools of, especially in this case, fellow disabled people, which can become really problematic, really fast).
Like I say, I'm perfectly happy to help, especially those who have shown even a bit of initiative, but there's only so much I can do, and really, the burden shouldn't be falling on us to not only educate those with more privilege, but also become expert at deciphering AI use (and within that, legitimate vs intentionally manipulative).