I have been involved in social justice activism for a short period of time, especially compared to other individuals in the area. But over that time one thing I have noticed is the overwhelming amount of separatism and hard line political ideologies that refuse to accept any outside of their own. Through my own activism I have dealt with various amounts of interactions that have lead to ill feelings and explosions within groups, but what that has taught me is that it is important to respect each other’s opinions no matter what they be, while at the same time leaving personal feelings outside of group interactions.

I look at activism in general within Baltimore and get confused over the lack of solidarity and insane amount of separatism that is present. There are so many groups, each with their own line of rhetoric, and for the most part each overlapping another in some way. I see groups upon groups upon groups of essentially the same people pushing for one cause or another all the while just creating this mess of confusing images and portrayals that amount to a watered down message that never is fully understood.

Where as that addresses all activism in Baltimore, I would like to focus on the Anti-War movement that has been coming to life as of late. Why are there so many groups with limited amounts of membership that seem to almost be competing with one another for recognition and bragging rights?

There is the Baltimore Anti-War Coordinating Committee, which claims to be a catch all organization for Baltimore, but what I see in that organization is a very one sided presentation of an ideology presented by a core of involved individuals who represent one mindset while claming to come from various organizations. Where as I see the creation of some sort of diversity in ideas, it definitely does not include the whole of Baltimore nor does it amount to being able to produce a large turn out due to its lack of diversity and involvement. I see faults in BAWCC in that it fails to attract the other organizations of Baltimore. If a Baltimore Anti-War Coordinating Committee is to truly be created, then current members who represent the main driving force need to consolidate their presence down to one voice as opposed to half of the committee, thus providing breathing room and space for involvement of other organizations. There exist a large amount of individuals within this city and the surrounding area who have shown passion and desire to be involved, but there has yet to be the creation of a catchall organization that could enable individuals to come together to share ideas. Before BAWCC goes on and claims it represents Baltimore and in turn belittles others for not participating, it needs to look upon itself and its organizing structure to see in what ways it is alienating people from being involved.

Now to address the other organizations within Baltimore. I do not understand the mentality that permeates within activism in Baltimore. One has to realize that A) Their ideology and way of thinking is NOT the ultimate ideology and way of thinking, B) One does not have the right to push their ideology and way of thinking upon another, C) One must accept the fact that not everyone is going to agree when doing something, but with that comes the notion of solidarity and acceptance in a process as democratic as possible that enables a group of individuals to come to a decision. I do not know if it is egos or what that causes the separation, but I just don't understand why there isn't more interaction between groups.

There exists a ton of colleges and Universities in the area that are overflowing with activism and individuals waiting to get involved. Just because something happens in the county that doesn't mean it becomes absolutely separate from the City. Baltimore is not that large of a city, and with that one must look to build as much support and involvement as possible. The city needs to start looking to the county for solidarity and support, just as much as the county needs to start taking part in events occurring in the city. Organizations within the city need to start communicating with one another and developing strategies that includes all organizations and their ideologies and determine ways that would best address the issues at hand. Organizations within Baltimore City need to start looking toward colleges and universities as a source of fresh faces and ideas, while at the same time providing education and organizing knowledge to these individuals from the experience of long time activists. A community of activism needs to be created, where as everyone is made to feel as welcome as possible and this notion of who represents who, who is doing more than the other, or in general inflated egos, needs to disappear.

I understand I have limited knowledge on this subject, but I feel I have the right to share my opinions from what I have experienced over the past 3 1/2 years. It would be nice to see some sort of action that took place in Baltimore that included the input of all interested parties and involved participants. It would be nice to see an event that attracted hundreds of people from a variety of political positions, which did not entail one accepting, or falling into a party line. It would be nice to see solidarity, acceptance, and interaction as opposed to over inflated egos.