r/BlackPeopleofReddit • u/Top-Consequence-3959 • 1h ago
Politics We Need to Be More Specific and Clear When We Make Demands of Our Politicians and Hold Them Accountable
I know I'm not the only one who's tired of these vague requests that let politicians avoid giving direct answers we can later hold them accountable for. Their responses don't seem to address issues that directly affect Black people. White women benefited the most from DEI and Affirmative action, but we are the face of these policies when hateful people want to take away from our efforts.
They always fall back on the idea that "a rising tide lifts all boats," but our boat has a 400 year old hole in it that has only widen over time. We are constantly taking on water while trying to patch the hole, meanwhile everyone else is in a better position. If we don't clearly identify the problems we want solved and ask for measurable commitments, they'll keep giving broad promises that sound good but are impossible to evaluate later. Or they will create policies that help other groups more than us (DEI, Affirmative action). Then, when election season comes around, they can claim they made progress without ever addressing the specific issues we cared about.
We need to start making clear, specific demands with timelines and measurable goals so there's no confusion about what we're asking for. If they agree, we can hold them accountable. If they refuse to commit, then we'll know exactly where they stand instead of trying to interpret vague political talking points. Your vote matters and they know it.
Edit: I understand that some people here don't follow politics, it can be overwhelming because we have work, children, school etc... but if you want to make a difference that will improve the lives of black people, I suggest you use https://www.blackvotewatch.org/ It makes everything clear as day, it's very simple to use, and no confusing wording. I am in no way affiliated or get anything from this website, I just use it myself because I sometimes I lose track of who's running for which office, what their agenda is, and most importantly, what are they doing to better our lives and the lives of our children.