All over social media I’m seeing people saying it’s in support of Palestine. I’m also seeing a TON of ads for people selling them claiming that purchasing one is a form of support for Palestine. I’ve noted that most of them do not specify that proceeds are going to aid, just a more general form of support.

I just saw one white burgerlander insist that wearing one is the bare minimum for anyone who cares about Palestine because by adopting the clothing, you’re preventing total genocide by making sure their culture survives. To me that reads like the most unhinged justification for cultural appropriation I’ve ever heard. Even using cultural appropriation as a value-neutral term, it’s appropriation, not immersion and adoption. It does not prevent the people from being murdered who actually are of that culture you’re saying you’re preserving.

Am I missing something? I’m a white burgerlander myself so it’s very possible. Does wearing/buying these actually support Palestinians in any way? Or is it just quickly becoming the next liberal simulacrum for activism?

  • kot [they/them]
    ·
    4 months ago

    Palestinians are telling people to wear them. I get that if you're not aware of this it looks like cultural appropriation from cracker (like usual), but Palestinians actually want people to do this to show support and raise awareness. If enough people publicly express their support It becomes harder to make these ridiculous accusations that not supporting genocide makes you an antisemitic terrorist. I don't think you can equate this with other forms of slacktivism given how controversial expressing any support for Palestine is right now.