War Times Response to Open Letter on Racism in Antiwar Movement

Dear friends,

We at War Times believe that the “Open Letter to Activists Concerning Racism in the Anti-War Movement” recently issued by New York City activists provides our movement with a great opportunity. Its specific examples of the racism problem in the anti-war movement are excellent and help identify the many forms this problem takes. It is also worth noting that those examples also occur, translated in gender terms, in another “ism” that plagues our movements, sexism. Addressing the problems of racism within our ranks is a challenge. But it is a challenge that absolutely must – and can be met.

Racist dynamics have afflicted social change efforts in this country for longer than all of us have been alive. They are a reflection of the overall racism that pervades US society. They won’t go away of themselves, or simply via declarations of our anti-racist values or even one or two internal education sessions or quick-fix campaigns. They can only be combated by conscientious effort and forthright discussion of both specific incidents as they occur and of overall patterns both blatant and subtle.

Perhaps more than ever before we have the chance to make a breakthrough in tackling racism’s destructive effect on the fight for peace. Dramatic demographic changes have taken place in the US in the last few decades which show that the movement must solidify a base within communities of color if it is to come anywhere near realizing its potential.

And all polls show that antiwar sentiment in communities of color, especially among blacks, is much higher than among whites. Without effectively combatting racism, the peace movement will never be able to benefit from this great source of strength. The number of activists of color immersed in antiwar activism is growing and includes writers, organizers and other leaders.

There is considerable demand for change within the most visible antiwar organizations. We are heartened by the progress made in addressing issues of racism and strong representation of people of color on the stage and on other levels of the huge February 15 demonstration in New York City and the strong people of color contingents in San Francisco and New York. All participants in the antiwar movement should look upon the emergence of people of color leadership with great hope.

But we must press forward in this effort. A common theme must be direct and forthright discussion between activists of all backgrounds about problems of racism and their impact. We urge people to take advantage of the invitation from the signers of the Open Letter to initiate this kind of dialogue and seek out all opportunities to tackle the problem head-on.

The fight against war and the fight against racism are bound together. The Bush administration’s racist dehumanization of Arabs and all people of Middle Eastern, North African and South Asian descent in general, and Iraqis in particular, is central to the government’s drive toward war in Iraq. And the racist attacks on these same peoples within the US are the cutting edge of the “war on terrorism” at home.

We must also rise to the challenge of infusing our movement with a thoroughgoing anti-racist culture and practice. If we do, we can staunch the longstanding pattern of racism being the peace movement’s Achilles heel – and instead make anti-racism a movement hallmark and source of incredible strength.

The War Times Organizing Committee