Who's right and who's wrong here?

[Towlie]

(Black) Man with flag confronts Portland protesters: ‘None of you guys represent black lives’

A black man carrying an American flag confronted protesters outside a federal courthouse in Portland on Sunday, telling the mostly white crowd that “none of you guys represent black lives.”

The unidentified man can be seen in video footage attempting to stop the protesters from breaking through a gate and “occupying” the steps of the graffiti-covered courthouse.

“If you came here for justice, come here and stand with me,” the man says. “I’m here for justice. I’m not here to tear down this f–king fence. I’m not here to spray-paint.”

He adds: “If you don’t wanna get gassed: Stop!”

When a member of the group tries to tell the man they have a right to peacefully assemble, he replies, “This ain’t peaceful.”

[frazzled]

1. From what I can see

I'd say the Black man with the flag. He's trying to continue the precepts of King, arguing against violence and for peaceful demonstration (a tactic that won more hearts and minds and led to more change than some of the more militant movements, though I understood their position too).

He's also right, imo, saying "none of you guys represent Black lives." I was just thinking about this today, when contemplating the long article about the white lady in yesterday's NYT magazine who is reaping millions of dollars selling her book on "White Fragility" and pulling in big corporate bucks to conduct training sessions. Why should she be putting herself out front to speak about anti-racism? It's precisely because of her white privilege that her name and her picture have risen to the top. Move aside and let the Black anti-racist authors and facilitators speak, because they are the ones whose perspectives we need to hear. She should practice what she preaches.

I defer to this gentleman, if he is sincere in his declaration that he is there to promote justice, peacefully. Move aside, white kids: you should not be running the show.

[Towlie]

2. I think white protestors are more compelling because they represent empathy rather than self-defense

[frazzled]

3. ??