Will BDS become another form of ritualized solidarity?

[oberliner]

“Friends” of Palestine – the churches, NGOS and the UN – are difficult to categorize as friends – only. If by friends we mean the willingness to sacrifice their status, political and religious connections and wealth – or even a significant portion of it – for Palestinian freedom. Better to call these friends “interested parties.”

Friends of Palestine will go out on the Palestinian limb – up to a point. They’re unwilling to test the strength of the limb as they go further. Instead, they stop and appeal to others – who could be friends of Palestine too. Unfortunately those appealed to have interests that lie elsewhere. So it goes.

The dance that follows is what I call “ritualized solidarity.” It’s better than nothing but not enough.

Is BDS any different? At this point, I believe it is – to some extent. But there are unexpected dangers ahead. As we act, we should also think carefully lest BDS become yet another form of ritualized solidarity. In the end, BDS supporters may have no choice in the matter. Those driving the peace train are much more powerful than movements of dissent, including BDS.

http://mondoweiss.net/2014/11/another-ritualized-solidarity#sthash.eVSckgj1.dpuf

[azurnoir]

1. Lord so much tripe being posted I could make traditional laab for a 1,000

now I'll hand it to the author here he's a bit more clever than the one who wrote this bit

http://www.democraticunderground.com/113486160

but this passage truly shows his mettle wherein attempts to make BDS seems a hopeless why bother enterprise, which seems to be his aim here

BDS cleared the decks and started anew – but, this, as the situation of Palestine and Palestinians continues to decline. Indeed, BDS victories have been shadowed by Palestinian decline. Nothing is more striking in this regard than the BDS victory among Presbyterians, soon followed by the Israeli invasion of Gaza.

See more at: http://mondoweiss.net/2014/11/another-ritualized-solidarity#sthash.eVSckgj1.EkbkODq2.dpuf

[oberliner]

2. Among those who have commented appreciatively on the work of Ellis are George McGovern, Noam Chomsky

Edward Said, Professor Susannah Heschel, Elliot Dorff and Desmund Tutu.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marc_H._Ellis

[azurnoir]

3. well I'm sure some or even most of his work is just dandy but IMO not so much this one

[oberliner]

11. I thought it raised some interesting points

Just out of curiosity, do you actively participate in the BDS movement in any capacity yourself?

Do you take any steps to avoid purchasing Israeli goods, for example?

[Jefferson23]

4. Did you post this because you felt his opinion of BDS is one that

minimizes the movement?

[oberliner]

5. I just thought it was interesting

Curious to get thoughts from others who are actually involved in the movement.

[Jefferson23]

6. What is your take on what he is conveying..that was my question to you. n/t

[oberliner]

7. I think he raises some interesting points

Like about how there are internal issues within the movement that may work against its success.

[Jefferson23]

8. I found it to be cautionary in a supportive manner, myself.

I do find it amusing when people post Chomsky and Finkelstein, attempting to
portray them as being opposed to BDS. They're clear what they feel are the
weaknesses..in their opinion. They also give them credit for all the success
they have achieved..although BDS may not feel it is the support they would
prefer from the two.

[oberliner]

9. Agreed

My own personal view is that the movement could be redesigned as something really productive. I would weed out the "pig head" element and embrace the idea of a two-state solution. I would also limit any boycotts to the OT rather than Israel proper. I think that would generate more positive energy towards reaching a solution and would, in the end, get a broader level of support for a result that is more universally embraced. Generally speaking though the concept is not one that I personally would favor as I think there are much more effective ways to work towards achieving a peaceful and equitable solution to the conflict. I think there are too many people involved with BDS who have goals and aspirations not entirely consistent with those.

[Jefferson23]

10. It's a dialogue they could have with each other..I have no idea

if the author attempted to do that or not before he wrote the OP..but
Mondoweiss gave him a platform to express his opinion, which is good,
I think. Perhaps they will respond, public or private, I don't know.

[shira]

12. Unfortunately BDS will never do what you're suggesting....

Last edited Thu Nov 6, 2014, 07:26 PM - Edit history (1)

I wouldn't support it even if they advocated 2 states (not one) and completely rid themselves of pig's head activists, stopped sponsoring bigots like Alison Weir, etc. IMHO, this would guarantee their movement couldn't be labeled anti-semitic. I think it would significantly advance the Palestinian cause towards their own state, but they would never do it as they'd lose the vast majority of their activists and supporters who are anti-Israel bigots. It's not about helping Palestinians get their own state. The motivation behind BDS has never been about a Palestinian state in peace alongside Israel. It's about getting the Jews.

If they did what you suggest, I doubt they'd retain even 1% of their current activists and supporters.