MXGM Self-Defence Manual

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Malcolm X Grassroots Movement March 2013
Why we face genocide now:
• The rapidly changing demographics of the US continental empire. For the first time
since the 1700’s, within the next 15 to 20 years, the white settlers of North America
will be out-numbered by non-whites 6 . A significant portion of white people are not
only concerned about becoming a minority, they are outright scared. These fears
stimulate different reactions, one of which is increased hostility to non-whites and
targeted violence directed at New Afrikans and other colonized and oppressed people.
• The militarization of society. The US government started militarizing its domestic
law enforcement agencies in the 1960’s in response to the Black Liberation
Movement. This escalation of repression expanded with the so-called “wars on drugs”
and “gangs.” This internal militarization expanded exponentially after the events of
September 11, 2001. Since then the national security apparatus has grown unchecked
and racial profiling has become accepted doctrine and practice targeting not only New
Afrikans, but also Latinos, Arabs, South East Asians, and Muslims. These
developments have fostered a “seek and destroy” mentality amongst the police and
various other law enforcement agencies. The militarization of law enforcement has
expanded to the rest of society so we find armed guards in schools and hospitals and
transportation centers. Instead of seeking humane social solutions to social problems,
the government and communities rely on the military and police 7 .
• Downsizing from the financial and economic crisis. One of the major outcomes of
the economic crisis is the implementation of severe austerity and the downsizing of
social services and many police forces throughout the empire. Austerity measures
place a greater strain on the police, as they have to do more with less to protect the
have’s from the have not’s. These strains generate a siege mentality within law
enforcement seeking to justify its funding and existence by engaging in more extreme
patrol and control tactics in oppressed communities 8 .
• The promotion of reactionary and irrational politics. Conservative political forces,
particularly forces like the Tea Party and the Religious Right, have been escalating the
promotion of their hostile and increasingly openly racist propaganda. This is creating
an atmosphere of pervasive racial hostility and resentment throughout the empire 9 .
• Racial resentment and revenge. Perhaps the greatest expressions of racial hostility are
the countless attacks against US President Barack Obama as a symbol of Black
progress and equality. Many forces associated with the military and the police
throughout the country have been openly saying that they refuse to follow the orders
of Obama’s Justice Department and that they will take extreme measures to prevent
their privileges as whites from being further eroded. Add this to the narrative that New
Afrikans and Latinos are being awarded unjust privileges thru “affirmative action”,
are stealing decent jobs, and bankrupting the country with “special entitlement”
programs, and it is clear that there is a climate of racial hostility the likes of which
hasn’t been seen expressed this openly since the late 1970’s and early 80’s 10 .
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