LETTER: Former teachers’ half-truths in letters on BLM misled readers

To Ozaukee Press:

I am dismayed that two respected educators commented negatively about the Black Lives Matter movement in letters to the editor in Ozaukee Press before thoroughly researching the topic. The letters from Barrett Genson and Duffy Brelsford (retired Port Washington High School teachers) gave credence to conspiracy theorists and misled readers.

It is completely true that the founders of the BLM were students of Marxism. That does not prove that the current incarnation of the movement embraces archaic, and often misunderstood, Marxist beliefs. You can be a student of politics and not be a politician, or a student of history and not be a historian. Only one of the original founders has actually described herself as a Marxist.

Readers may equate Marxism with communism and ponder their prejudices toward those two philosophies. According to Politico.com, the modern definition of Marxism is “analyzing social change through an economic lens, with the assumption that the rich and poor should become more equal.” Some people may view this philosophy as a worthy goal, whether or not it is viewed as Marxist.

It is quite possible that most of the current followers and supporters of BLM are unfamiliar with the beliefs and mission statement of the founders, nor do they care. The Black Lives Matter movement has morphed into something different than the founders originally envisioned. To quote Politico.com: “Black Lives Matter is not an organization, but a fluid movement. It doesn’t actually matter if one of the founders was a liberal, Marxist, socialist or capitalist.”

Before passing judgment, conveying information or formulating an opinion, letter writers should thoroughly research all aspects of their topic to determine fact versus conjecture. Sources need to be vetted. I do not believe we need to encourage further division among the citizens of our country by presenting half-truths in order to support our own, potentially biased, agenda.

Mary Wilson Meins
Sheboygan