# Is "Black Lives Matter" a political statement? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 8, 2020, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-black-lives-matter-a-political-statement/914688 "2020-07-08T02:06:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Lord\_Feldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lord_feldon/32/341_2.png) [@Lord\_Feldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Feldon)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2020, 6:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-black-lives-matter-a-political-statement/914688/21 "2020-07-08T06:30:41Z")
Yes, a statement about the ideal structure of society is political. “Peace” would also be political, especially in a context where wider society was hotly debating the question of peace at that moment (for instance, in the runup to a war). ---
**Author:** ![PlaceboTarget](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/placebotarget/32/1073_2.png) [@PlaceboTarget](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlaceboTarget)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2020, 6:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-black-lives-matter-a-political-statement/914688/22 "2020-07-08T06:32:21Z")
In my opinion politics permeates everything. It is a person’s engagement that can cause that person to regard it as political or not. In other words, statements on the public arena will always play a certain role in the political battle, but specific individuals, groups, and organizations may make use of them differently. ---
**Author:** ![GreenWyvern](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/greenwyvern/32/2834_2.png) [@GreenWyvern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreenWyvern)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2020, 6:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-black-lives-matter-a-political-statement/914688/23 "2020-07-08T06:37:47Z")
Yes, it’s political in the larger sense of the word. Political doesn’t only mean supporting a specific political party or candidate. > [@DSeid](#): > > any more than a message of “Peace” would be political. Everything depends on context. During the buildup to the Iraq war the slogan “Peace” was political. If Trump was promoting a war now, then “Peace” would be political. In France before the Revolution, a sign saying “Bread not Cake” would have been political. “All lives matter” would be uncontroversial in other circumstances. In the current circumstances it’s political. Look at the intention behind the rule at the condo. ‘No advertising, no politics’. What they really mean is ‘Nothing that’s going to cause a fuss, or bad feelings, or arguments’. ---
**Author:** ![BeagleJesus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/5daacb/32.png) [@BeagleJesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeagleJesus)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2020, 11:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-black-lives-matter-a-political-statement/914688/24 "2020-07-08T11:27:57Z")
> [@Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](#): > > It is, but it _shouldn’t_ be. I voted NO in the poll, but I think this statement more accurately describes the situation. ---
**Author:** ![Dangerosa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/22d042/32.png) [@Dangerosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dangerosa)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2020, 11:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-black-lives-matter-a-political-statement/914688/25 "2020-07-08T11:31:52Z")
IANAL, but that might be just law. Restrictions on political speech on your own property may have been ruled unconstitutional. My parents townhome association does not allow political signs in your yard (which is townhome property), but they cannot prevent you from putting a Make America Great Again sign in your window, ---
**Author:** ![Shalmanese](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2020, 11:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-black-lives-matter-a-political-statement/914688/26 "2020-07-08T11:38:25Z")
Saying any statement is “non-political” is like saying someone is speaking in “unaccented English”. It’s not that they don’t have an accent, it’s that their accent is so normalized that it becomes the default. Staking a position of being “non-political” is an implicit upholding of the status quo. ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2020, 11:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-black-lives-matter-a-political-statement/914688/27 "2020-07-08T11:45:56Z")
I think it depends on what other sorts of displays have been allowed in the past. The out-of-context clip “signs of an advertising or political nature” to me sounds like it refers to explicitly “Vote For X!” signs. In which case Black Lives Matter, All Lives Matter, and Thin Blue Line flags would all be allowed. If I were on the board, even if those were allowed, MAGA signs would not be since they’re explicitly associated with a candidate. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2020, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-black-lives-matter-a-political-statement/914688/28 "2020-07-08T14:02:55Z")
> [@Dr.Crap](#): > > That person sits on the board. I’m sure the entire committee is that person. I’d be curious to find out how much the fine is, and if there are any repercussions for displaying the banner after paying the fine. ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2020, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-black-lives-matter-a-political-statement/914688/29 "2020-07-08T14:14:19Z")
At this point, it’s clearly a political statement. But nowadays _everything_ can be considered a political statement. OTOH, putting up an American flag is also a political statement. Do they insist they come down? Ideally, the board should amend things to only forbid signs endorsing a particular candidate or ballot initiative. I’d expect that to be the intention. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2020, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-black-lives-matter-a-political-statement/914688/30 "2020-07-08T14:14:25Z")
Actually no. Most of the board is quite liberal. One libertarian who who probably say they don’t like any rule. One conservative maybe. And he wouldn’t care. I know him well. But others in building of different stripes and someone complained. Banner has been up for weeks. Surprised it took this long. ---
**Author:** ![MandaJo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ac91a4/32.png) [@MandaJo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MandaJo)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2020, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-black-lives-matter-a-political-statement/914688/31 "2020-07-08T14:24:04Z")
Are pride flags banned? ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2020, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-black-lives-matter-a-political-statement/914688/32 "2020-07-08T14:36:59Z")
If BLM is considered political, then try “the lives of black people matter” or “black lives are important”. Those sentiments couldn’t possibly be considered political. ---
**Author:** ![Chingon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chingon/32/17645_2.png) [@Chingon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chingon)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2020, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-black-lives-matter-a-political-statement/914688/33 "2020-07-08T14:57:22Z")
Of course they are. Hell, the entire concept of black people being humans equal to white people is a political one. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2020, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-black-lives-matter-a-political-statement/914688/34 "2020-07-08T15:11:02Z")
I’m president of my condo association. I run ~150 units and ~300 residents. I think your condo’s rule design sucks. I’d be curious to see the exact wording and whether there’s any further words in your upstream governing documents (Articles of Incorporation, Declaration of Condominium, etc.) There may also be state legislation which affects these sorts of rules. Our rule (which long predates me) says: > [@](#): > > SIGNS: No sign, DECORATIONS OTHER THAN HOLIDAY, advertisement, notice or other lettering shall be exhibited, inscribed, painted or affixed by any unit owner, or others, on any part of the outside, inside, or on windows of the living elements, or any vehicle parked on Association property, without prior written consent. That’s how one avoids the question of “what is political?” A question that has bedeviled the SCOTUS for centuries now; small wonder a mere condo board struggles. IMO and this is how I manage our operation: Ultimately, the COA’s legitimate interest is in promoting peaceful co-existence among the residents, despite their inevitable differences in attitudes about almost everything lin life. Due to our collective enforced long-term proximity everyone needs to live their lives with their elbows tucked in, not poking others in the ribs as much as they might desire. Everyone checks at least some of their freedoms of action at the door when they choose to live in a condo community. Whether the sentiment expressed by a BLM sign is virtuous or vile depends on the POV of the observer. Which is pretty much exactly the definition of “political”. Namely: “YMMV on what something means”. What I, you, your neighbor(s), or your board considers to be virtuous or vile is not relevant. I think we can at least all agree that _somebody somewhere_ thinks BLM is vile. Were you at my complex I’d be enforcing our rule against your sign. Just like I’ve had to pull down Chicago Cubs banners, Confederate flags, and, unsurprisingly, Trump signs. Whether I agree with your sign’s POV is immaterial. The fact is _has_ a POV is the problem. ---
**Author:** ![MandaJo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ac91a4/32.png) [@MandaJo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MandaJo)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2020, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-black-lives-matter-a-political-statement/914688/35 "2020-07-08T15:41:22Z")
A lady in my neighborhood had a sign thay that said “We believe in climate change”. Is that political? What about the “He is Risen” crosses that pop up around Easter? I do understand the value of all getting along. But surely there is some point where right and wrong have to come into play. If someone puts up a NAMBLA banner, that’s different than a #metoo banner, because the former is wrong and the later is right. Even though they are both expressing an opinion on the same issue. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2020, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-black-lives-matter-a-political-statement/914688/36 "2020-07-08T15:59:48Z")
Which is why well-chosen rules don’t even ask that question. Our rule is simple: No signs, period. If you want to engage in speech, use your voice. But, ref the rule on nuisances, don’t be one. Anyone who believes this is an excessive infringement on their right to publicly express opinions is free to live elsewhere. Entering into the purchase contract is 100% voluntary but does entail obligations beyond simply paying the mortgage every month. ---
**Author:** ![Ashtura](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ashtura/32/2963_2.png) [@Ashtura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashtura)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2020, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-black-lives-matter-a-political-statement/914688/37 "2020-07-09T18:28:21Z")
As a statement no. As the name of the organization, yes. Absolutely. ---
**Author:** ![nelliebly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nelliebly/32/5422_2.png) [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2020, 6:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-black-lives-matter-a-political-statement/914688/38 "2020-07-10T06:00:40Z")
> [@Duckster](#): > > In Washington State you have the right to display political signs just as you describe. Really? Please explain. I live in Washington state, and I got in trouble with my complex management because I put a Welcome sign in my window for visiting relatives. My downstairs neighbor got a warning for hanging an Irish flag in her window. Are political signs exempt by state law? If so, I’d like to put a BLM sign in my windwo. ---
**Author:** ![nelliebly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nelliebly/32/5422_2.png) [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2020, 6:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-black-lives-matter-a-political-statement/914688/39 "2020-07-10T06:11:35Z")
OP: I’d view it as a social statement, not a political one, though I don’t think that argument would wash. If Christmas decorations are allowed, maybe you could add some holly and tinsel to the BLM sign. OK, maybe not. This is one reason I hate HOA’s. I was unwillingly in one once. There was an HOA rule against trailers or mobile homes on anyone’s property. A woman asked to have a trailer on her property for a few months so her mother, who had terminal cancer, could be close by. The HOA said no. I quit attending meetings. If other members of your HOA also oppose the rule, is there a chance to get it changed? ---
**Author:** ![eenerms](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/cdc98d/32.png) [@eenerms](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eenerms)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2020, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-black-lives-matter-a-political-statement/914688/40 "2020-07-10T13:48:27Z")
Yes, they have admitted in on their mission statement. They are Marxist. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-black-lives-matter-a-political-statement/914688.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-black-lives-matter-a-political-statement/914688.md?page=3)