We’re taught to think in boxes. Cops are good, prisons keep us safe, and poverty is a personal failure. This is “stinkin’ thinkin’” – the insidious internalization of oppressive systems that keeps us complacent in injustice. But what if we dared to think outside those boxes? What if we envisioned a world without police, prisons, or poverty? This is where abolitionist socialist thinking and transformative pedagogy come in.

Abolitionist socialism isn’t just about tearing down systems of oppression; it’s about building something new in their place. It challenges the very foundations of capitalism and its interconnected systems of policing, prisons, and white supremacy. It demands a radical reimagining of society where everyone has access to basic necessities like housing, healthcare, and education, and where communities are empowered to address harm without relying on punishment.

Transformative pedagogy is the key to unlocking this radical reimagining. It’s about education that goes beyond rote memorization and standardized tests. It’s about creating spaces where students can critically examine the world around them, challenge dominant narratives, and develop their own agency to create change. It’s about fostering empathy, solidarity, and a commitment to collective liberation.

So, how do we break the chains of stinkin’ thinkin’ in our classrooms and communities?

Start with critical self-reflection: Examine your own biases and assumptions. How have you internalized oppressive systems? How can you unlearn these harmful ways of thinking? Center marginalized voices: Whose stories are being told? Whose experiences are being ignored? Make space for the voices of those most impacted by systems of oppression. Challenge the status quo: Encourage critical thinking and questioning. Don’t be afraid to disrupt dominant narratives and explore alternative possibilities. Build community: Foster a sense of belonging and solidarity. Create spaces where students can connect with each other and work together towards a shared vision of justice. Embrace creativity and imagination: Envision a world without prisons, police, or poverty. What would it look like? How would it feel? How can we get there? Abolitionist socialism and transformative pedagogy offer a powerful framework for dismantling oppressive systems and building a more just and equitable world. By challenging stinkin’ thinkin’ and embracing radical possibilities, we can create a future where everyone can thrive.

Further Reading: