The Deafening Silence of PEP

Peaceful Protest in Chicago, May 16, 2021, Aveedibya Dey

We’ve been heartened over the past week by those who have reached out with words of support and solidarity for the people of Palestine. Thousands have taken to the streets, even on one of the most sacred nights in the Islamic calendar, the last night of Ramadan. Shortly after on May 16th, an estimated 25,000 demonstrated in our hometown of Chicago, joined by hundreds of thousands more around the world.

This is not an easy time. The crucial fight for social justice, human rights, and equitable treatment has been illuminated across the globe. We have been moved by the theater and arts organizations voicing support for our Black brothers and sisters through the Black Lives Matter movement, but have witnessed a noticeable silence with respect to Palestine.

There is a documented phenomenon referred to as PEP or Progressive Except Palestine. PEP is a selective wokeness, intentional blindness to the suffering of a specific community, exceptions being made for others, and harmful withholding of support.

While individuals have marched, demonstrated, and organized in support of Palestine, we feel there are a number of artistic institutions, both in Chicago and around the world, who are selective with their progressivism to the detriment of the Palestinian people.

To all members of artistic leadership, administrators, and organizers:

Will you issue a statement of support for the people of Palestine in their struggle for justice?

We are calling upon our fellow artists to take a bold stance. Be on the side of history that advocates for social justice and human rights.

Emergency Rally For Jerusalem, Save Sheikh Jarrah protest, May 11th 2021, Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona

This starts with tough questions. Why is it that we’ve accepted silence as an appropriate response to the horrors emerging from Palestine? Why hasn’t your organization issued a statement?

We understand that this is an issue with deep historical ties, but limited access to education is not a justified excuse. We offer ourselves as a resource. Uprising Theater works towards amplifying the voices of Palestinians and other marginalized communities year-round. If your organization doesn’t feel “qualified” to discuss, answer, or comment on this issue, reach out. We have the expertise to speak to your needs as an arts organization/nonprofit, as well as the historical and cultural background required to understand the ongoing apartheid situation that Palestinians face daily.

This week, our Founder and Co-Artistic Director received a poignant message from an artist who has worked with us. He appreciated our initial statement on the tragedies taking place in Palestine, noting that we are the only theater company he knows to have commented on them.

The silence is deafening.  Your silence is noticed.

We are challenging you to live up to your progressive identity, and offering ourselves as a resource to do so. If Uprising Theater can provide support in educating your team, or navigating difficult conversations with board members, let us know.

As progressive institutions, we cannot discriminate in the fight for liberation.

The people of Palestine in their homeland as well as those in diaspora (including here in Chicago) deserve more.