Is this for real? Are you? How about those mandated to protect and serve us? And the press that covers their activities?

 

This project began in summer 2020 in response to the sudden wave of “support” for Black lives where previously there had been only clear antagonism.

Corporations infamous for their unfair treatment of racialized workers released statements affirming their steadfast commitment to racial justice. Media outlets that historically weaponized neutrality against marginalized folks were now covering Black Lives Matter as if it were a heartwarming, harmless trend sweeping today’s youth. Crowds of thousands of “allies” suddenly gathered to show their solidarity for Black communities after ignoring every opportunity to demonstrate allyship through direct action in the years prior. Police knelt performatively at the same gatherings while continuing to card, terrorize, and murder Black and Indigenous people. And the same elected officials who previously told Black community members concerned about carding that they “couldn’t just walk in here and make demands” were now quick to pat themselves on the back for their supposedly progressive politics.

Needless to say, none of that led to shit. We’re now heading into 2022 with the largest Edmonton Police Services budget ever. “Black Lives Matter” and language meant to challenge institutions has been co-opted and stripped of its potency. New policies masquerade as responses to demands for systemic change while simply assigning new names to the same harmful practices (carding, police in schools). Our recently elected politicians have been eager to show cozy camaraderie with the police. And the media class continuously diverts attention towards meaningless partisan division with classist overtones.

We point out these contradictions not simply to be doomers, though there is a guilty pleasure in that for sure. We’re hoping to play a small role in keeping those with power in check, building an understanding of the reality we are living through, and showing people the ability we can have to hold local institutions accountable.

 

Things we like — Hot takes, uncomfortable politicians, postal workers, Ugly Delicious, squash

Things we don’t like — Unsolicited mentorships, grant gatekeeping, identity politics, tax loopholes, the student governance industrial complex

 
 
Host + Editor

Oumar Salifou

Oumar has worked as a reporter in Edmonton since 2015. His work on culture and politics has appeared on CBC, CJSR, and Let’s Find Out. From 2018-2019, he served as Editor-in-Chief of The Gateway.

 
 
producer

Nicholas Yee

Nicholas is a musician, designer, photographer, and fourth-generation Edmontonian. He uses art to bring attention to social issues and uplift important and overlooked voices in the community.

 
 

Is This For Real? is written, recorded, and produced on Treaty 6 territory, a traditional meeting ground and home for many Indigenous peoples.

 

This land is home to diverse Indigenous nations and peoples, including the Cree, Blackfoot, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Iroquois, Dene, Ojibway / Saulteaux / Anishinaabe, Tsuutʼina, Inuit, and many others.

  • The Cree name for the land that Edmonton is located on is Amiskwaciy Waskahikan.

  • The Blackfoot name for the land and that Edmonton is located on is Omukoyis.

  • The Nakoda Sioux name for the land that Edmonton is located on is Titunga.

  • The Tsuut’ina name for the land that Edmonton is located on is Nasagachoo.

  • The Dene name for the land that Edmonton is located on is Sawyah-thay-koi. 

Since time immemorial, Indigenous peoples have enriched this land with their histories, languages, and cultures. Their rights to this land were denied through centuries of laws and policies based on legal doctrines such as terra nullius, which declared this land empty.

This process of erasure and colonization is continuous and deeply embedded in our society, including in our current systems of upholding laws. We uphold these systems through our silence and inaction. With this project, we push back against the oppressive systems that dispossessed Indigenous peoples of their lands and deny their rights to self-determination.

 

Financial Transparency

The For Real Media Society is funded through grants and community contributions via Patreon. As a community funded project, we want to be transparent as to where your funds will go.

  • Oumar Salifou, host + editor, is the only paid member of this project. Additional content contributors are paid for through a freelance model.

  • The remaining costs will go towards maintenance costs including equipment, website and legal fees, and additional investigative work.

  • Our aim is to make this a sustainable project with a full-time host and regular contributors producing additional content.

Thank you for your ongoing support in making this project possible!