Perhaps we should rethink that “crabs in a barrel” thing, and consider that the crabs didn’t put themselves there. They didn’t volunteer for barrel duty, sign up for a deadly experiment, or competitive sport.
They were minding their business, living their best lives, when greedy, hungry predators came along and decided they’d be much better if they were out of the water; off of the beaches; not blue, but red and covered in Old Bay.
Being crammed into a barrel was never the crabs’ goal in life. They’ve always used their tools and skills properly— in ways that benefited and suited them. In the barrel, their tools became weapons.
They’ve been snatched out of their element, and violently tossed on top of each other—upside down, sideways, and packed tightly. They’re confused and panicking. They’ve never practiced a drill or choreography for the barrel situation. There was no contingency plan for Barrel Escape. They’ve never been warned, by some traumatized crab cousin who got away, to watch out for the natural enemy who prefers them steamed to death, in a bisque, or pressed into a ball or cake.
Perhaps they’re not selfish or self-centered. They’re not fighting each other, or trying to keep each other down— or deliberately ripping off each other’s legs. The ones at the bottom aren’t hating on the ones at the top. Bottom or top, they’re all in the same predicament! They’re all victims destined for boiling water!
Could it be that they’re responding to an unnatural, unexpected, and for them, horrific situation that is out of their control?
Why have they been historically blamed for their behavior in a circumstance they did not create or cause? Why are THEY expected to be peaceful, calm, orderly and content in a barrel?
In a barrel is not where they want to be. Why is anyone surprised that they want out, or judging how they try to do it?
I guess you can’t help and oppress a thing at the same time.
Why are crabs tested over and over again to see what they’ll do if they’re essentially abused, limited, and imprisoned?
Could it be they’re trying to HELP each other but don’t know how? They’re all trying to get out! They’re not pulling each other down! What else do they have to hold on to in a barrel other than each other?
Even if they DID successfully escape, their freedom wouldn’t last long, because, although they could do some damage to their captors, they have no power. They don’t know the way out, the exits are blocked, and they can’t possibly be expected to know the way back home.
It is profitable that they never escape the barrel, and the narrative about their futile attempts has been used to mis-characterize, and shame them.
We have to stop blaming blindsided folks for what they do in circumstances they did not initiate, and for which they’ve never been prepared. It's time to start honestly looking at the individuals and systems that are solely responsible for putting them there.
#crabsinabarrel
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