Thursday, November 10, 2016

Safe and Caring :: Three Hundred Fifteen

While I have been conscientiously observant of making my blog a place to affirm the good, to focus on my gratitude, to foster kindness, thoughtful discourse, and positive engagement... sometimes it's not responsible, or honest, to gloss over the truth, to avoid the real messes, and look the other way. These days, following the election of an individual who lies, who threatens, who mocks, who has no experience in government, public office, or even public service, who maligns women, minorities, immigrants, veterans, the disabled, and basically anyone who will stand up to speak against him... these days are a trial, a heady mix of disappointment, concern, fear, empathy, and struggle. The struggle for me is with trying to retain my sense of place, and purpose in the face of threat, and uncertainty... and this is nothing new to me, because I am a woman, and a minority, and I have dealt with racism, bullying, misogyny, and xenophobia all of my life. The difficult and painful part, now, is how to live under a government that will be lead by one whose words and actions condones the behaviors, attitudes, and aspirations of a handful of hateful people. They are empowered, vocal, and active, even in my own community. My concern goes beyond my own safety, my family's well being, and that of the people I love... I am heartbroken and concerned for anyone that feels threatened, has been harmed, or abused, needs support, is looking for a friend, wants to believe that respect, law and order, are meant to kindly, justly, serve all.

About wearing safety pins... One, because I care. Two, because I share.

It's a gesture. It's a symbol. It's a reminder. It's a message. And I will not take it off or feel embarrassed to wear a safety pin. I have lived all of my life with people who have sought to repress me, pigeonhole me, bully me, harass me, deny me my rights, physically and verbally abuse me for my ethnicity and gender. And I have stood up for others, intervened in fights, called out individuals for their abuses, sheltered and fed people in need, listened, learned, and cared... in my heart, in my thoughts, with my choices, with my hands. I do not "feel guilty." I feel resolved. I do not "feel bad." I feel engaged. I am not wearing a safety pin as a "symbol of my privilege." I wear it to bolster my heart, to remind me to remain courageous, to symbolize my meek but earnest hope to carry on as a kind, caring, actively engaged citizen who is empathetic, and willing to try for good.

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

This was by far the most beautiful thing I have read today, thank you.

Maria