Whether you opt for a spiritual or secular perspective, we're basically balls of energy colliding in the universe. I'm sure you've heard the cliché that "people come into your life for a reason"? Well, I'd argue that that's too much a romantic notion. Perhaps we're simply fortunate to be able to connect; to grow within and by our relationships; to know that in the space between two human beings we can find support and understanding, hope and love. It's a powerful privilege and responsibility, which makes disregarding it so hurtful.
My roommate hosted a viewing party for 13th—a chillingly powerful documentary by Ava DuVernay—a few weeks ago. The premise was based at the cross-section of slavery, our criminal justice system, and the evolving yet all the while inaccurate and negative characterization of African Americans... mostly by white men in power, and then reiterated by everyone else. Much of the film was disturbing in its familiar truth; and it is so well done. I highly recommend you seek it out on Netflix if you haven't already.
As you may be able to infer, I was heartbroken by the presidential election results. All those hateful comments and policies had been embraced, or worse yet, overlooked; and so much of who I am and what I believe in felt under attack. How, after all this time and progress, did we still live in a world of bigotry, racism, sexism, and bullying? And yet we do. Inequality and resentment are rampant. I imagine its awfully appealing for the disenfranchised to find comfort in prejudice. Of course it's easier with someone else to blame.
So, what now? Dave Chapelle encouraged us to give him a chance, John Oliver reminded us that accepting our democratic process should not equate to normalizing his behavior, but what I find to be the most encouraging advice is to counteract with more not less support for one another—offering kindness and empathy, giving as much time/money as we're able to places like Planned Parenthood, the Center for Reproductive Rights and the International Women's Health Coalition; the NRDC; the International Refugee Assistance Project and IRC; the NAACP, Southern Poverty Law Center, and ACLU; The Trevor Project; MALDEF and American Friends Service Committee; the Anti-Defamation League, Facing History and Ourselves. (More to add? Please comments below.)
It has been a lovely fall season (in New York especially—see above!), and Thanksgiving is coming up quickly, and I'm blogging from Europe where I'll soon be visiting my brother and reconnecting with friends. Let us please take stock of our blessings now and exercise our individual agency to promote good in this world through thought and spoken word and movement. It is as much our privilege as it is our responsibility. As far as I can tell, we need each other more than ever before.
