Of course, the nostalgic longing for a past through 50's black and white TV was an illusion we've carried into the future. It wasn't real then, and it's not real now. The longing and desire for a white-washed American something, that rah-rah America, is not an innocent hope, it's white supremacy pure and deadly. Let's step back, take a breath and sort out our minds the Buddhist Way. Nothing good comes without a peaceful center and the discipline of practice while avoiding dreams of going back to Leave It To Beaver. It wasn't real, but right now values of peace, compassion, and kindness are doable no matter the state of the world. We live in a time where it's radical to love yourself. The Beaver is dead, long live a kinder, gentler reality within.
Is it impossible then, for people of all colors and cultures to appreciate the differences we represent without rancor and abuse? The 3 steps forward then 2 back has held true so far, but there must be a way to break the loop, or we are lost. Not only is innocence lost but it has taken out optimism.
Honestly, that's up to White people. The pernicious habit of "tolerating" and "forgiving" difference so long as Whiteness holds center stage has to go. And it doesn't feel like many are there yet. In spirit maybe, but not when it comes to giving up privilege.
I have always tried to use my privilege for the benefit of those less privileged than I, starting from being a voice for the voiceless in 1963 (I was 6, and what I saw coming from Montgomery was just wrong. I wrote letters to my congressmen that night) to amplifying Black voices in 2026.
I've written so many letters to my congresspeople that they probably groan when they see it's from me (one of my senators is Black. You'd think he would understand. You'd be wrong).
As long as BIPOC citizens allow those of us who have tried all our lives to treat everyone fairly, the assumption that those efforts are honest. Backlash from minorities are perfectly understandable, but some of us really are on your side.
Heard. But when what you want is reward for simply doing right, surely you have to see how that would be triggrting and cause mistrust? Do right because it's right and stop looking for anything else.
Not reward, just acceptance. Your statement that we trigger distrust by doing right is as tall a barrier as their assumptions isn't it? I fought the racism my Mother was raised with on several occasions from the stance of one who grew up in the Army with thoroughly mixed friends and neighbors when living on post.
You demand acceptance as though you are owed and *that's* the problem. "I'll let you be you as long as you let me in." That's not something you get to decide. That is colonization. That is centering yourself. If you're helping build community that *is* acceptance. But you don't get more than what another is willing to give.
A great explanation of the zeitgeist in 2026 America. Goddamit
wow! that was great!
Thank you!!!
Of course, the nostalgic longing for a past through 50's black and white TV was an illusion we've carried into the future. It wasn't real then, and it's not real now. The longing and desire for a white-washed American something, that rah-rah America, is not an innocent hope, it's white supremacy pure and deadly. Let's step back, take a breath and sort out our minds the Buddhist Way. Nothing good comes without a peaceful center and the discipline of practice while avoiding dreams of going back to Leave It To Beaver. It wasn't real, but right now values of peace, compassion, and kindness are doable no matter the state of the world. We live in a time where it's radical to love yourself. The Beaver is dead, long live a kinder, gentler reality within.
Awesome depiction of the ways things have been and how they are now , especially going backwards again, after some progress, before this regime!! 🤬
Is it impossible then, for people of all colors and cultures to appreciate the differences we represent without rancor and abuse? The 3 steps forward then 2 back has held true so far, but there must be a way to break the loop, or we are lost. Not only is innocence lost but it has taken out optimism.
Honestly, that's up to White people. The pernicious habit of "tolerating" and "forgiving" difference so long as Whiteness holds center stage has to go. And it doesn't feel like many are there yet. In spirit maybe, but not when it comes to giving up privilege.
I have always tried to use my privilege for the benefit of those less privileged than I, starting from being a voice for the voiceless in 1963 (I was 6, and what I saw coming from Montgomery was just wrong. I wrote letters to my congressmen that night) to amplifying Black voices in 2026.
I've written so many letters to my congresspeople that they probably groan when they see it's from me (one of my senators is Black. You'd think he would understand. You'd be wrong).
As long as BIPOC citizens allow those of us who have tried all our lives to treat everyone fairly, the assumption that those efforts are honest. Backlash from minorities are perfectly understandable, but some of us really are on your side.
Heard. But when what you want is reward for simply doing right, surely you have to see how that would be triggrting and cause mistrust? Do right because it's right and stop looking for anything else.
Not reward, just acceptance. Your statement that we trigger distrust by doing right is as tall a barrier as their assumptions isn't it? I fought the racism my Mother was raised with on several occasions from the stance of one who grew up in the Army with thoroughly mixed friends and neighbors when living on post.
You demand acceptance as though you are owed and *that's* the problem. "I'll let you be you as long as you let me in." That's not something you get to decide. That is colonization. That is centering yourself. If you're helping build community that *is* acceptance. But you don't get more than what another is willing to give.
How then, can a white be anything But an enemy? Aren't you declaring universal and permanent distrust and separation?
"As long as"...? So those efforts of yours are conditional? Hmmm.
Words matter.
Eloquent and sad beyond expression. Thank you, Joy.
Ɓ○ƝĴ○ŮŘ Î ĹỤVVV❣️
MĄŶ Î ÎŇŤƐŘVÎƐŴ Ŷ○Û☄️
Î ÅMÂ FĹƐX○Ĺ○ĜÎṢ̌Ť❣️🧜🏾♀️💭🪽
Amazing, Joy. Thank you for all of this. 💙