During the last few months I think the majority of us have been focused on COVID-19 and staying healthy, safe and sane. But if you’re paying any attention you know there is a lot more change going on in the world than just the virus. Some of the events and certain people you might agree with—and others you might not. Let’s just acknowledge that neutrality is impossible. We are either part of the solution—or part of the problem. And while it wouldn’t be SMART to attempt to suggest what any of you should think, it doesn’t hurt to remind each of us that, “If we don’t stand for something, we’ll fall for anything.”
Our age doesn’t matter. If we are alive we still have a part to play. If we are choosing to sit things out or not get involved when obvious and repeated injustice occurs, then we are supporting those who perpetuate it. Let’s never pretend that our silence or inaction doesn’t matter. It does. It’s time to be honest with ourselves and pick the side that best aligns with our highest values and then do whatever we can to bring about the kind of world we want to live in. It really is up to us.
With the direction of this country at stake, and a reaction required to the injustices that have been brought to the forefront over the last several months, being neutral or on the sidelines is just not possible. Not taking a stand on what you believe is actually supporting whatever the injustice or misinformation to which you object.
Just seeing our First Amendment rights being trampled in Portland should be enough to enrage use all.
Hi Bob! I confess when I was younger that I was often oblivious to what is happening around us. In fact I cringe to think how clueless I was and how I just took my place in the world for granted. But now…at this age…if we care about the world and other people besides our immediate family…it’s impossible to “sit it out.” We must claim what is important. I have the feeling you’ve been doing this all along and thank you for it. ~Kathy
Short and to the point – SMART! Thanks, Kathy
Hi Mary! Thanks! I know that isn’t normal for me, right? hahaha… Sometimes less really is more! ~Kathy
Hi, Kathy – Tom stole my comment exactly. I agree (and experienced) 100% of what he said!
Hi Donna! Like I said to Tom, I think this quote applies to so much more than just racism. There are a lot of things going on in the world today (it would be nice if it was only in the U.S. but unfortunately it isn’t!) that can use our voice. I’m hoping 2020 turns out to be the catalyst for the majority of people speaking out for justice in all ways! ~Kathy
Thank you for this timely reminder. “Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim.” We can’t afford to remain — or even appear to be — neutral.
Hi Janis! As a 9 like Thom I KNOW you typically don’t like to create conflict or stand out…and actually I don’t think I do either…but our country and it’s children and their children need us to be willing to take a stand. Hopefully enough of us are ready to say, enough is enough. ~Kathy
Great points: “Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim”.
I needed to hear that today.
Hi Gary! I know it makes a lot of us uncomfortable to speak out and/or do something even when we know something very wrong is happening. After all, nice girls (or boys) don’t want to be seen as rude, angry or “contrary” (at least I don’t!) But hasn’t that been part of the problem. When is enough, enough? I’ve reached the point where I can no longer be silent. ~Kathy
Yep, it’s all up to us – “We Get to Make It up”! 🙂
I like that quote. “If we don’t stand for something, we’ll fall for anything.” It reminded me of a MLK quote I’ve seen around our neighborhood: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Have a nice and peaceful weekend!
Hi Liesbet! I think that MLK was a master at coming up with some really wise one-liners that bring the issue into perspective. And I am hopeful that those of us who were largely unaware of the deep complexity of the issue are waking up, changing and now willing to do something about it. ~Kathy
We attended a Webinar the other day with Ibram Kendi author of “How to Be an Antiracist.” He takes the same approach — if you’re not with us, you’re against us — and in the beginning (being kind of a reasonable, moderate type of guy) I was kind of skeptical, but he convinced me by the end. Now we got the book and are beginning to read.
Hi Tom! I think these times call for all of us to educate ourselves in ways many of us never imagined. And yes, part of it is about racism, but there is so much more don’t you think? I don’t personally think of myself as an “extreme” anything…of course my Thom might think otherwise as well. Hahaha… But I do get worked up when I see, here or experience injustice and these days I can no longer be silent! ~Kathy
Hi Kathy, A very good, timely quote by Elie Wiesel. We often use this sentence around our home, too “we are either part of the solution or part of the problem.” Great reminders. Take care and have a good week!
Hi Erica! I know most all of us already know and practice this…but in these times a show of solidarity is important don’t you think? Thanks for checking in. ~Kathy