Stranger I’ve been following for a while needs help.

Help Indigenous Artist Escape Abuser
https://gofund.me/350e0078

(I helped.)

I will not live to see the end of this battle (because (a) even when it’s over, it’s not over, and (b) it may take 50 years), but this is where it starts.

Straight retweet of a great thread. Also, ouch.

https://nmaahc.si.edu/learn/talking-about-race/topics/community-building

«Conversations about race may be uncomfortable, yet it is at the edge of discomfort where we can learn the most. Since we cannot remove the risk from conversations about race, we encourage a shift in mindset. By moving from safe spaces to brave spaces [pay attention, fellow white people (and self)], we can rise to the challenge of having honest conversations that lead to a more equitable society.

For people of color, a racially mixed group is rarely a safe space no matter what the intent of the participants. Brave space requires different kinds of bravery for people of color than it does for white people.»

That second paragraph: oh wow. It’s obvious, but I’ve been so concerned about my own safety, I (almost?) never thought of it.

This is like the pants with nobody inside them.

For advanced players:

«Recent critical analysis of common ground rules have resulted in a collective reconsideration of their role. This is because, too often, ground rules that are put in place, whether by an educator/facilitator or by participants, privilege the already-privileged groups in a dialogical experience. For example, in a dialogue about race, white participants will often support ground rules meant to keep anger out of the discussion–ground rules focused keeping them comfortable. When we consider who is protected by ground rules like “do not express anger,” it becomes apparent that, intentionally or not, they protect the participants representing privileged groups.

While I do not advocate dropping ground rules altogether; I do support the idea of seriously studying these issues and the possible ramifications of ground rules that might ultimately support the status quo by providing safety and comfort for those who, for the sake of their own learning, most desparately need to be made to feel uncomfortable. Consider opening this conversation within your class or workshop or among colleagues and challenge yourself to make sure that the discussions and dialogues you are setting up do not further oppress historically oppressed people.»

http://www.edchange.org/multicultural/activities/groundrules.html

Prepare to be yelled at. It’s ok. Some stuff IS our fault.

Yes, I’m talking to myself.

This. This is what really ticks me off. “Dems” in quotes because, if you don’t vote, what are you?

I should look at my blog’s comment-approval queue more often. I usually feel like I’m just blogging into the void.

Ok, kids, you heard it here first.