Slit has a written a brilliant open letter to white activists. Mandatory ally reading.
Also totally apropos of what was going on in my head around 2:30 a.m. as I lay awake thinking about this. I said last week "this is the civil rights issue of our time" but what's true is it's the civil rights issue that is easiest for me to wrap my head around and approach. I care just as much or more about immigrant rights, but it's a huge and confusing issue that isn't as clear-cut as gay marriage is (for me) and I'm not sure what I can do about it or how. I've been looking for something new to volunteer for since the 8 campaign ended, and I still haven't found something that I'm comfortable with and can fit into my schedule.
Of course, that's privilege too, to decide that it should be convenient for me to get involved or help out. Sadly, some of the people and causes most in need of help are the ones it's least convenient, expedient, or comfortable to help. How much should I push my boundaries? That's actually one of the main questions for me right now, not just on this issue but in a more global way. I don't have an answer, but I have a lot of food for thought.
Also totally apropos of what was going on in my head around 2:30 a.m. as I lay awake thinking about this. I said last week "this is the civil rights issue of our time" but what's true is it's the civil rights issue that is easiest for me to wrap my head around and approach. I care just as much or more about immigrant rights, but it's a huge and confusing issue that isn't as clear-cut as gay marriage is (for me) and I'm not sure what I can do about it or how. I've been looking for something new to volunteer for since the 8 campaign ended, and I still haven't found something that I'm comfortable with and can fit into my schedule.
Of course, that's privilege too, to decide that it should be convenient for me to get involved or help out. Sadly, some of the people and causes most in need of help are the ones it's least convenient, expedient, or comfortable to help. How much should I push my boundaries? That's actually one of the main questions for me right now, not just on this issue but in a more global way. I don't have an answer, but I have a lot of food for thought.
posted by The Stute Fish at 07:54
3 Comments:
Reading your latest week or so of blog entries reminded me of how much I spending time with you! While the passage of prop 8 breaks my heart, further undermines my faith in people, and has been a constant in my recent diatribes to anyone who will listen (here in WA it is a challenge to get most folks to even care?!), is it a comfort to know you have been so active on the issue. I've know you a long time... pushing thoses boundaries and challenging the status quo is part of who we both are... remember the strength and inspiration that comes from the challenge. I love you. -Rhonda (herpetologette@hotmail.com)
So I've been thinking about the No on 8 commercials and here is what I have come up with. They weren't personal enough. What it needed was the face of someone next door or down the block, pleasant and just like everyone else, probably best if the face was female. "I love my family (show a family gathering with kids, grandparents, etc), I work hard to pay my taxes and my bills (office setting?), I worry about the future, I want to be there for my loved ones (show the birth of a child, a school performance, graduation, an eldery couple holding hands), shouldn't I have that right too (hospital door closing w/ "Family only sign").
--Anon
...Oh I left out the bit on my comment above where I said here is a more personal advert...
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