Anna of Door Sixteen and Grace of Design*Sponge both made the case yesterday for speaking up about oppression, even when it isn’t the primary topic of your blog. Although I’ve spoken about my support for gun control, usually I feel like I shouldn’t talk about my political beliefs on my DIY blog for fear of turning off readers who don’t come here for that type of discussion. But maybe I am potentially alienating people by not speaking up about all the crazy things going on in our world, and it shouldn’t be political to say that you want the senseless violence to stop. I’m not going to start getting serious every day around here, but I can’t keep quiet about the heartbreaking loss of life in this country due to guns, police violence, or both. Black Lives Matter, and we need gun control.
I know I’ve been feeling sad and helpless lately, and I imagine I’m not the only one. But I’ve been trying to keep in mind that old saying, “It’s always darkest before the dawn,” because maybe these terrible things will catalyze real change. Here’s a list of ways to get involved and take action, and if you’ve ever wanted to contact your elected representatives, here’s how to do it. I wish I could tell you that everything will be okay, but it won’t be that way without a lot of hard work by people who care. Be one of them.
Hugs from me to you.
Thank you so much for acknowledging the issue at hand. Thank you for understanding the Black Lives Matters is not a slight to others but a call to action for those oppressed. For every person who attempts to understand we are that much closer to change. The brutality and disparity is hard to deal with but being minimized in our pain and suffering is what exasperates the issue and allows the practice to continue. Please know that your compassion has encouraged someone today.
Nini, I’m so glad if I can offer the slightest bit of encouragement! People who minimize the pain and suffering of others are supporting oppression, and I never want to be part of that group. Keep fighting, and remember that there are millions of people out there who support the Black Lives Matter movement.
Rachel, All this needless violence needs to stop. Thanks for the hug and back at you. Let’s start by spreading hugs around instead of hate. Pat S
Dear Rachel,
I already told you, on my opinion, you are exactly on the right way. That´s what life is: go on sharing your salted caramel vegan ice cream bars, your house projects and your anger about guns with us. Life is not one-dimensional.
Yours Birgit
(from Germany)
Birgit, thank you for your always thoughtful responses on these subjects. Life isn’t one-dimensional, but it often seems as if blogs are supposed to be. I’m so glad you understand that the world, even on the internet, is much more complicated than that. Thank you.