To the surprise of absolutely no one, my walk got derailed.
I'll write about it on Patreon, but for now: sitting with 4 migrants telling their story of hoofing it across South America for work was just what I needed for perspective.
Also:
I know it annoys some people that I don't go hard enough against awful things.*
Being a humanist makes me look like a damned fence-sitter.
But there's so much to learn from holding views in tension.
We all deserve to be treated humanely *just as we are*.
@MLClark We can be fair, compassionate, understanding and measured when it comes to voicing our opinions. But sometimes, we need to come out swinging too. We are under no obligation to treat anyone kindly when they are out to end our way of life and upset the balance that we work so hard to achieve. You don't have to be over the top but you also need not be passive. In science we learn that every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
Who said I was being passive?
I don't disagree with forms of activism that involve combative response. There are many tools in the wheelhouse, and all have their time and place.
I don't agree that advocating humanistically is a "passive" position, though.
There's a difference between treating people "humanely" and "kindly", though, so maybe that's the trip word in what I first wrote that gave the suggestion I'm advocating for rolling over when people want me/others killed.
@MLClark I think how I worded that myself caused a slight misunderstanding. I was not implying you or I were passive. I simply mean that the humanistic way can be perceived as being passive and when we do come out swinging it can appear to others as being harsh.
@MLClark I've been struggling lately when writing, especially short text like these and have been misunderstood. I think the emotions all of us are feeling is making it difficult to be clear and understood.
I'm the type of person, but working on it, who has always tried to meet the other person's level of anger. Now that I'm trying to be more even keeled, I struggle somewhat because it is a relatively new experience for me and I need practice.
@MLClark I agree.
@Tacitus_Kilgore
Oh, I'm glad you felt safe replying all the same, Tacitus. As ever, this makes for an excellent opportunity to get BOTH our thoughts sorted out. 🤗
Media literacy has made me cautious about all fury triggers. It's easy to conflate many forms of venting with meaningful activism. Meanwhile, those whipping up the fury are often banking on our subsequent feelings of helplessness and despair.
Our outrage is a precious resource; its use should always be to keep our agency strong.