“We must speak, we must take sides. For neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim.”
These are the words of Holocaust survivor and renowned activist Elie Wiesel, who has died aged 87.
Seeing all the posts about the recent violence, a post with this quote by Elie Wiesel struck me the most. So I did not want to be silent, but didn't know what to say. (In an effort not to be looking at a screen instead of my children, I had only seen headlines until later tonight, so I didn't even really know what was going on.)
Regardless of the specifics of each case, it is clear that we have a racism problem. And I want to be part of the solution. But I no longer have faith in our government at all. I don't trust them any farther than I can throw them. So I don't believe I can do much to change things through official channels. So,what can I do at home to make a difference?...
These are the words of Holocaust survivor and renowned activist Elie Wiesel, who has died aged 87.
Seeing all the posts about the recent violence, a post with this quote by Elie Wiesel struck me the most. So I did not want to be silent, but didn't know what to say. (In an effort not to be looking at a screen instead of my children, I had only seen headlines until later tonight, so I didn't even really know what was going on.)
Regardless of the specifics of each case, it is clear that we have a racism problem. And I want to be part of the solution. But I no longer have faith in our government at all. I don't trust them any farther than I can throw them. So I don't believe I can do much to change things through official channels. So,what can I do at home to make a difference?...
I've also seen many posts about how raising your children might be the most important work you do. Even if you could change things wihin the system, it's still run by individuals. People will continue to act out of hatred and fear if you don't change their hearts. Right now I hold two little hearts in mine and the influence I have over them is tremendous. (I hear my words come out of their mouths all the time!)
I've seen so many people in the past say that racism is not natural and that it has to be taught. After reading the book "Nurture Shock," and seeing "racism" amongst other species in the animal kingdom, I'm convinced it is natural, but it's not right. We are supposedly operating on a higher plane than the rest of the animal kingdom, on intellect rather than instinct. I live in a fairly white community. So I must go out of my way to introduce my children to other races and cultures. To teach them that we all have something valuable to share with each other and our lives will be richer if we live them together.
One of the slogans in the fight for equal rights for homosexuals was #lovewins. I'm not familiar with hashtag politics, so I may be committing a sin here, but I'm going with it, because love is still the answer.
Even if the whole system comes crumbling down, I hope my corner of the world is a little nicer because I taught my children to love.
I've seen so many people in the past say that racism is not natural and that it has to be taught. After reading the book "Nurture Shock," and seeing "racism" amongst other species in the animal kingdom, I'm convinced it is natural, but it's not right. We are supposedly operating on a higher plane than the rest of the animal kingdom, on intellect rather than instinct. I live in a fairly white community. So I must go out of my way to introduce my children to other races and cultures. To teach them that we all have something valuable to share with each other and our lives will be richer if we live them together.
One of the slogans in the fight for equal rights for homosexuals was #lovewins. I'm not familiar with hashtag politics, so I may be committing a sin here, but I'm going with it, because love is still the answer.
Even if the whole system comes crumbling down, I hope my corner of the world is a little nicer because I taught my children to love.