Everything Matters

Reader, I don't want to imagine worse for our world then what is happening now:  the most devastating of hurricanes, continuing gun violence, world governments in chaos from Hong Kong to the U.K. to right here at home.  However, if Game of Thrones and 2019 have taught us anything it is to be prepared for yet another turn for the worse.

I'm here to tell you two things:  Everything matters and I'm still optimistic.

First of all in the Everything Matters category--don't you listen to anybody, including yourself, if you hear it doesn't matter what we do.  Everything matters.  Every moment.  Every opportunity you have to refuse plastic, walk or bike or take public transit, to connect with someone, to offer kindness.  To be humane.  It is the everyday practice of humane acts that is going to pull us out of this dreadful situation.  Go new places.  Tip generously.  Give money and time.  And talk.

That gets at the second thing:  I have finished reading Rising out of Hatred:  The Awakening of a Former White Nationalist by Eli Saslow.  This is a well written book, a testament to Saslow's skill as a journalist.  The heart of his investigation is the mental shift experienced by a young man who had been raised in a community of white nationalists, even raised to be a leader in that community.  He grew up as Derek Roland Black and in his experience of attending a small college in Florida he met other young people who not only challenged his views but embraced him and never gave up on him.  I am awed by their intellectual rigor, stamina, and determination.  I remember lots of long conversations in college, but ultimately we all retreated to our own corners and more firmly grasping what we brought to the conversation.  Granted, most of of were pretty liberal to begin with so our conversations were not nearly as intense as the ones recorded by Saslow.  I recommmend you read the book to see the process that unfolds--how a campus community becomes the location of a life changing dialogue.  It will remind that in the end, all we have is each other and that can be more than enough. Hate can be learned and unlearned.

In closing, I am remembering to tell you about a third thing everyone should know about:  the 1619 project.  This is a monumental piece of work that first appeared in the New York Times and is available full text along with curriculum materials at https://pulitzercenter.org/lesson-plan-grouping/1619-project-curriculum 

Read it, share it, think about it.  It isn't too early to be planning an awkward Thanksgiving!

Kidding, but only sort of.  Things will only get better when we face down and get through the awkward moments and learn to work together, get together, get along.  Denial and lies do not bring truth and without truth there will be no lasting peace.