I read them voraciously but I’ve never commented on a medium post before. Phenomenal. I particularly felt #3 and #4… I don’t understand why I’m supposed to be offended when people ask innocently ignorant questions about race or sex or…whatever. I just think it’s great that they are curious and trying to learn. Curious and interested is better than judgmental certainly all day long. Being offended just by someone ASKING about something instead of gently setting them straight or giving them a new perspective might actually help them think differently about a topic. Attacking them and making them afraid to ever ask again is only going to set them at odds to me and my position.
I’m Asian-American. People ask me silly things. Sometimes I’m subjected to racist stereotypes. Sometimes it’s deliberately offensive, but sometimes it’s just accidental, or honest curiosity that may offend without meaning to. I prefer to say why someone might find that offensive and to offer a different way that they might say it or ask it - and to let them ask more questions. Get it all out there. Curiosity is so much better than contempt. We hate what we don’t understand, so please, ask away.
As to #4, I feel as though my filters are constantly under attack. Is this a credible source? Is that? Is this presented free of bias? How many sources do I have to check before I can find this credible? I barely have time, but I try to stay informed. All while I try to scramble to make ends meet — which I can barely do. I cannot imagine doing more than I do or how I would manage financially if I had children.
I don’t have health insurance. It’s the first time in my life I haven’t had it. I just couldn’t afford it this year. I’m deathly afraid of getting into an auto accident and it worries me when I see everyone around me texting and driving. Lest you think I’m overextended financially — I put myself through a middle-of-the-road college. I’m unmarried and solidly middle income, childless, and I live well within my means. Believe me when I say I’ve cut all the expenses that can reasonably be cut. I pay my mortgage on time. I’m trying to live small. I do NOT live overextended or on credit. I don’t know how other people do it on less than I have… and I can’t find the time or the energy to focus on social advocacy and political movements — just as you say — because all I’m doing is focusing on how to get a better job, make more money, or wondering if I can I find time to work weekends — so that I can afford health insurance next year.
I feel overwhelmed by my own situation and unable to help anyone else with theirs.