Community
Volume 2 Number 21
It’s difficult for anyone to counter the notion that people in the twenty-first century are dependent on one another. Not just in terms of goods and services, but in terms of how we conduct ourselves in professional and social interactions. Community is a part of the unspoken social contract we enter into with the government, but with one another. Everyone gives a little to get a little.
We sacrifice a little of what we want individually in order to receive a little more of what’s in the best interest of all. Most of us agree that it’s in the best interest of all to drive the prescribed speed limit (or close to it) as opposed to everyone driving as fast as they want. We give up our impulses to try and break the speed of sound for the increased safety of others.
As thrilling as it may be to see people’s faces awash in terror upon hearing someone yell, “Fire!” in a crowded movie theater, we don’t do it because it puts numerous lives in danger; not to mention that it’s against the law.
So tell me, why is it so hard for people to wear a protective face covering? This isn’t a political issue. It’s a public safety issue. Yes, it’s inconvenient. Yes, we all look a bit silly. But we do it for others. Others who wear face masks, do so for you. And frankly, I’d much rather wear a mask than a ventilator any day of the week.
I have no doubt the majority of OHF readers have no problem wearing masks and do so proudly. But to choose not to do so in the face of a global pandemic, in a country that leads the world in total numbers of cases and deaths, is the ultimate display willful arrogance and malevolence disregard for the lives of others.
Do I sound preachy? Probably, but staving off unnecessary deaths and avoidable suffering is something I’m a tad passionate about. I don’t want your family and friends to succumb to COVID-19 and I for dang sure don’t want my family and friends to befall a similar fate. Would that no one else contract COVID-19. The only way that will happen is if we all sacrifice a little convenience, a little ego, and wear a mask for the betterment of everyone.
This week we published three wonderful articles for your enjoyment. Peter Faur investigates the validity of the All Lives Matter position from a vantage point that may surprise you. Cynthia Dagnal-Myron makes a clear distinction between the needs of all Black lives versus her own; this is a must-read for anyone with close Black friends. And Max Smith pops the hood on the mechanics, meaning, and menace that comprise microaggressions.
Despite your feelings about this week’s intro, the aforementioned articles will undoubtedly impart a little grace and positivity to help you get through the week with a greater sense of community
New This Week
“‘All Lives Matter.’ Yes, But . . . ”
by Peter Faur
Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell recently asked whether any of his Republican colleagues would declare, unequivocally, that Black lives matter. His Republican colleague, Matt Gaetz, countered by asking whether Swalwell believes all lives matter.
Gaetz might think he’s striking a blow for equality when he voices the “all lives” mantra, but he’s not. His inclusive-sounding sentiment is, often, not-so-subtle racism. If you doubt it, take a minute to watch this clip from NBC News.
Certainly, all lives matter. But championing the point, in our present climate, has the effect of papering over a greater, shameful reality: in America, throughout our history, it’s been clear that white lives matter and Black lives don’t.
Almost from the start, our forefathers enslaved Africans who were brought here against their will. After much of the country came to see enslavement as immoral, Confederate soldiers . . . (continued at Medium.com)
“Black Lives Matter, But My Black Life Isn’t All Black Lives, Okay?”
by Cynthia Dagnal-Myron
I’m noticing a trend right now. And I’m actually grateful for it, so don’t get me wrong.
I just want to point out something that may not have been discussed yet, with all the new emphasis on getting real about the People of Color “experience” in America.
I have white friends I’ve known since I was really young. And because we were really young, they never once asked me what it was like to be Black.
They saw what it was like. Knew my parents’ stories of the South. Watched how white people up North treated us. And it pissed them off. (continued at Medium.com)
“The Truth About How Microaggressions Work”
by Max Smith
What is a microaggression really? I looked up the definition because I wanted to be sure I was clear. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, it is: a comment or action that subtly and often unconsciously or unintentionally expresses a prejudiced attitude toward a member of a marginalized group (such as a racial minority).
In thinking about it, I couldn’t come up with any extraordinary examples. And maybe that’s the point: the everyday nature of microaggressions. How they seep into conversation and under skin.
Some of the ‘ordinary,’ ones — which I’m not even sure are worth mentioning, as I’m certain we’ve all heard similar stories before — are as follows: (continued at Medium.com)
Together
Feel free to reach out to our writers. They enjoy interacting with you about their articles. We invite you check out Our Human Family articles on Medium—where we’ve trimmed down the length of our homepage, neatened up the navigation, and expanded the topics under each header. You can also find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for your convenience. Comment, follow us, and share our articles with people you think would enjoy them. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to swing by our brand new website.
Keep safe, fam and friends.
Love one another.
Clay Rivers
Our Human Family Founder and Editorial Director
