We are Socialized to Accept Oppression as Normal
Photo from: Social Justice House | Barnard College Oppression is Normal.... We are all socialized into systems that oppress.Our parents and teachers, grandparents and loved ones intentionally or unintentionally pass on their beliefs, norms, rules and...
It Is Not About Diversity
It is not about diversity, it’s all about justice Over my career I have had many, many situations where I was the only woman. Where I was the only person of color. Where I was the only one that came from a working class background. The only one. Do you...
The Heart of Social Justice
Simply put, social justice is about human flourishing. It’s about us living our best lives together. It is not just about showing up for one another but it is also about how we show up. Racism in the U. S has consequences. It requires all of us to live our lives in...
Taking A Stand
What can you no longer accept? I think about this question a lot. What am I no longer willing to sit by and watch happen? What is totally unacceptable for me at this point in my life? We are born into a specific set of social identities and that they predispose us to...
Are you ready to step up how you show up?
Diversity is where we start not where we finish. Diversity helps us understand ways that we are similar to and different from one another, but it does not necessitate us to do anything with that information. It is a basic level of understanding that does not require...
Who’s Got The Power
Power Racism is not a problem to be fixed by an individual. It won't be fixed by the awakening or enlightenment. It can only be fixed by understanding power- who has it, and how it gets used. Power-The ability to decide who will have access to resources; the...
Consequences of Oppression
Oppression has consequences Consequences for everyone. The oppressed and the oppressor. We all pay a terrible price for maintaining systems of inequality. When some of our children are educated and others are not we all pay a price When some of our neighbors are safe...
Culture of Silence
Culture of Silence I spent my Sunday morning drinking coffee and studying the "Five Faces of Oppression" by Iris Young. In case you are wondering it is perfect brunch reading. I am not sure that many folks understand the multitude of ways that we are oppressed by...
Liberation is Love
Liberation I spent time this weekend studying The Cycle of Liberation by Bobbie Harro. It's a beautifully written framework that basically says: "I know this social change work is overwhelming, all these really big complex issues, but here is a blueprint to...