I was talking to a friend today about politics, and I realized that I had not processed the three hate-crime murders in Jacksonville, FL. Of course I had read about it, but it just went into my consciousness, and my brain said, “oh how horrible,” and I moved on.
Larry Taylor's comments are insightful. Fine discussions of the ongoing struggles of white reactionaries are in the books and internet site of Heather Cox Richardson'. Isabel Wilkerson, in The Warmth of Other Suns, remind us of the decade's long struggles of Black families to carve out safe communities out of the reach of virulent white racism, especially in the south.
I also believe the current racial problems are an extension of the Civil War. White fragility and fear. It's about control, power, fear. I just cannot believe some people. It breaks my heart.
The Jacksonville shooter exhibits a long history of racist and Nazi views. Also, he purchased the murder weapon legally despite a documented history of mental health issues. One has to ask, first, what good are background checks if they let someone like him slip through the cracks? And second, what has this atrocity got to do with the policies of Ron DeSantis? Are we seriously to believe that his views on DEI and the teaching of American history influenced the shooter?
Democrats and progressives got mad when critics put the blame for the death of thirteen US service members in Kabul on Joe Biden. But really, isn’t there a better case for that assignment of blame than there is for asserting a connection between Ron DeSantis and a murderous white supremicist?
Of course it's not possible to draw a direct line from this crime to DeSantis. I didn't take the word sanctioning to mean that.
I do think it means we should expect our leaders to be better role models and provide the best examples of how to deal with adversity. Instead, we have too many people in positions of authority that display anger and hatred instead of rational argument.
You may support it, but most people on the broad Left do not. Their idea of diversity is restricted to superficials like skin tone and superstitions like gender ideology. Thus if, in civil tones, I were to observe that the idea of a "trans woman" is an absurdity, I would be answered back in the most extreme, hysterical tones imaginable.
I didn't mention left, right, or diversity. When I evaluate ANY leader, one metric is how they handle disagreement. An angry, combative approach to adversity is not something I support. I understood the article to be making that point with the word sanctioning. On that point, I definitely agree.
Why don't you support it, though? There surely are cases where anger or a combative approach is justified, e.g. when the other side exhibits malice or bad taste.
And that brings me back to the original point. The claim or implication that Ron DeSantis somehow sanctioned the actions of the Jacksonville shooter is not merely ridiculous but a prize example of a bad-faith argument. The word "sanction" in this context implies approval or authorization. So do you believe that the Governor of Florida either approved or authorized the shooting of three black people by a white racist? I doubt that you do. But nevertheless, you seem to be implying it. That to me suggests bad faith.
I struggle with this too. How did we get back to this hideous place? Other than the Holocaust, I was never exposed to the ugly part of our history and it’s effects - (now it’s resurgence).
We need history taught honestly. We need to make amends if it’s even possible. We need to talk about, yes, but also call out the gate.
Thank you, Patris. I was deeply affected by the Civil Rights Movement, growing up in Washington, DC at the peack of it in the 1960's. I can't shake it but feel helpless.
Talking is a necessary start. Yet it can feel inadequate to the work of rebuilding that will always be needed--especially in our fractured society. Still, talk, especially with those outside our usual circle of family and friends, is crucial!. Build a group that reads a book by Toni Morrison or any number of fine writers. Make tangible in our lives the inner aspirations for care and community we all share.
Liza's art matters--it touches our hearts. Our opportunity is to build groups and engage in difficult yet needed exchanges. Challenge hate by building caring homes and communities.
Thank you, bob. What a wonderful community we have growing here. And a great idea to start a book group that focusses on Black writers. I could use that.
Where I live a sticker that says Adult Human Female is considered a horrendous,hateful and violent thing. Also it is said that an actual genocide of a very vulnerable population of trans people is taking place.
Haven’t we learned yet who is actually being violently killed in this country? If only the killer had been armed with stickers!!!!
Unfortunately those who perpetuate crimes like these have the sanction of our politicians, who can be removed from office only by voting. It seems overwhelming in these times to try to turn politics around with just a single voice. We need thousands of voices to stop this insanity.l
Yes, definitely, talking about it is useful. No it is not mandatory, as sadly the world is full of causes and evils, most of which few of us even hear about. Individually, none of us can address them all, and few of us can actually address more than one or two in a way that is effective.
Talk is good. It promotes awareness, and this is still needed when it comes to race. With the election of Obama, many anti-racists felt that it was now only a matter of time before justice finally arrived. But the haters can still be counted in the many tens of millions. They, in the form of the Republican Party, they promoted the idea that racism was essentially over, and that we should not try to "see color." They wanted their opponents to take themselves off the field. And to a large extent it worked.
Black Lives Matter summer (thanks for the the drawing, Liza) returned most of us to reality.
Here in Western Massachusetts, a friend and I, fighting off the sense that a couple of white people could not do anything, started a charity locally called Racial Fairness Berkshires (and another called Racial Fairness America). Our idea is to educate white people about what's still going on, not only in terms of hate, but in terms of the entire structure of our society, which remains significantly tilted against People of Color, and then to collect donations of time, money, and goods that would help level the playing field. Where these resources went would not be determined by us, but by local committees composed entirely of People of Color, because only they know where the needs and opportunities are greatest. But that was us. You be you.
Beyond listening and talking, the next thing to do is to educate yourself, taking it seriously. How would you feel, how would your family and friends do, if you were all Black or Latino or whatever group is present near you, facing obstacles you probably never did.
Express your anger if you have it, or at least your disagreement. You can write letters, attend lectures and marches. You don't have to go all in. Just try to increase your awareness.
If and when you are ready, get to know some of the anti-racist groups in your area, OR if that is not your way to roll, start to participate a little bit in the cultural events that minority groups are putting on, or that schools or churches of other organizations sponsor. Meet people who don't look lile you, talk like you, maybe not even think like you. Don't try to be a White Savior - that attitude is resented - but become a listener and eventually perhaps a friend with some people of other races. Read a lot - keep learning. You're never too old or too young to do these things.
And if you DO do them, you will find a place of involvement that works for you: isn't too hard a burden (unless you want that), connects you with people you like, continues to educate you (that is a limitless task), and binds you to people who, even if they are successful, have been through pains that White people rarely experience.
Or maybe your calling is elsewhere. But whatever it is, pursue it. You will amaze yourself.
Thank you, Chuck. Such good suggestions. I really appreciate these thoughts, and you make me think further on what I am and am not doing. For others, here is a link to the group you started: https://www.racialfairnessberkshires.org/
Thanks for that Liza. Sorry the website itself is an artists' nightmare. But people can at least donate there if they like. For deeper thought and analysis, http://www.racialfairnessamerica.org/ is the place to go.
Hiya! I’m a little hesitant to say because of the very active anti women activists .It is a very “woke” college town. And thanks for asking!!I don’t understand how you have the time or compassion to answer our comments! You are absolutely lovely!
So many authors of color. I know only a few. Edwidge Danticat from Haiti and family in NYC may interest you. Wilkerson's The Warmth of Other Suns remains in my heart years after I read it. A zillion love Zora Neal Hurston's works. Toni Morrison is truly amazing. Many begin with Beloved. Google Nellie Mckay, a professor from the Caribbean, who spent decades talking about POC authors. You will surely like the works of Linda Gordon at NYU who has written a wide range of books and is warm and brilliant--and maybe a friend of yours. I'm sure you visit local beloved bookstores!!!! (Smile).
I really do not do social media--ever. But your art is amazing and this crowd open hearted. I was a teacher for 30 year and am happy to send out an experience to you (of course) and the group. I kinda think it is amazing you might actually read all this. But I've been entranced by illustrations for decades.
Thank you! I do not know Linda Gordon, but will look her books up. I taught for four years, and one class I taught was about Women and Humor, and I included Zora Neal Huston! And I read WIlkersons amazing book, The Warmth of Other Suns!
I think that talking about it, especially in a forum like yours where you can reach lots of people is definitely a step in the right direction. Also, recognizing our own instinct to ignore what we feel like we don't have the power to change. We live in a scary world, for lots of reasons. Racism and anti-semitism are part of that.
Talk is a beginning. It’s cheap and maybe another hundred years of it will get us somewhere.
Talk is better than another Civil War that never got resolved.
Larry Taylor's comments are insightful. Fine discussions of the ongoing struggles of white reactionaries are in the books and internet site of Heather Cox Richardson'. Isabel Wilkerson, in The Warmth of Other Suns, remind us of the decade's long struggles of Black families to carve out safe communities out of the reach of virulent white racism, especially in the south.
I also believe the current racial problems are an extension of the Civil War. White fragility and fear. It's about control, power, fear. I just cannot believe some people. It breaks my heart.
BRAVO, LIZA... Talking about IT is an action. That does help. TY
The Jacksonville shooter exhibits a long history of racist and Nazi views. Also, he purchased the murder weapon legally despite a documented history of mental health issues. One has to ask, first, what good are background checks if they let someone like him slip through the cracks? And second, what has this atrocity got to do with the policies of Ron DeSantis? Are we seriously to believe that his views on DEI and the teaching of American history influenced the shooter?
Democrats and progressives got mad when critics put the blame for the death of thirteen US service members in Kabul on Joe Biden. But really, isn’t there a better case for that assignment of blame than there is for asserting a connection between Ron DeSantis and a murderous white supremicist?
Of course it's not possible to draw a direct line from this crime to DeSantis. I didn't take the word sanctioning to mean that.
I do think it means we should expect our leaders to be better role models and provide the best examples of how to deal with adversity. Instead, we have too many people in positions of authority that display anger and hatred instead of rational argument.
Disagree, yes. Disrespect, NO.
The claim that the Left, broadly construed; is tolerant of disagreement is really too funny for words. It’s the polar opposite of that…
I didn't mention left or right. Only that I support the idea of civil disagreement, no matter the circumstance.
You may support it, but most people on the broad Left do not. Their idea of diversity is restricted to superficials like skin tone and superstitions like gender ideology. Thus if, in civil tones, I were to observe that the idea of a "trans woman" is an absurdity, I would be answered back in the most extreme, hysterical tones imaginable.
I didn't mention left, right, or diversity. When I evaluate ANY leader, one metric is how they handle disagreement. An angry, combative approach to adversity is not something I support. I understood the article to be making that point with the word sanctioning. On that point, I definitely agree.
Why don't you support it, though? There surely are cases where anger or a combative approach is justified, e.g. when the other side exhibits malice or bad taste.
And that brings me back to the original point. The claim or implication that Ron DeSantis somehow sanctioned the actions of the Jacksonville shooter is not merely ridiculous but a prize example of a bad-faith argument. The word "sanction" in this context implies approval or authorization. So do you believe that the Governor of Florida either approved or authorized the shooting of three black people by a white racist? I doubt that you do. But nevertheless, you seem to be implying it. That to me suggests bad faith.
I struggle with this too. How did we get back to this hideous place? Other than the Holocaust, I was never exposed to the ugly part of our history and it’s effects - (now it’s resurgence).
We need history taught honestly. We need to make amends if it’s even possible. We need to talk about, yes, but also call out the gate.
Your art matters though.
Thank you, Patris. I was deeply affected by the Civil Rights Movement, growing up in Washington, DC at the peack of it in the 1960's. I can't shake it but feel helpless.
So many of us find ourselves here. Sometimes it’s hard to hope.
Thank you.
Talking is a necessary start. Yet it can feel inadequate to the work of rebuilding that will always be needed--especially in our fractured society. Still, talk, especially with those outside our usual circle of family and friends, is crucial!. Build a group that reads a book by Toni Morrison or any number of fine writers. Make tangible in our lives the inner aspirations for care and community we all share.
Liza's art matters--it touches our hearts. Our opportunity is to build groups and engage in difficult yet needed exchanges. Challenge hate by building caring homes and communities.
Thank you, bob. What a wonderful community we have growing here. And a great idea to start a book group that focusses on Black writers. I could use that.
Where I live a sticker that says Adult Human Female is considered a horrendous,hateful and violent thing. Also it is said that an actual genocide of a very vulnerable population of trans people is taking place.
Haven’t we learned yet who is actually being violently killed in this country? If only the killer had been armed with stickers!!!!
Where do you live, if I may ask?
Unfortunately those who perpetuate crimes like these have the sanction of our politicians, who can be removed from office only by voting. It seems overwhelming in these times to try to turn politics around with just a single voice. We need thousands of voices to stop this insanity.l
Yes, definitely, talking about it is useful. No it is not mandatory, as sadly the world is full of causes and evils, most of which few of us even hear about. Individually, none of us can address them all, and few of us can actually address more than one or two in a way that is effective.
Talk is good. It promotes awareness, and this is still needed when it comes to race. With the election of Obama, many anti-racists felt that it was now only a matter of time before justice finally arrived. But the haters can still be counted in the many tens of millions. They, in the form of the Republican Party, they promoted the idea that racism was essentially over, and that we should not try to "see color." They wanted their opponents to take themselves off the field. And to a large extent it worked.
Black Lives Matter summer (thanks for the the drawing, Liza) returned most of us to reality.
Here in Western Massachusetts, a friend and I, fighting off the sense that a couple of white people could not do anything, started a charity locally called Racial Fairness Berkshires (and another called Racial Fairness America). Our idea is to educate white people about what's still going on, not only in terms of hate, but in terms of the entire structure of our society, which remains significantly tilted against People of Color, and then to collect donations of time, money, and goods that would help level the playing field. Where these resources went would not be determined by us, but by local committees composed entirely of People of Color, because only they know where the needs and opportunities are greatest. But that was us. You be you.
Beyond listening and talking, the next thing to do is to educate yourself, taking it seriously. How would you feel, how would your family and friends do, if you were all Black or Latino or whatever group is present near you, facing obstacles you probably never did.
Express your anger if you have it, or at least your disagreement. You can write letters, attend lectures and marches. You don't have to go all in. Just try to increase your awareness.
If and when you are ready, get to know some of the anti-racist groups in your area, OR if that is not your way to roll, start to participate a little bit in the cultural events that minority groups are putting on, or that schools or churches of other organizations sponsor. Meet people who don't look lile you, talk like you, maybe not even think like you. Don't try to be a White Savior - that attitude is resented - but become a listener and eventually perhaps a friend with some people of other races. Read a lot - keep learning. You're never too old or too young to do these things.
And if you DO do them, you will find a place of involvement that works for you: isn't too hard a burden (unless you want that), connects you with people you like, continues to educate you (that is a limitless task), and binds you to people who, even if they are successful, have been through pains that White people rarely experience.
Or maybe your calling is elsewhere. But whatever it is, pursue it. You will amaze yourself.
Thank you, Chuck. Such good suggestions. I really appreciate these thoughts, and you make me think further on what I am and am not doing. For others, here is a link to the group you started: https://www.racialfairnessberkshires.org/
Thanks for that Liza. Sorry the website itself is an artists' nightmare. But people can at least donate there if they like. For deeper thought and analysis, http://www.racialfairnessamerica.org/ is the place to go.
Here's a haiku I wrote three years ago this week during the pandemic and in the midst of the race protests of that summer.
Flames of fear and hate
Consume hope’s oxygen to
Blister the landscape.
I wish it were not true...but thank you for writing and drawing about it. However we use our voices is more than if we are silent!
Thank you for the haiku, it's so true.
Hiya! I’m a little hesitant to say because of the very active anti women activists .It is a very “woke” college town. And thanks for asking!!I don’t understand how you have the time or compassion to answer our comments! You are absolutely lovely!
Thank you!
So many authors of color. I know only a few. Edwidge Danticat from Haiti and family in NYC may interest you. Wilkerson's The Warmth of Other Suns remains in my heart years after I read it. A zillion love Zora Neal Hurston's works. Toni Morrison is truly amazing. Many begin with Beloved. Google Nellie Mckay, a professor from the Caribbean, who spent decades talking about POC authors. You will surely like the works of Linda Gordon at NYU who has written a wide range of books and is warm and brilliant--and maybe a friend of yours. I'm sure you visit local beloved bookstores!!!! (Smile).
I really do not do social media--ever. But your art is amazing and this crowd open hearted. I was a teacher for 30 year and am happy to send out an experience to you (of course) and the group. I kinda think it is amazing you might actually read all this. But I've been entranced by illustrations for decades.
Thank you! I do not know Linda Gordon, but will look her books up. I taught for four years, and one class I taught was about Women and Humor, and I included Zora Neal Huston! And I read WIlkersons amazing book, The Warmth of Other Suns!
“DeSantis was repeatedly, and loudly, booed.” ❤️🎉
I think that talking about it, especially in a forum like yours where you can reach lots of people is definitely a step in the right direction. Also, recognizing our own instinct to ignore what we feel like we don't have the power to change. We live in a scary world, for lots of reasons. Racism and anti-semitism are part of that.
Yes, I hope this fourm is a space like that, thank you.