Maybe it's the experience of being a straight white woman working the majority of my white life in organizations focused on gay rights and anti-racism, but I have very little tolerance for tolerance. Tolerance is not enough.
Yes, there is an agenda.
Yes, there is an agenda.
Take gay rights. Never mind that there still is no ban on housing or employment discrimination, freedom to marry is not enough. None of us are free so long as people merely tolerate LGBTIQA people. They must be liberated from condemnation and judgment.
Take civil rights. First, housing and employment discrimination may be illegal, but it still happens. People may be able to vote, but their right is impinged by regulations, poor equipment, long lines, and other impediments
But even if that was fixed, Black people would still not be liberated until the day they can shop while Black, walk on the street while Black, drive while Black, even sleep while Black without fear for their lives.
Civil rights are the minimum acceptable level of engagement, not the goal. The goal is liberation from fear and bigotry. That's why Tulsi Gabbard and Andrew Yang are such disgusting politicians.
Ah yes, three racist murderers got convicted, the struggle is over. The struggle is not over until Black people have as much space to screw up & make mistakes as white people. Liberation is not the best making it to the top. Liberation is when the screwups are safe and free, too
When I think of the society I want to live in, I don't think in terms of the cold comfort of tolerating each other. I think of all of us having the room to be free. That America has room not just for the best, but for even the mistaken.
Yes, there should be consequences for talking back to a teacher or shoving a kid's head in the toilet, but they should not involve juvenile prison
And prison, when necessary, should be rehabilitative, not punitive. IT should bring people out better-prepared with coping skills
And prison, when necessary, should be rehabilitative, not punitive. IT should bring people out better-prepared with coping skills
Of course, that means that we have to make room for BBQ Becky to learn and grow and become liberated from bigotry. I hope it happens for her. She would be a happier, freer person.
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