Not just another political post
Happy Veteran's Day to everyone who has served, especially my beloved Father.
In light of recent news regarding the election, I would like to clarify some misconceptions. This is not just another political post.
Protests for many years have historically been a symbol of unity and change. The purpose of a protest is to increase awareness, to allow voices of the minority to be heard and to create a movement. Nonviolent protests are effective and revolutionary. We can never forget the work of Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa and so many more before us (and hopefully more after).
I am aware that there are protests across the nation that have turned violent and destructive and while this may be the result for them, in Eugene, Oregon, this was not the case. I watched as members from the community-students, children, high schoolers, older folks, everyone of all backgrounds- joined together in solidarity, in a peaceful protest, to resist. Furthermore, I watched as numerous people kindly thanked and shook hands with officers of the U of O and the city as we marched through the streets. Instead of assuming and using the violent images that the media has chosen to portray protests to paint the picture for all protests, you should instead be looking at the protests at UO as a representation of peacefulness and civility. Peaceful protests DO exist. And they are beautiful and inspiring and everyone has every right to be a part of them.
While I do not associate or agree with violent protests, I think it is important to ask ourselves why this is happening. If destructing property scares you then you need to open your minds to the horrific and terrifying reality that members of various groups face on the daily and now even more. Your fear of vandalizing doesn't compare to the immeasurable fear that they face for their lives and their family's lives.
By "accepting" the results of the election (which many people have asked me to do), you are not only condoning the actions of someone who promotes racism, sexual assault, islamophobia, anti-gay, outwardly disrespected veterans (the list is endless), but you are also normalizing and encouraging the actions of violence and hate crimes against various groups. It is undeniable that hate crimes have increased since the election.If you deny or minimalize the fear that many groups are feeling or experiencing, you have a privilege that you need to acknowledge because this fear is a justified reality for them.
Please, before you choose to insert your opinion, ideas, and viewpoints on someone else, I urge you (I beg you), to do some research, gather your thoughts and respond in a respectful manner. Remember that if you don't identify with a particular group (people of color, disabled, veterans, LGBTQIA+, immigrants, undocumented people, indigenous etc.) you cannot enforce or claim to know their experiences nor can you push your own belief on them.
In light of recent news regarding the election, I would like to clarify some misconceptions. This is not just another political post.
Protests for many years have historically been a symbol of unity and change. The purpose of a protest is to increase awareness, to allow voices of the minority to be heard and to create a movement. Nonviolent protests are effective and revolutionary. We can never forget the work of Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa and so many more before us (and hopefully more after).
I am aware that there are protests across the nation that have turned violent and destructive and while this may be the result for them, in Eugene, Oregon, this was not the case. I watched as members from the community-students, children, high schoolers, older folks, everyone of all backgrounds- joined together in solidarity, in a peaceful protest, to resist. Furthermore, I watched as numerous people kindly thanked and shook hands with officers of the U of O and the city as we marched through the streets. Instead of assuming and using the violent images that the media has chosen to portray protests to paint the picture for all protests, you should instead be looking at the protests at UO as a representation of peacefulness and civility. Peaceful protests DO exist. And they are beautiful and inspiring and everyone has every right to be a part of them.
While I do not associate or agree with violent protests, I think it is important to ask ourselves why this is happening. If destructing property scares you then you need to open your minds to the horrific and terrifying reality that members of various groups face on the daily and now even more. Your fear of vandalizing doesn't compare to the immeasurable fear that they face for their lives and their family's lives.
By "accepting" the results of the election (which many people have asked me to do), you are not only condoning the actions of someone who promotes racism, sexual assault, islamophobia, anti-gay, outwardly disrespected veterans (the list is endless), but you are also normalizing and encouraging the actions of violence and hate crimes against various groups. It is undeniable that hate crimes have increased since the election.If you deny or minimalize the fear that many groups are feeling or experiencing, you have a privilege that you need to acknowledge because this fear is a justified reality for them.
Please, before you choose to insert your opinion, ideas, and viewpoints on someone else, I urge you (I beg you), to do some research, gather your thoughts and respond in a respectful manner. Remember that if you don't identify with a particular group (people of color, disabled, veterans, LGBTQIA+, immigrants, undocumented people, indigenous etc.) you cannot enforce or claim to know their experiences nor can you push your own belief on them.
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