Countering Oppression of
Stand with our Jewish and Muslim Neighbors
Recently we have seen a terrifying growth in antisemitic violence. The conflict between the State of Israel and Hamas has, predictably, energized and focused some to act out against our American Jewish siblings. This does not just impact the immediate victims, but the whole Jewish community – and indeed all people of color and religious minorities. It makes everyone less safe as the vine of hate grows stronger
Read MoreTurn Back From the Precipice
In recent weeks anti-Semitic attacks have risen sharply. This is after many years in which our Jewish neighbors have experienced increased hate crimes. Over the last year we have seen a rise in violence toward those perceived to be Asian Americans. A society experiences anxiety and change. Some important event happens. Public leaders apply collective…
Read MoreWhy We Say What We Don’t Mean to Say
We have been formed by a status-keeping system in our nation. It has shaped much of how we see the world. It has formed our “common sense” in ways that make no sense at all.
But not only can we be formed, we can be re-formed to see our common humanity. This is painful work. Real growth always includes pain. This work will never end, as long as I live.
However, the work of living more fully into our stated ideals, into our common humanity and the future we can build together is also blessed and enjoyable work. As we break the mold we have been formed in, we find ourselves freer to move, to stretch, to relax.
Small Things Matter in the Practice of Allyship
My perception was that people were trying to be subtly disrespectful of the chairperson, and therefore the tribe. This did not surprise me. But I felt angry and sad about it. I thought to myself, “What can I do?”
Read MoreMeaningful Responses to Challenging Questions
I learned many things when I started working on a farm when I was in 6th grade. One of them was that it is a lot less work to keep the bucket of nails away from the edge of a table than to pick up all the nails once the bucket hits the ground. Once…
Read MoreIt’s Easier to Hate Than Trust And That Doesn’t Make It Right
The result of false witness and collective blame is an increase in violence because of the fear, hate, and indifference that are created. We have seen a terrible rise in violence toward Asian Americans as former political leaders dubbed COVID-19 as the “China Virus.”
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