flibbitygiblets
flibbitygiblets's JournalWho watched MSNBC's "Everyday Racism in America" tonight?
What did you think?
I thought it was really powerful. Some of the stories were hard to hear, and yet unsurprising at the same time. Here were some of my biggest takeaways, FWIW:
1) Across the country, we need to have a lot more of these types of discussions. Hearing these stories, and the resulting psychic harm, is needed to help white people "get it". More companies need to take a cue from Starbucks and devote time to educate their employees (and reinforce that training continually).
2) If we're ever going to turn the tide on everyday racism, we need more white people need to speak up when we see racism happening, even in subtle forms. And I don't say that because I think people of color need white people to "save" them. I say it because unfortunately, white people are more likely to listen to other white people. And also because racism is not just a problem for people of color, it's all of our problem. It harms our communities. It harms our workplaces. It harms our humanity.
3) I was amazed and saddened to hear how minority races and religions often must internalize their hurt and anger when they've been discriminated against, or else face even more real danger (being perceived as a "scary" or "angry" black person or muslim, or horror of horrors, both, can lead to police involvement). And I also understand more than ever why some minorities ARE really angry; I'd be beyond fed up too. Who wouldn't?
I wanted to say one more thing before I go: I really debated whether I should post in the African American forum because I am white. My sense is that my posting here might be seen as an intrusion of a safe space (and if so, I do apologize). But then I realized, "oh, that's probably how African Americans feel every day, only on a much larger scale". SMH.
Democrats' newest midterm pitch: Crackdown on corruption
Source: Washington Post
Democrats are preparing to highlight allegations of corruption surrounding the Trump administration — and a legislative agenda to prevent future abuses — as they continue rolling out their party platform ahead of November’s midterm elections.
According to a senior Democratic official familiar with the announcement, the new agenda will include proposals that would eliminate loopholes that allow lobbyists and lawmakers to buy and sell influence without the public’s knowledge. The message: Elect Democrats in November to “clean up the chaos and corruption in Washington.”
“This administration is failing to police itself, to set moral standards, to clean up its messes, to shun corrupt behavior, and to drain the swamp,” the Democratic official said. “It’s the American people who are getting stuck with a raw deal. That has to change.”
The proposals are set to be rolled out Monday afternoon on Capitol Hill with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) and several other congressional Democrats who have been engaged in anti-corruption issues, including Rep. John Sarbanes (Md.) and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (R.I.).
Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2018/05/21/democrats-newest-midterm-pitch-a-crackdown-on-corruption/?utm_term=.11c676ef50d7
Finally, an actual message. Yes, we need a catchphrase like "This is what Draining The Swamp actually looks like!".
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Gender: Do not displayHome country: US
Current location: Portland OR
Member since: Wed May 17, 2017, 03:59 PM
Number of posts: 7,220
