From race to space. I’m
glad to be witnessing an historic era but so far have only found one good thing
to even mention: two Americans just
joined two Russians on the International Space Station. Space flight sparks our imaginations and gives
us hope for the future. NOT Trump’s “Space
Force” with its military implications, but true science and exploration.
Science Fiction stories frequently do not end well. Our favorites, Star Trek and Star Wars are frequently
filled with interplanetary violence and generally duplicate all the bad things
we have faced throughout history. This
year we are seeing every disastrous Sci-Fi theme played out in real time right
now.
A pandemic disease is something that should be handled
scientifically and medically. But we now
know it has become another political game and played in the style of each
country’s leadership. China, firmly and
decisively; Germany, also decisive and intelligent. The USA—just another government-by-tweet, blame
someone else for every fuckup, and look for potential personal financial game
in every possible reaction. Oh, almost
forgot—and lie a lot.
This year the inherent racism of the US Justice system has
been stripped naked and paraded before the world. The answer is no longer “Blowin’ in the Wind”
but captured on video. When does
revolution happen? When injustice is so
extreme, the abused and the victimized can no longer contain their rage. Yes, we don’t “condone violence”. We don’t like blood (except on screen anyway)
and destruction. You don’t have to be an
historical expert to know that revolution is never clean and pretty.
Are there those who are taking advantage of the chaos for
their personal gain? Of course. Looters will loot, criminals in training will
steal and plunder, and special interest groups of all types will find something
in it to prove their points. No
revolution is a feel-good movie with the good triumphing over the bad and a
happy ending. Is America on the cusp of
a revolution?
Those of us who lived through the 60s and marched for peace
and civil rights thought that time had passed. Looking back, I now realize we were
merely appeased. Most of us went back to
our lives and became part of the whole fabric of society. We became “liberals” who voted, donated,
taught our children well, and became self-satisfied and smug. My reality, even in the bad times (lots of
bad times!) was always white privilege. Not
having to fight for everything leads one to forget that others have never
stopped.
In my workplace, race issues have popped up from time to
time. I know my African American
co-workers see their peers and our patients differently than I do. As a Social Worker, I try to keep my eyes
open and suspend innate prejudice, but let’s face it, I’m still white. When these issues have been addressed, the
managers I work with always deny that racism exists within their walls. The African Americans are not fooled by
this. But, up until now, everyone has
remained quiet. Maybe enough is really
and finally enough.
Yes, the Revolution will be televised this time. And because of this, seeing racism, hatred, abuse
and murder right in front of our eyes, has actually started the impending
revolution. Maybe. Most of us living today have never seen a
lynching. But we know that in this part
of the country lynchings were public entertainment, children included. I am at least somewhat gratified that people
who have previously been quiet are speaking up about the 21st
century lynchings and are clearly not amused.
Sadly, I now there are still those (probably within shouting distance)
that are gratified to see black men murdered and others who blame “outside agitation”(I
never thought I would hear that crap again).
I’m not sure if I need to be out on the streets again—but not
ruling it out. Protests here have been
peaceful and inspiring and I think everyone who has kept their beliefs in the
closet open the door and at the very least, speak your piece! And let us all hope and pray (if you pray)
that no more names are added to this already too long list of murders.
