Charlottesville

Like so many of you, I have been saddened, incredulous, disappointed, and afraid for the heart and soul of our nation in recent days.  Charlottesville had a beautiful peaceful candlelight vigil tonight that moved me (and Anderson Cooper) to tears.  It was healing and helped me remember that the vast majority of Americans are as horrified as I am and many are feeling renewed in our dedication to advancing justice and equity.

I also believe that most of us are trying our best to frantically find and rip out the prejudices we harbor as we see them arise in our hearts in the course of daily life.  I know that these prejudices have been taught to us from an early age by a society around that is still fundamentally unjust.  In many ways, these weeds in the garden are not our fault.  They were planted by others. But we are not victims, especially those of us who are blessed with privilege. In fact, we have a great responsibility to be self-aware, improve our perspectives and postures toward others, and strive to advance justice every day.

I am going to try to set aside these feelings of panic, fear, and sadness and instead feel motivated to do better as a person, inspire the youngsters around me to cherish our diversity and strive for justice, and advance the cause of freedom and equity whenever I can.

peace,
Ingrid