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After vote, a new responsibility

“Among the natural rights of the colonists are these: first, a right to life; second, to liberty; third, to property; together with the right to support and defend them in the best manner they can. These are evident branches of … the duty of self-preservation, commonly called the first law of nature. All men have a right to remain in a state of nature as long as they please; and in case of intolerable oppression, civil or religious, to leave the society they belong to, and enter into another. … Now what liberty can there be where property is taken away without consent?” — Samuel Adams

In the last two weeks I have heard from many people that are questioning their future and the futures of their children and so on. What can we be certain of?

I spoke with a friend whose daughter is currently operating her own business at the age of 19 to put her through college and is doing a great job at it. At one point, Stephanie said, “You worry your kid is missing the point and then you turn around and see she not only gets it, she can explain it better than you ever could.”

We were talking about our current situation our nation is in at this time and she proceeded to tell me about what her daughter had said. The following is what Harper told us all …

“A big topic right now is self-preservation. In this trying and fearful time, a lot of us are asking ourselves ‘what can I do to keep myself safe?’ and this is an understandable, appropriate reaction. However, remember where you stand and what privilege you have. As a white … straight-presenting person, I face less risk on a day-to-day basis now then any of my marginalized counterparts. Yes, I am a woman, and therefore I am at risk in this political climate, and that terrifies me. But what terrifies me more is the amount of risk other people face that do not have the privilege of safety to speak their minds. People of color, Muslims, immigrants, and people of the LGBT community are at MUCH greater risk than I am.

“It is my responsibility, and the responsibility of the systematically privileged to take our risks, be uncomfortable, and speak when others are unable. If the biggest risk we face is discomfort in conversation, we have an obligation to take that risk. We have a responsibility to preserve safe spaces within where we can and as much as we can, but not claim them.  We may not need a safe space that others do, but we may be able to protect it. If you claim to be an ally (as you should) remember that this is not about you, it is about those you are an ally to. Don’t be so self-important. Don’t sit there and be so proud of yourself for being an ally if you are taking over safe spaces that do not belong to you in the name of ‘helping.’ Do not speak FOR our marginalized brothers and sisters, but help THEIR voices be heard. Project their voices.  Walk alongside our brother and sisters and hold their hands but don’t you dare step in front of them.

“Be a safe space for those that need you, but do not claim to understand having experienced systematic oppression if you have not. Do not say ‘but not all men,’ do not say ‘but not all white people,’ DO NOT DEFEND systematic oppression.

“Be a safe space and hear their anger, sympathize with their anger, and be angry with them.  Be angry that you live in a country where your brothers and sisters do not feel safe being who they are. Be angry at your fellow white man for letting this oppression continue. Understand your privilege and do not dare try to justify it. This is not MY America, but I will do anything I can to keep my brothers and sisters safe.

“I would also like to point out that the use of ‘brothers and sisters’ is meant to advocate for humans being part of the same family, but I do understand that some may not identify with either the masculine or feminine version of these words and I want you to know that you COUNT and I am so sorry that there is not a better word to effectively get my point across.”

Those are the words of Harper Lyons, a humanitarian and a compassionate, clear-seeing woman that has managed to put into words what a lot of us have been thinking of for the last two weeks. Don’t be blinded by your privilege, be a safe person that isn’t afraid to say something if it’s wrong and stand against hate. Your actions speak louder than your words. You may not like what I write, but that’s too bad, I will always speak up and out.

We’re all in this together. Suck it up, Buttercup.

Cath Kestler is resident of Silver Creek. Send comments to editorial@observertoday.com

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