Feeling drained after the #KavanaughHearings? I've been thinking about why. Objectively, there are far worse injustices going on even as Kavanaugh spoke.
Sure, there's the out of sight out of mind factor. Most injustice goes unreported; yesterday's hearing was not that.
Sure, there's the out of sight out of mind factor. Most injustice goes unreported; yesterday's hearing was not that.
But there was something distinctive about the hearing. It was a rare exposure of several different vectors of underreported injustice, concentrated into one episode.
We hear stories of sexual assault all the time. Or oppression. Abuser protection. Entitlement. Privilege. Character assassination. Lip service to the oppressed. Trauma. Legalized discrimination.
Rarely do we get to see it all in one day, before hundreds of millions of people
Rarely do we get to see it all in one day, before hundreds of millions of people
Those who are wired for compassion, then, would naturally have a very visceral reaction: the hearing at once touched on so many of the factors that define our humanity.
It brought up a lot of unacknowledged pain for a lot of people.
It brought up a lot of unacknowledged pain for a lot of people.
I can't imagine what it's like: I've never been the victim of assault, much less sexual assault.
But I can empathize with those who've survived it, and working with asylum seekers and other victims for 15 years has only served to enhance that empathy.
But I can empathize with those who've survived it, and working with asylum seekers and other victims for 15 years has only served to enhance that empathy.
Even during the hearing, we worked on a case of a DV victim repeatedly raped, and another woman who nearly fell victim to suicide. I'm not going to forget the juxtaposition of seeing a patriarchy protect the oppressors - whether in Guatemala, Pakistan, or the United States.
Oppression is on the opposite end of the spectrum from justice. It's when rights are unilaterally taken away. And the protection of the rights of others is a responsibility - especially for those privileged to enjoy rights others don't have.
So as Kavanaugh gets confirmed, focus on protecting others. It starts with yourself: recognizing your privilege. (And we all have some.) Then the rights of your family over you. Your community. Your country. Your environment. Don't lose hope.
You don't have to fight every injustice: pick your lane.
More concretely? Supporting candidates who are committed to protecting others. Calling out injustice wherever you see it: but offer a solution, too. If you can't, support those who are: even a thank you goes a long way.
More concretely? Supporting candidates who are committed to protecting others. Calling out injustice wherever you see it: but offer a solution, too. If you can't, support those who are: even a thank you goes a long way.
The only thing that matters is whether you tried.
Feel the joy of doing so.
Feel the joy of doing so.
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