Well what are we gonna do about it?

[thollandpe]

More than 35 years ago when I was dating the woman who is now my wife, she confronted a bunch of lunkheads who were doing some stupid shit. Initially they were stunned and embarrassed for being called on their shit, but then one of them recovered, leaned toward me and poked me in the chest, saying "What are you gonna do about it, ____?" [Veesalon does not allow the word]

It was my turn to be stunned and embarrassed. But the best reaction was to say nothing, hold my ground, and watch them melt in her withering gaze as they left with their tails between their legs.

I don't think that's the case with the shit that's going down now. I think that we have a responsibility to act. We have to act. But how? I don't know, but these are some of the things that were brought to my attention by someone younger and smarter than I (and also the daughter of the aforementioned and unafraid woman).

We can educate ourselves.

• Pay attention to the news. We all know that news outlets vary in quality, and where to find the good stuff.
• Read through these frequently-updated statistics from the Washington Post tracking police-related civilian deaths. Fatal Force | The Washington Post
• Consider this article on how silence about issues of injustice is complicity. Don't Say Nothing | Teaching Tolerance
• Explore "why is this happening" from the 100 Year Hoodie project. Why is this happening? | 1-year-hoodie

We can seek support.

• If you're part of an affinity or support group, please tell us what it is.
• If you have been on the receiving end of harassment, discrimination, or physical violence please tell us your story. PM me if you don't want to say it public. I will hear you.

We can take action.

• Text JUSTICE to 668366 to sign a petition demanding that the cops who killed George Floyd are held accountable for their actions.
• Visit FIGHT FOR BREONNA.
• Donate to anti-white supremacy work such as:
  > our local chapter of Black Lives Matter Boston or yours #blacklivesmatter
  > National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls
  > NAACP #WeAreDoneDying
  > Southern Poverty Law Center
  > United Negro College Fund
  > Black Youth Project 100 (She Safe, We Safe)
  > Color of Change
  > The Sentencing Project
  > Families Against Mandatory Minimums
  > A New Way of Life
  > Dream Defenders

What are we gonna do about it, ____s?

[DJB]

Wow- this hits home. Thanks. Must get off the sideline.

[72gmc]

Well, yes. I will. Thank you for the links.

With respect to the news, going to the sources used by the big media companies is also a valuable step, and it can eliminate some of the opinion (real or perceived) that an individual with a byline might add to the story.

Business & Financial News, U.S & International Breaking News | Reuters
Associated Press News

[ides1056]

I am going to go ride my bike on this beautiful day and let all the negative thoughts drain out of my head.

[Too Tall]

Todd is right we have to act and do it visibly, with conviction.

[mbrtool]

Todd, thanks

Ray

[Brian E Hammer]

Well said Todd. Text sent, petition signed, donation made. Trying to fend off the feeling of hopelessness. Talk often to my pals from different cultures and beliefs other than my own to try and get a better understanding and to make the world better
as one day fades and a new one begins. Still feel like the world is going to shit but hopefully it's an incremental step to the better.

[mnoble485]

I think this belongs here rather than the other thread. I went to a local protest gathering yesterday here in Lakeland which has a population of 115,000 people. I was struck by two things. The first was that the average age was around 25 and that all of them seemed sincere in what they were doing. It gave me some small hope for the future. The second thing I noticed was that I was the only one I saw that was of an age that remembers the civil rights protests from the late 60’s and seventies. I hope, but fear, that many of us have slipped into a zone of comfort or stupor that allows us to watch it on TV and tsk,tsk from the comfort of our home.

I was glad I spent an hour walking around and talking to the younger generation. They are not all oblivious of what’s going on around them.

Mike

[thollandpe]

Like Mr. Rogers' mother told him, in scary times we should look for the helpers.

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