by Paula | Aug 30, 2020 | Paula Persists, Uncategorized
I grew up in an all-white neighborhood, and have lived my adult life in similarly segregated communities.
My white privilege is part of me, despite the fact that I never asked for it, and did not recognize it for most of my life. Without intent or malice, my experience has shaped who I am. While I have had difficulties in my life; I will never know what it is like to move about in our highly segregated and racialized world with black or brown skin.
We are all on a journey of awareness–an often uncomfortable journey of listening and learning; a journey in which we need to face and challenge long-held assumptions and biases. We need to educate ourselves, rather than remain in blissful, privileged ignorance.
These times are hard. Like so many people, I am weary; but I can only imagine how exponentially weary my black friends are of explaining (for the upteenth time) that the phrase “ALL lives matter’ dismisses and trivializes the consistent, systemic and state-supported devaluation of black lives. I can only imagine the weariness of regularly engaging with well-intended white folks who proclaim “I don’t see color’; or dealing with those who completely lost their shit when Colin Kaepernick took a knee, but are now yelling the loudest that the only effective protest is a peaceful protest.
To those decrying violence and property damage: I agree that it would be WONDERFUL if we could address our race issues calmly, rationally and peacefully—So, when do those talks start??
The historic reality is that whenever when black people have sought justice, they have faced extraordinary violence from white people in many forms: Slavery, Jim Crow laws, Lynchings, Civil rights violence, fire hoses turned on children, burning of churches or whole towns, assassinations of civil rights leaders and more. Our history clearly tells us that No form of protest is acceptable to those who are vested in preserving the status quo.
These are difficult times – it is the Civil Rights FlashPoint of our generation. Our actions, or inaction, now reflect the true nature of our characters. Will you rise to the challenge to advocate for freedom and human dignity for all, or will you double down on preserving a status quo that protects your own wealth and entitlement? If this were the 1960s, Would you be listening to Dr. King, or would you be shouting him down and cussing him out?
Choose well, my friends.
by Paula | Jun 28, 2020 | Paula Persists, Uncategorized
During most of my life racism has been a topic that we just don’t talk about. Of course, the ‘we’ in that statement refers to privileged white folks (such as myself); Black people don’t have the option to go through their lives pretending racism doesn’t exit.
The cold-blooded murder of George Flloyd captured the nations attention and served to shine a light on the shameful and horrific ways in which racism is still very much alive and well in the ‘land of the free’.
For the first time in my life, I am routinely having conversations about race. Friends and family are more open to listening and learning why ‘All Lives Matter’ cannot be true until and unless Black Lives Matter. Some of us are emerging from our white cocoon of privilege to listen and learn about the experiences of Blacks in our communities–who do not always feel safe in our neighborhoods.
Many well-meaning, well-intended middle-class white people have not fully recognized the breadth and scope of the problem, because WE don’t see it or experience it on a day-to-day basis. When confronted with yet another video of a cops killing another unarmed Black person, it has been too easy to dismiss the act as an aberration, versus the legacy of long-standing and systemic racial terrorism. There is no longer any excuse for that sense of entitled ignorance.
A couple years ago I got into an argument about racism with a work colleague. This particular Male Karen (I will call him MK), was a very vocal self-appointed expert on any and all topics. MK was explaining to me that he was not going to attend a Diversity presentation at our work place, because “he treats everyone the same, he doesn’t ‘see’ color, therefore racism is not HIS problem’. I pointed out that MK has benefited from white privilege whether he realizes it or not; and I suggested he may want to do more learning and listening than talking on this particular topic. MK blew up at me and called me a racist, to which I very maturely replied: “No, YOU are the racist! Eventually HR intervened, and told us not to talk about race at work–which disappointed me, given that Diversity was allegedly a Corporate value. How can we expect change if we are not allowed to talk about it?
This experience shook me, and for a time, I was hesitant to initiate or participate in conversations about diversity and racism, despite my growing interest and knowledge on the topic. Fast forward to June 2020—the time is ripe for these long-deferred difficult conversations, and it has become less acceptable for white people to simply ignore or deny the problem.
We need to take advantage of this flashpoint to educate ourselves, listen to and amplify Black voices, to become and act as allies. If you haven’t already done so, check in with your Black friends, support BLM, participate in peaceful protests, have difficult conversations, and hold your friends and family accountable for their actions and words. And finally, whether you are a man or a woman – for gawd’s sakes… don’t be a Karen.
by Paula | May 18, 2020 | Paula Persists
The MAGA crowd has never answered the question: When, exactly, was America great? What is the timeframe that they are so nostalgic for?
Was America Great in the 40s and 50s? WW II gave us the ‘greatest generation’, with inspirational stories of incredible heroism and bravery from the war front and from the home front. The post-war era gave us the baby-boom and an economic framework that enabled the rise of a strong middle-class; supported by the GI Bill, federally funded home loans and a robust labor movement.
There is a flip side to that era: Japanese internment camps, the Klu Klux Klan, laws that prevented women from having their own bank accounts. Oh, and those government-backed programs that helped build America’s middle class? They were generally only available to white men.
Was America Great in the 60s? After all, we saw the first man walk on the moon—an event I remember watching on our fuzzy black and white console TV! But, we also saw the slayings of JFK, RFK and Martin Luther King, and we watched grown men turn fire hoses on little black children in Birmingham.
What about today? America is a country of great wealth, yet 40% of our citizens live in, or near, poverty. How can we say we are great when so many of us don’t have reliable housing, food or access to health care? Today, the USA currently leads the world in deaths due to COVID 19. So, are we great yet?
Any era of American history that we choose is riddled with both great accomplishments and great oppression and cruelty. America has always been a land of contradictions. Any definition of greatness depends on the lens that is used to view the era.
The MAGA lens of greatness reflects a particularly narrow and xenophobic ‘love it or leave it’ brand of patriotism. They demonstrate a sense of entitlement to American greatness as uniquely THEIRS. No immigrants, feminists, ‘libtards’, people of color, Native Americans, gays, lesbians, or non-Christians are welcome in their imagined era of greatness.
They appear to be nostalgic for the days when there were no consequences for sexual assault or harassment–after all (white) ‘boys will be boys’.
They appear to be nostalgic for the days when women were legally second-class citizens and were constrained further by narrow domestic social norms.
They appear to be nostalgic for the days when homosexuality was firmly in the closet.
They appear to be nostalgic for the days when industries could pollute our planet without restriction or consequences.
Above all else, the MAGA crowd misses the good ‘ole days when it would have been impossible for a black man to become President.
They appear nostalgic for a much romanticized past when the power and authority of straight white men were absolute–when there was little risk of ‘others’ taking part in the American Dream.
The MAGA crowd is afraid of anyone who does not look like, sound like, love like or pray like themselves. These fears are stoked daily by their combative leader. tRump revels in stirring up division and conflict, and when there is no true conflict of interest, he creates one in order to keep his base in a continual state of rage and indignation–even if that anger ends up being directed at some poor Costco clerk who is just checking to make sure shoppers are wearing masks.
One can debate endlessly as to when America was at its peak of ‘greatness’. But one thing I am sure of: our current path is decidedly NOT leading towards ‘greatness’, no matter how rose-colored your glasses or your hat.
by Paula | May 10, 2020 | Family, Paula Persists
These are unusual times, and I have taken the unusual measure of isolating myself in a small AirBnB in Minneapolis to ensure a clean bill of health prior to a much-anticipated visit with my new grandson, his sisters and his parents.
This has offered a rare (for me) opportunity to experience a week alone. Although in this digital age we are never truly alone, unless we go off the grid in some truly remote location, which I decidedly did NOT do. I arrived at my AirBnB with no fewer than 4 electronic devices, all of which have been employed regularly, including the work-issued computer I used Monday-Friday.
Even so, this is the closest I am likely to come to being a hermit. I have learned a few random things:
- I love Grubhub– who knew?
- Minnesota is cold in May. My daughter told me to pack my swimsuit ‘just in case’ they decide to break out the Slip N Slide during my visit. Today when I woke up the temp was 39 degrees. Ugh.
- I had to face my discomfort taking a walk in this urban and diverse neighborhood. (This could be its own post – so many lessons!)
- Doing a puzzle can be a pleasant distraction OR it can be an unhealthy obsession, wherein a person stays up into the wee hours of the night, squinting frantically at the puzzle that MUST BE DONE before Monday. (In a fit of healthy insight – I dismantled my ‘nearly done’ puzzle this morning before sitting down to write this. It is time to let go of those things that do not serve us.)
- I love talking to my friends and family via video chat. I also love that we don’t talk ‘too’ long.
- I am blessed with family that I can rely on even when I am not there. The critters and home are well taken care of.
- I don’t need a lot of stuff
- Morning coffee is best while reading the newspaper and watching the birds that flock to the feeders in our backyard; preferably with my husband and after walking the dog.
There is more, but you get the gist. During the time of COVID, we are all more isolated than before. We miss spending time with people, going to events, and participating in activities. Yet, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sit back, simplify, and take stock of what is truly important.
Now, if you will excuse me, it is time to put on multiple layers of outer-wear and go for a walk. Also– I have a slightly used puzzle for anyone who wants it.
by Paula | Apr 8, 2020 | Paula Persists, Uncategorized
Mondays are much maligned as the toughest day of the week, and this past Monday was particularly horrific. At the request of GOP leaders in Wisconsin, the state’s Supreme Court and the US Supreme court made back-to-back rulings threatening the health of Wisconsinites by forcing us to gather at the polls during the height of this dangerous pandemic.
The courts issued an 11th hour over-rule of the Governor’s executive order to defer the spring election from April 7 to June and his order to extend the absentee voting time frame. This was the latest and last straw in a series of maneuvers by the GOP to undermine attempts to legally defer the election-explained in more detail in this NY Time article. Evers has stated that it is impossible to compromise with an uncompromising foe.
Voters in our largest city, Milwaukee, were most harshly impacted. Because of the pandemic, the number of polling locations were slashed from 180 to 5. Yes, you read that right – FIVE. This resulted in hours-long waits outside, sometimes in the rain, with large groups of people.
Voters were faced with impossible decisions, particularly the elderly and others at greatest risk from COVID 19; in addition to the risk of infection, not everyone is physically capable of standing outside for hours in the cold and rain. Many made the difficult choice to stay home, rather than brave the cruel and unusual conditions of voting in this particular election.
We were fortunate; Dan and I had already submitted our absentee ballots, and my daughter voted with no delays at our tiny municipality town hall. Yet, this gives me small comfort, since so many of our community were disenfranchised.
Why does the GOP consistently seek to make it harder for people to vote? It is a blatant (and thus far successful) strategy to further tighten their grip of power within the state, and to undermine our Democratic Governor Evers at every turn. You may recall that this GOP controlled Legistlature literally changed the laws to limit the governor’s authority after Evers was elected, but before he took office. Shameful.
I have friend who is a nephew of a state law-maker, who advises that some Republican legislators in the state see the damage that is being done, but are unwilling to commit political suicide by standing up to the extremists who provide leadership to their party.
Our leaders have lost their souls. And, god help us, we have let them. Regardless of what new obstacles are put in our path, we must prevail in November.
by Paula | Jan 26, 2020 | Paula Persists, Uncategorized
The GOP has begun their offensive defense in Trump’s impeachment debate. I use the term debate instead of trial, because (as a former debate nerd), I know that a trial includes witnesses and evidence, and the proceedings focus on facts. So far, this ‘defense’ has no interest in the facts, and their defense consists of screaming: “Witch Hunt! The Dems are terrible!”
This is Trump and his sycophant’s stock reply whenever there are credible accusations against him or with any attempts to hold him accountable for anything he says or does. Multiple sexual assault accusations? Witch Hunt? Mountains of evidence that he withheld approved aide to Ukraine in exchange for a political favor? Witch Hunt! Les Parvas? “Never met the guy – Witch Hunt!”
Mr. Grab ’em by the Pussy never apologizes or backs down. His White House no longer conducts press conferences, because reporters ask too many pesky questions. He insists that only his version of events is relevant — facts be damned. Trump really could shoot someone in broad daylight and get away with it. If any prosecutor dared to bring charges, they would be viciously attacked, trolled and mocked with cries of being part of a politically motivated vendetta.
The GOP has lost it’s soul. Trump is their Supreme Leader, an Emperor for life who cannot be questioned. Anyone who dares to question him will be severely punished!
The Senate will not vote to remove Donald Trump, and in the process they will attempt to defame and destroy the Democrats, and any other person or entity that believes that even THIS President should be held accountable.
The GOP Senate leadership is willfully flexing their majority muscle to destroy any flimsy remnants of checks and balances between Congress and the Administrative branch, which will effectively erase any slim hope that this Administration will act within the bounds of the rule of law and/or the Constitution.
This Senate is handing Trump a blank check, with absolutely no limits to what he can do and how he can conduct himself. He will be even further emboldened to use his office for blatant personal and political gain. We are seeing the making of a dictator in real time.
