Feeling the tension
Aug. 6th, 2024 09:15 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
rosa_heartlilyThere was a definite feeling of tension in the air as I walked home tonight. I noticed more PoC than usual - or maybe I was just more aware of them. But I gave them an inward cheer for just going about their lives. And I found myself looking at every white person and wondering which 'side' they were on.
If I let any of these thoughts continue then the Right has won, because the main purpose of these 'protests' is to breed fear and mayhem, and if I allow myself to be afraid and suspicious of everyone I meet - or to single out specific groups for particular praise - then I'm living in the divide-and-conquer universe they want. This is a time for showing unity and solidarity - a time to hug a stranger. Or... at least fist-bump them... I'm still not even giving hugs to people I know!
But the worst thing is feeling uncomfortable in my own darling city. The only time I've felt anything similar was after 7/7 when there were armed police in the city centre. I felt LESS safe, not more.
We continue to pray for peace, for connection, for love to be stronger than hate.
If I let any of these thoughts continue then the Right has won, because the main purpose of these 'protests' is to breed fear and mayhem, and if I allow myself to be afraid and suspicious of everyone I meet - or to single out specific groups for particular praise - then I'm living in the divide-and-conquer universe they want. This is a time for showing unity and solidarity - a time to hug a stranger. Or... at least fist-bump them... I'm still not even giving hugs to people I know!
But the worst thing is feeling uncomfortable in my own darling city. The only time I've felt anything similar was after 7/7 when there were armed police in the city centre. I felt LESS safe, not more.
We continue to pray for peace, for connection, for love to be stronger than hate.
