I will throw up.
“In these difficult times” has become the new standard, but what was easy about the time before now?
Remember, way back in February before the Coronavirus pandemic really hit the US? Remember how houselessness was a huge issue? Remember how affordable housing, even for people with fulltime jobs, was problematic? Healthcare was unaffordable to most and marginally provided by employers and the government. The education system was underfunded, failing, and exorbitant—and leaving young people fortunate enough to go beyond high school in deep debt (hello, 12.74% student loan interest rates). While income rose, it didn’t keep up with inflation and buying power–even for basic necessities–was down considerably.
Migrant families were being separated and put into concentration camps. People of color were being killed in the streets. And let’s not forget the weekly mass shootings.
National parks were being considered for privatization. National monuments were being stripped of their protected status and the remaining public lands were being opened for mining and oil extraction. Forests were being clearcut; the timber often shipped abroad for processing.
The US was on tenuous grounds with most of its former allies and was cozying up to a variety of tyrants and miscreants. The president was bombastic, petty, and immature. Not to mention destructive, vindictive, and lacking any form of intelligence.
Tell me, how were those times not difficult?
This is just the surface and just one country. Many other places are struggling with their own national issues.
This added layer of self-inflicted trauma–yes, self-inflicted. I see you, out-of-state non-believers, without masks wandering through my town–may create the perfect storm of difficult times but from my view, there is no indication that the previous time was easy.
Is this phrase hammered into us as a means of making the pre-COVID world seem rosy? People want to go back to their normal lives, but what is normal about weekly mass shootings? What is normal about being houseless? And is that a normal we want to support? If that is normal, I vote for abnormal.
We have an opportunity to create something better. The world systems are breaking down – now is the time to lay the foundation for the rest of the 2000s. Now is the time to rebuild with everyone in mind – not just the elite and the wealthy. Start at the beginning. We all deserve dignity, humanity, and equal rights. It’s a good place to start.
Instead of saying “in these difficult times,” let’s say, “I see you. You are invaluable. We have work to do. Let’s build a new world.” Practice starts today.
p.s., My birthday is on November third. I want a new president, please.
This is a principal reason I’m still teaching — to find, then motivate the few who could effectively address some of these issues.
I am grateful that you continue this cause – the number of students you reach adds valuable voices. Keep the faith, Dr. Denny.
Yes, indeed. We all have a role to play in chipping away the crust of crud which has formed over this beautiful land. A vote against Trump is a chip. A “Hello” on the street is a chip. One less plastic bag is a chip. In one day, you’ve cleared a small hole in that cruddy crust. Thank you for the reminder that our state of being is not due to a sudden event, but the result of long-term practices. It Will require an ongoing effort to reverse.
I don’t think there is a reverse. There is damage control and then Plan B. I hope that entails building all-new practices that encourage humanity, and are not at the expense of the planet.
Yes! 100%!
xoxo
If I could vote, you will have your new president for your birthday.
Please tell all your friends!
Your birthday present is on its way. The delivery wrapping will be a bit torn and crumpled from a bunch of wrestling it out of unwanted hands, but the inner gift will be shiny and glowing with good intentions.
Please don’t mind if it’s not as perfect as we might imagine, but please remember there’s a lot of imagining going on and that helps.
I don’t mind crumpled gifts. And imperfect is just right – as long as it is not idiotic and imbecilic.
Love love love, and love some more. Thank you so much for sharing this. ?
Thank you, Ashley. Share it far and wide. xoxo