Don’t you know we’re talking about a revolution and it sounds like a whisper-Tracy Chapman
One of our house rules and, one I think a fine rule to follow in all of your interactions, is “Don’t talk about it, be about it”. If you see/feel something isn’t right, make it right. From the simplest to the most complex, make an impact. But how, you may ask? Many of our current problems have lengthy, painful histories; how can any one of us bring about the kind of revolutionary change we’d like to see for ourselves and moreover our children? By “being about it”.
I was inspired by a fellow friend, mother and artist’s post [here] to reflect on the meaning of revolution. Rotation: a single complete turn, I read. And immediately thought of the opportunities- the power we each possess to be part of the revolution one small, good turn at a time.
This week, I forwarded the video featured above to my husband, brother and son. Turning the tables on feminism, and presenting it as a way of life we all can benefit from. I want my men to be feminists too. They are the fathers, sons, husbands and brothers of daughters, mothers, wives, and sisters.
I wrote about racism, both blatant and perceived. I turned the painful topic on its head and asked if in fact race; the human race in all its flawed humanity could be mistaken for the construct of race in all its flawed complexity? It isn’t an easy question or a comfortable one to ask as a Black woman, but if one person thought about the current social clime from a different angle for a fraction of a second, I made a difference.
I wrote a friend and wished her “Happy Roshanah”, followed by an awkwardly humble, “Is that the proper greeting”? Because, I didn’t know. She said it was and, then we talked about apples and honey and Challah bread; knowledge is power. Love, friendship and the Jewish New Year are sweet.
Now, I sit and write this post to encourage and invite you all to share your stories, plans and ideas for the revolution. When you know better, you do better. -O. Winfrey
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
What a wonderful post! The sharing and acceptance of cultures is such a beautiful thing and a grand revolutionary act. Hmmm… my ideas and thoughts for the revolution? I’m still thinking them up.
Barbara´s last blog ..Moms of Hue
This is a powerful video and your commentary is very powerful as well. It is good to see you living what you espouse.
Love’s Gumbo´s last blog ..Family Heirlooms
Love this post! It’s beautifully written, heart- and hope-filled. I love it and connect with it. Thanks for putting it out there. I’m definitely up for a revolution!
“Be About It” Powerful, powerful words.
“Each one Teach One” is incorporated into my revolution. I believe that knowledge is ours to obtain, but not to keep. See, in this way, when we pass it on, we make room in our brains for me to come and as we pass it on, we assist with feeding the hungry and that is my mission in life. Especially after having my son – almost 12 years ago. So, I love your “don’t talk about it, be about it” because it is a challenge to move past the words and into action. Love it! Have always loved it!
Your video…loved it as well. What caught my attention was the “Sexy” and the “Bitch” and how one is used when we are obedient, while the other is used when we are not. To many, we are objects that are expected to conform to whatever the expectations of us are, and when we do, we are afforded the “privilege” of being exoticized; however, when we are not, we become that which walks on four legs with a tail between the legs… But isn’t that “man’s best friend” And does it not hold the title of being “loyal” Wow… Yes, it would be nice if ALL men could be feminists, huh?
Thanks for sharing. Love the post.
Traci´s last blog ..Power Outage…