The Other in All of Us

August 6 to 12 is Anti Racism week - one of those fine ideas that risks becoming just another Hallmark moment, but which one hopes becomes a part of the fabric of living every day. Truth Seeker's on Ryze wrestle with this, in human ways.

Considering the issue, I cannot accept the notion that oppression is relative--there is a core and it applies to racism and beyond.

People struggle with this notion of equity in the fight for just ways of being. "My (personally relevant, pet, trendy, recently grasped, etc. )issue first!" seems to dominate the discussion. "Sure, I acknowledge your pain, but..." "Yeah, that's not right but look at THIS and you'll see why this one needs to be dealt with FIRST!"

Audre Lorde's thoughts are relevant.

So long as we insist that a hierarchy of oppression is legitimate, we legitimize oppression. This week, I ask that readers join me in standing up against all forms of prejudice, delving deep within ourselves and through interaction with others to really understand the dynamics of "the other" and how this plays out in our various worlds.

Start the journey, if you are not already on it, in simple ways. Attend the local folkfest celebrating the ethnic diversity of your community. Own your own heritage and share it with others. Volunteer and give in time, less than money, through engaging people you don't usually find in your world--people with mental challenges, the glbt community, the ethnic group your locale places outside, etc. Look around, let yourself see. The answers will come.