I, a usually very timid { until one gets to know me--- then look out!!} , artsy, INFJ Type4 Wing 5 person who would rather work " behind the scenes". The 2016 election { and the mess that followed} changed me. While I'm still the artsy, introverted weirdo that everyone knows, the mess of the past few years has really " forced my hand" so to speak.
I cannot, and will not continue being that " nice White liberal from the Pittsburgh Area" Being " nice" --- not disturbing the status quo of White America-- does NOTHING for Black, Brown or other oppressed groups.
Pastor Elle Dowd, in her book _ Baptized In Tear Gas_ talks about " niceness" and how White people have weaponized niceness to further agendas that keep oppressed persons { and I am including people with uteruses and LGBTQ+ persons} in place.
Pastor Elle writes in her book " White people use niceness and civility dishonestly. We { all White people-- especially me} say we value niceness , but what we really value is being in control of what niceness looks like and when it is appropriate by our own standards. We { White people} are addicted to control, ' { Dowd page 44} Of the protests in Ferguson and St Louis, the author writes" White people in cars were so angry about blocked traffic that they tried to run over protesters." { Dowd page 45}
I, the introverted, " nice" White woman, joined my local Democratic Women's Club. As much as I detest partisan politics, direct action-- done with people who share my values, is the only way to effect real change.
As hard as it is for me to be a joiner of any social or community-betterment club-- what happened on the 6t of January really caused me to re-evaluate the legacy I want to leave for the generations coming up. Due to COVID and protecting my spouse-- who is undergoing cancer treatment-- I elected to support the Black Lives Matter efforts here in my City from home.. In order to keep Brian safe, I had to stay home and be an Internet Activist. I hated this, but I had a spouse to protect from germs and the Floyd murder happened before vaccines were made and tested.
However, this summer and autumn I am vaccinated, masked and ready to take to the streets to show people in charge that Pensacola is slowly changing. There are enough of us- that if we put our differences aside and work together-- one issue at a time, we can be that force for good and necessary trouble.
This week I sent in my dues for the Escambia County chapter of the Florida Democratic Women's Club. My first meeting of my chapter { via Zoom--- yucko} is next week. In October, I plan to join my siblings in the MUCH more radical Workers' World Party in a rally for reproductive rights.
I am the daughter of hippies--- and the song from Frozen 2 " Show Yourself" speaks to me--- finally stepping into my own power as the activist and change-maker I've meant to be.
Some lyrics:
"I've never felt so certain All my life I've been torn But I'm here for a reason Could it be the reason I was born? I have always been so different Normal rules did not apply Is this the day? Are you the way I finally find out why?....
I am found Show yourself Step into your power Throw yourself Into something new You are the one you've been waiting for!
Hello, world!
~Sarah Elizabeth McCarren
6 September 20201
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