why I need to speak out (and why you should, too)

Hi, friends.

It’s been a while since my last blog.

I’ve taken a break for a number of reasons, one of them being protecting my mental health vis a vis the challenges going on here in the US right now.

To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I would get back to writing this blog.

After all, I’m a coach (about to start my Masters in Counseling) and I use my newsletter to write about ‘coachy’ things.

Like feeling better, more empowered, more at home in your own life.

Then the election happened. Although we could see changes coming, were any of us completely prepared for what’s happening now?

In my podcast and writing, I found it difficult to stick to self-help topics. I felt myself needing to speak out against the many injustices that are happening.

Alas, I’m no political scholar, and eventually, I became overwhelmed. So I hit the snooze button.

Lately though, I’ve realized that my voice, however non-scholarly, is still important.

As someone working in a ‘helping profession’, I have an ethical obligation to speak out against injustice, cruelty, and violence of all kinds. I have an ethical obligation to help wherever I can help, and an ethical obligation to use my own advantages and privileges to ally with and advocate for my BIPOC and LGBTQ+ friends.

As a white, heterosexual person, I didn’t earn my advantages. I didn’t choose to be in a majority group any more than a non-white non-hetero person chooses to be in a minority group.

But in this culture, being white and hetero means having inherent privilege, and since I have what I have, it’s my responsibility to use it wisely.

Today’s message is in resistance to the ICE immigration raids, the ongoing internment of thousands of innocent people, the cruel and inhumane situation that is the so-called ‘Alligator Alcatraz’, as well as the kidnapping and deportation to El Salvador and South Sudan of hundreds of men.

If, like me, you are horrified by what’s going on and strongly oppose it, I’m speaking to you.

If you aren’t already, it’s time to speak out.

There are people being plucked off the streets and detained as I write this. Most of them have committed no crimes except to be here without documentation. Many of them are, in fact, in the process of gaining legal status.

These folks pick our vegetables, clean our hotel rooms, and look after our children, often for low pay. These people pay taxes and receive very little in return as far as social services go. Many have been here for years, even decades.

These people are not violent criminals. Most have no criminal records whatsoever.

We can debate how the immigration process should work, but the truth is that our economy needs these people to function, and we benefit greatly from their contributions to our culture.

As more innocent people disappear from their workplaces and homes and immigration appointments, we are starting to learn about the deplorable conditions they’re enduring in detention.

They are crammed into small cells or cages, without adequate facilities. They are given bug-infested food. They endure unhygienic conditions, inadequate shower facilities and sparse drinking water.

As difficult as it is to stomach, there are Americans who laugh at this cruelty. They take selfies in front of the Alligator Alcatraz signs. They say that this is what people without legal status deserve. They delight in the suffering of the very people who keep their communities running. Instead of neighbors, they see them as others, as ‘the enemy within.’

Let’s face it: our government is going after brown people. Our government is going after Spanish-speaking people. Our government is racially profiling people so that they can detain as many as possible to meet their self-imposed quotas.

The government is not, as promised, focused on prosecuting violent offenders who have come across the border to commit crimes. Instead, they’re weeding out regular, hard-working people they don’t want here…because they’re not white and well-off.

This is ethnic cleansing, plain and simple.

Made possible through our tax dollars.

So, what can we do?

If, like me, you also enjoy unearned advantages and you’re appalled by what’s going on, I invite you to speak out.

Let’s face it. You and I are probably safe…we’re not going to be picked up, detained or deported anytime soon.

Our immigrant friends are not safe right now. Our BIPOC and LGBTQ+ friends may not feel safe either.

Let’s step up and speak out in such numbers that this administration can’t deny how deeply unpopular this is.

Let’s make our message loud and clear. Let’s use our privileges and advantages to make sure that this injustice stops.

If they can take away rights for some people, how can we be sure that they will still be there for you and me?

No one is safe unless we are ALL safe.

Here are some ideas to start getting your voice heard:

Post on social media.

According to Heather Cox Richardson, social media is an extremely effective place to share your thoughts and feelings about what is going on. Political artwork, political memes, and even comedic political video clips are great ways to spread your message. Repost things that speak to you. Just be sure that if you repost articles or news stories, they are genuine and fact-checked.

Be an ally.

Reach out to those around you, especially your friends and neighbors who are immigrants, people of color, or members of the LGBTQ+ community. Ask them how they’re doing. Ask them how you can help them. Ask them what you can do to have their back. Take time and really listen to their answers. You may worry that you’ll say it wrong. But know that if you’re sincere and respectful, your intention will be appreciated. You are getting a valuable education in becoming an ally and advocate.

We need to speak out, and speak out now.

Because lives are at stake.

Because families and the well-being of children are at stake.

Because our communities and their ability to function are at stake.

Because our way of life, our freedom, and our ability to have a say in government is at stake.

Want some support in speaking your mind? Click here to schedule a free 30-minute connection call with me. And check out my podcast, coming home (to yourself). May your week be filled with self-love and rich insights. With love, Amy ♡♡♡