I haven’t written anything for this blog since the end of November. I’m not entirely sure why not. I maintain a running list of topics about which to write. Some are serious, some frivolous. Perhaps I have just been lazy; retirement can provide an odd mixture of Nothing and Everything To Do. Maybe I just needed a break. It’s time to write again.
The thing is, I have a voice and the means to use it, unlike millions in the United States who are both invisible and unable to speak, figuratively, if not literally. Consistent with terms and traditions we have all heard and used over the years without considering their implications, readers might remember that the inability to speak used to be referred as “dumb.” Consider how clueless we all were about the not-very-subtle message associated with that term. It is way past time that we thoughtfully examine myriad terms and references that we might have used thoughtlessly in the past. It can be argued that ignorance is bliss. While the learning curve is extremely steep for some, there is no longer an excuse for ignorance. No bliss.
We are in the middle of two pandemics — one created by a virus and spread through ignorance and selfishness, one created by injustice and spread through ignorance and fear. My voice is tiny and privileged. Using it may make no difference at all, but not using it is irresponsible.
I saw a wonderful post on Facebook today of a middle-aged or older gentleman in a wheelchair. Masked to protect others, he wore a t-shirt emblazoned with “Black Lives Matter.” The sign he carried proclaimed: “Sorry I’m late. I had a lot to learn.” We all have a lot to learn. It’s never too late.
Glass Full 