From Nobody to Somebody
Oh man, where to begin with these questions! I think that with all of these issues we need to admit that systematic white supremacy has created these systems of oppression. I think the biggest problem is that the voices of these marginalized communities are kept out of the conversation. How can we fix something we know nothing about? I think that we need to change the narrative of how these communities are seen. They are not places devoid of substance. We need to invest in their education and community resources. We absolutely need to de-privatize prisons because it makes people of color easy targets and turns them into dollar signs. Honestly, I think there needs to be a change in who is running our government. Some of those people have been in there too long and need to go! They are collecting power and using it in the worst ways!
Janie-- I love the point that you make about changing the narrative about how these communities are seen. I think that far to often these narratives are created by people in our society that are on the other end. They do now know what it is like in these communities, but they put a red A over it and label "bad." Again as you said, "How can we fix something we know nothing about." I also loved the point you made about making education and resources a priority. Education is so important and it is not easily accessible to these communities. This is something that needs to be pushed more and more, but needs the help from our government who are you said, as "collecting the power and using it in the worst ways." It makes me think about how much positive change can still occur, but may never have the chance.
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