It’s been a rough week in a rough year, and I know I’ve been less the cheery respite from it all than I could be, but dayyum, it’s hard to be hopeful and positive in the midst of the Murder Hornet Pandemic Apocalypse Systemic Racism Times. But in the last 24 hours, mixed with the barrage of news that rendered me speechless with anger and grief came a glimmer of joy. Grab a beverage and follow me across the story break...
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Regular readers know that my eldest child K1 is a seasoned and passionate activist, described by the professor who spoke about her at her Philosophy Department reception a few weeks ago as someone who ‘doesn’t just see injustice but immediately starts working on what can we do to make it better’. She’s been attending Netroots Nation since she was 14. This diary isn’t about her.
My son K2 has always cared deeply about justice and fairness, in his own unique way shaped by his experiences in the world. But he’s almost always been quiet about it, and as a 14 year old boy in general he’d prefer almost anything besides “let’s talk politics and social issues with the family”. Then we had dinner last night.
He quietly asked “Do you think Trump is going to win?” And for the next almost hour, we covered a variety of topics from electoral politics to gerrymandering, to Biden and Democratic Socialism (and how it’s different from Socialism Socialism), to why we’ll vote for Biden even though he wasn’t our firs… sec… erm, something, choice.
Then today as I drove him to and from his recently restarted soccer lessons, he asked me if I knew of [ some name I didn’t know ]. And when I said I didn’t, he told me about him, and we discussed some of the things he’d said about pronouns and gender identity.
My child, who mostly (I thought) watched soccer videos and chatted with friends on House Party or whatever platform Teh Kidz are using these days, listens to youtubes on race, gender, and politics. He’s beginning to articulate what he believes. And my heart grew another two sizes with love for this wonderful young man growing towards adulthood.
I also learned a valuable lesson (yet again) these past two days. When I don’t immediately leap in to ‘correct’ or ‘teach’ or ‘know better’, but instead listen… the conversation lasts longer, and growth happens on both sides.
Stay safe, all. Encourage the young ones to express themselves, and grow into their voices. And peruse our trio of Top Comments, Mojo and Pictures, then come hang out in the comments.
TOP COMMENTS
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From inkstainedwretch:
dmhlt 66 commenting to FishOuttaScotch's diary Flag of Treason' Lincoln Project Ad Juxtaposes Trump Supporters with Confederate Flag. Bleepety bleeps of a feather flock together.
Highlighted by ericlewis0 was this great comment by swkidder.
TOP MOJO
Top Mojo for yesterday, May 31st 2020, first comments and tip jars excluded. Thank you mik for the mojo magic! For those of you interested in How Top Mojo Works, please see his diary on FAQing Top Mojo.
TOP PICTURES
Top Pictures for yesterday, May 31st 2020. Click any picture to be taken to the full comment or picture. Thank you jotter!