As I was coming back from the Jackson, MI Project Homeless Connect committee meeting yesterday, I started driving with the radio off, which was a great way to quiet my thoughts. I have been feeling overwhelmed with media bombardments recently, and so I just started thinking, letting my mind wander.

On the Feministing community, a trans woman had decided that she was joining the trans person boycott of the website -- far too many people were derailing comments, asking to be educated or refusing to respect the posters and commenters. I was also thinking about the altmuslimah post on how to defend Muslim women. I had also, for a while, watched the deadbrowalking LJ community, interested in their discussion of race in scifi and fantasy, but being afraid to join in, for fear of using my status as a privileged white person.

I recognize that what I am about to do can also be seen as derailing -- it may be seen as a play in the Oppression Olympics, or possibly "But that happens to me, too!" Or even, "Look at how enlightened I am!" But I mean it as a sincere attempt at recognizing my privileged statuses.

I am:

White
Cisgendered
Heterosexual/Cissexual
Married
United States Citizen
Upper Middle Class
Christian (Catholic)
College Educated
Employed
Healthy / Fully Abled
Normal weight/BMI
Health Insured
Literate
Securely Housed
Right Handed

( Which means: )

This is just a beginning, just a note to myself to keep thinking about it. I hope that other anti-racist allies, other opponents of the kyriarchy out there might want to jump in, as well.

Another good link, just because: Help! I've just been called a racist! by dear LJ friend cacophonesque, who I hope doesn't mind that I've linked her.

This is from a pamphlet that I got over a year ago at the St. Johns Student Parish here in EL. It has been in the back of my mind ever since -- I type it up now so that I can recycle the pamphlet and stop worrying about losing it. What follows is something I still meditate on, and, yes, pray about.

From "Renewing the Earth"
A Statement by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops

"At its core, the environmental crisis is a moral challenge. It calls us to examine how we use and share the goods of the earth, what we pass on to future generations, and how we live in harmony with God's creation. The environmental crisis of our day constitutes an exceptional call to conversion. AS individuals, as institutions, as a people, we need a change of heart to save the plant for our children and generations yet unborn. The human family is charged with preserving the beauty, diversity, and integrity of nature, as well as with fostering its productivity. Yet, God alone is sovereign over the whole earth. For believers, our faith is tested by our concern and care for creation."

"Song of the Sun"
Praise be my Lord God
with all creatures; and especially
our brother the sun, which brings
us the day, and the light;
fair is he, and shining with a
very great splendor:
O Lord, he signifies You to us!
-Saint Francis( Read more... )

Note to myself: Next residence should be close enough to a grocery place so that trips can be made that aren't a huge deal.