Never have I been so invested in election results, never have I been so stunned, ... hold onto your shorts people, we are going to be in for a wild ride the next few years. I have spent the past week kind of wrecked, really I remain beyond comprehension as to how the country could have such a strong desire for any kind of change (I get the need for change), that they are able to accept, normalize and even embrace to the highest office the values and voice of misogyny, racism, xenophobia, lies, science denial, the list is vast and I am not sure how we can justify one (change) without giving credence to the other (values). It was hard to talk to the kids about it, because as far as they are concerned, the biggest trait that the people should be voting on is kindness. Being kids, after the first day they moved on, though we talk everyday now about how to do good each day, and how to stand up to victims of bullying. I thought long and hard about how to share with my classes, where I didn't really want a gripe fest, even if that is what we needed in some respects, and I want them to be successful, which means staying on target, plus who wants to see their professor cry in frustration... nobody needs that. They can know that I will make a call, it's not very time consuming, and it gives me a voice, and I expect after the first few horrible ones, it will get easier! Anyhow a few students have expressed appreciation that I shared this, and I want to remember what to do when I am feeling frustrated by politics, how to actually make an impact and my voice heard.
In the search for understanding... on the internet ... While I can best appreciate the comedic attempts to address our concerns, there were a few resources that actually impacted the way that I view and understand the state of our country:
for an empathetic view of what happened (try to make it past the movie references, they are actually helpful)
and the idea that we all have bias associated with different groups of people, once we can identify that bias, then we can address it... but I do find a strong claim that you aren't biased (racist) is probably not true, but how to we respond to our implicit biases, knowing they exist can change our views!
https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html
To my classes in response to the election:
I feel like I need to address the presidential election results, not because they were disappointing, but because they have resulted in a lot of sincere concerns, fear and anger. I am struggling with my role in the face of an uncertain future that appears to be anti-science and divisive, and maybe you are too. What I want to tell you is this: we need you more than ever, I need you for your determination, for your inspiration and for your justice. Social justice issues are environmental issues, both in this state, this country and world wide. Empathy, critical thinking and connecting society with the environment are the foundation of our well-being and even survival.
So, what can we do? I can’t say that I have answers, more what I would call starting points based on my own feelings and discussions with my colleagues. I want you to know that I will hear you, I will advocate for you and I will work with you to continue hone our critical thinking skills on the search for understanding. For you: Stay focused, listen to each-other, care for each-other and work hard, because the future of our country and planet depend upon you. Your education, your ability to evaluate and solve real-world problems, and sift fact from fiction is critical for our future, so I’m counting on you. Education is powerful, it gives you a voice and options and can actually change the world.
Do you need something more concrete? If you have a concern with policy, do you wish your senator or representative would say something… make an old fashioned phone call, speak from the heart:
Work with our local governments to ensure your values are applied at home, we have made some great progress here in support of education, of supporting our veterans, and connecting students to nature but we can do much more!
Support groups and individuals who are, let’s face-it, scared. I had hoped that we would be buffered somewhat here in Portland, but it turns out hateful rhetoric and crimes can make their way everywhere, but we cannot tolerate it, not for a moment more. Stand with the victims if you witness something, focus on moving to safety. If it is an emergency call 911, if it is a non-emergency, report it to the police (503-823-3333) or campus security (503-725-4404).
Stand with organizations that can support the values that you hold important: ACLU, NAACP, planned parenthood, LGBTQ alliance, IRCO, NRDC, Nature Conservancy etc... donate your voice, your time and your money.
Share your ideas and your plans with your peers.
