i read a question someone posted somewhere asking if i'd ever wanted to write a letter to a favorite time or memory in my life. i have, but it never turned out so beautiful as i needed it to be to remind me. so i tore it up and threw it away.
i've been feeling slightly uncomfortable in my life lately. just agitated like crazy. perhaps, it's the end of the year frenzy, but i think it has to do with some of the issues we've been dealing with in my latino/a migration class. the desperation of the situation is mind-blowing to me.
i want so much change in this world. and getting to think about it has made me feel a little bit hopeless and a little bit discouraged. and a lot bit angry. how many people have to die before we realize that our apathy is absolutely detrimental to the lives of others? and how many people have to die before we realize that 'we' as in our 'self' isn't the only one existing on this planet. and when will we [myself included] be able to recognize our privilege. when will we recognize that our consumption patterns, our obedience to the absurd norms in society, our such deeply ingrained sense of the world, is WRONG. completely wrong.
it makes me tired arguing with people about the value of human life no matter what race, level of intelligence, gender, age, income level, hair color, etc. etc. everyone has something to teach someone else. when will we listen? when will we undermine this capitalistic rhetoric of competition and consumption and greed? and when will we love? when will we cease to be tired?
i am so incredibly sad to have learned about the murders that are taking place in juarez, mexico. young women--many of whom work in the maquiladoras have gone missing. and there is an awfully suspicious method of investigation and assumptions of police guilt. feminicide, or the mysogynistic murders of women by men is happening in juarez and in many latin american countries. women are devalued. and these murders were about their bodies. they were raped, murdered, and left in the desert for their families to never hear from them again.
this is atrocious. and what is the role of the U.S. government? the mexican government? what are the officials doing investigations covering up? and are the local police guilty? why isn't there something being done about this?!?!?! why aren't we hearing about this in the news?
and i look around me and people are watching their televisions, buying their electronics, and devouring their food. i am so sick with shame. and i don't know how i can live knowing this is happening and has always been happening and nobody cares enough to do something about it b/c it's not affecting them directly or they have taken on the imperialist mentality of 'us' versus 'them.'
i don't know.
but you should read more
sweeter dreams.
k
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9 comments:
Hi Kimberly,
I stumbled across your blog and chose to follow it because first and foremost, I got a good feeling about it (you).
I've often had similar thoughts regarding our apathetic (pathetic) social attitudes and it's saddening to know that these kind of atrocities, such as the one you mentioned, can go on right under our noses while we just choose to look away and immerse ourselves in some other worthless indulgence. Of course, there are people out there that are truly selfless human beings and care enough to make a difference. Sadly, I cannot in all good conscience, include myself in that category.
Keep up the good work with getting your thoughts and messages out there and I will continue to read your blog.
Sincerely,
Kay xo
I had not heard about the women in Juarez.
Their is a scripture in the Bible that talks about man dominating man to his injury.
Men are imperfect and we live in an imperfect world run by greedy imperfect people.
Let your Kingdom come, let your will take place on earth as it is in the heavens.
Only when God's government is ruling again will things be fair.
I do see your point. I have friends who live in Nicaragua and when I compare my life to theirs I feel very selfish.
Someday everyone will have the same rights.
We're all too comfortable to leave our lives to go bring others up. We like to think it's another one of those stories you hear about once in a while, but just like legal paedophilia in some African and Asian countries, it "doesn't really happen anymore".
I think we need to realise that it does. I think we all need to just wake up and be put in that sort of situation. Until that happens, it's only the people who are willing to get up and get their hands dirty, risk something, that are going to be able to do anything to help.
/end.
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Thank you!
that was an extremely deep and poetic blog. i like what you stand for. be as uncompromising as justice to get your word out.
I have many times in many years felt as you do, but in my 62 years have also experienced many tragedies and come to realize that each one of us individually can make a difference in another life.
I believe our purpose in life is to live life in such a way and make choices that help and improve the lives of others around us and it will spread and continue to make a difference elsewhere. We should not use all our own energy on those we cannot affect. It will deteriorate our health and we will be of no use to anyone. Pray and be respectful to those you meet in life. In our hearts, we all want a quiet and peaceful heart. This is what makes a difference.
I very much agree with your take on things. Sometimes its really painful to take a step back from your life to realize that everyone puts on the front of caring - but no one actually does. Quite inspiring, your passion is. I welcome your perspective. To quote Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere," right?
thank you so much for your commments! it's nice to know i'm not alone in my feelings.
peggy, i really appreciate your input and i completely agree with your hope that you affect the lives of another individual and they in turn ripple on. i hope this is the case.
and 2 first names...i really like that quote and it was actually presented to us by my sociology of education professor this semester. <3
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