Tag: solidarity

by jad

Comrades, Freedom Fighters, and Reclaiming Shared Reality

Moments past midnight, after a whirlwind three-night spree spent with comrades old and new. x I loved this moment and was honored to spend time with this freedom fighter in the pistachio power suit. x “Reclaiming our shared reality is the first step. Getting into spaces like this, unpacking the trauma and what they have done to us, because it is a full frontal assault – on our minds, on our bodies, everyone that we know… every living creature on the planet.”—@fababs speaking at UW, featuring a poignant moment I captured at SIFF Uptown the next day. x

by jad

Election Night and the Metaphysics of the Movement

The next 24 hours are going to be electric for a lot of people across the country; many will be celebrating a hard-won victory, having talked the talk and walked the walk under a crimson banner for a long time. I’d also guess that a good number will finally find the courage to google “democratic socialism” and join the movement. The next 24 months might bring many more highs and just as many lows. Some might look back at this evening with bitter disappointment, as lofty expectations are inevitably dashed against the rocks of compromise. Many will withdraw altogether, but … Continue reading “Election Night and the Metaphysics of the Movement” →

by jad

Ghost Viscera

Did you see that retweet of the screenshot of the story-post of a girl minding her own business reading a book at a bar? “Pick me, pick me,” the photographer mocked. Did you find yourself performing outrage or were you genuinely concerned? Can we know the difference anymore? Do you know what it’s like to be pushed around? To be there no earlier than fifteen minutes before your scheduled appointment? To take off your jacket and belt and empty your pockets? Your boots too. Now your shirt. You have fifteen minutes to run. X Do you know what it’s like … Continue reading “Ghost Viscera” →

by jad

Bad Like I Feel: Empathy as Solidarity

The institution that I’ve been dedicating myself to is embroiled in an online controversy, and this is valid and good, but I don’t want to discuss the specifics, as I would be doing so in ignorance of much. I prefer to avoid joining the cacophony of voices talking past and over each other. I do want to discuss some of these voices, though, because if I have skills in anything, it’s in listening for the words that people trip over in the thick of the awful din. I believe that, for most people, the human capacity to imagine worlds at … Continue reading “Bad Like I Feel: Empathy as Solidarity” →

by jad

Stronger Than Hate

They maxed out the main sanctuary; they maxed out another sanctuary; then they maxed out the basement gymnasium. I later heard that there were hundreds outside as well. This was a real outpouring of love and solidarity, with the participation of the Mayor of Seattle and the Governor of the State of Washington, who both made great speeches. But it was Rabbi Will Berkovitz of JFS who truly floored me. I hope they upload his speech somewhere—I can’t do it justice here. But I will quote one small part; something that many will benefit from hearing today: “Your life matters. … Continue reading “Stronger Than Hate” →