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Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Finding A Voice

I am normally a quiet person and fairly reserved, especially in large groups of people. So when lots of strong opinions are being thrown around I typically withdraw into my little shell and say very little outside of the people I trust.


But some things should not and can not keep being swept back under the rug. I am still formulating what actions I want to take and educating myself. I don't feel comfortable going to protests because I am still going to work and have to interact with individuals of varying risk levels for COVID-19. I did sign up to be a mentor and review personal statements and resumes for STEM students.


I am really trying to challenge myself to use my voice and not hide from the hate and anger, because that does not change anything and is a large portion of the problem.
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7 comments:

  1. Stacie SeidmanJune 9, 2020 at 8:41 AM

    I'm like you. I tend to shrink back, but I'm also trying to speak up more. I have very strong convictions and it's probably time I backed them up. I've got my reading list in order, just waiting for some books to arrive to get going. Because I do want to be prepared with the right words when I do speak up.

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    1. EventingSaddlebredStyleJune 9, 2020 at 6:19 PM

      I know this feeling so well. As a scientist you get taught to research first, run experiments, then draw conclusions. I still don't feel like I have enough knowledge and understanding, but it is impossible for me to ever truly understand what it is like to be a minority in America . But I can try an amplify those voices that do know and make changes in myself to help.

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  2. L.WilliamsJune 9, 2020 at 11:17 AM

    Hey there - It can be very hard to confront people (I hate confrontation myself) but definitely realizing your voice is coming from a place of good helps and that the opposing view of racism wants you to shrink away, wants you to hide. I am Black (1 of like 2 black bloggers in our community), and have made a list of resources for the blog community here:
    http://suenostomanvuelo.blogspot.com/2020/06/so-you-want-to-be-ally.html

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    1. EventingSaddlebredStyleJune 9, 2020 at 6:20 PM

      I appreciate you taking the time to make this list for everyone! I don't think I wrote that on your blog, but it is an amazing resource. Thank you

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  3. ErinJune 9, 2020 at 12:13 PM

    Thank you for saying this! Like you, I tend to be quiet except with people I know well. While I think listening to those who are demonstrating is extremely important, so is actively and vocally supporting them. I have been trying to push myself to do this. It helps to hear you say this.

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    1. EventingSaddlebredStyleJune 9, 2020 at 6:21 PM

      I really appreciate your comment and I am so glad that this post helps you. :)

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  4. TeresaAJune 12, 2020 at 3:37 PM

    I tend to have strong opinions and little trouble voicing them. I am, though, guilty of not using my voice when people voice really strong opinions about race or politics because I figure the debate would not be useful (the don't argue with fools principle). but now I see that not speaking up gave their racist comments more weight and I need to get more comfortable with being uncomfortable. And making others that way.

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