Thank you so very much for writing this! It is an extraordinarily lucid description of the dynamics of lessening oppression.
I am marginalized in many ways, and I am privileged, also, in many ways. Based on my experience as an AFB queer, autistic, fat, multiply disabled, anti-zionist Jew, I have some thoughts on your description of "polarization." While I agree wholeheartedly with every awareness and concept you have discussed, what I believe to be your definition of "polarization" doesn't quite work for me. This is not meant as a criticism, but as a point of discussion to possibly dig deeper into the cultural realities you have articulated. Also, it is possible that I have misinterpreted your implied definition of polarization.
I see polarization as the tension between to more or less equal but opposite forces. When you describe being marginalized as probably including the experience of increased polarization, that doesn't quite resonate for me because the differing positions are not equal in power. I see the strife now as polarization (just as those who don't want things to change do). The difference between me and the privileged person lamenting the polarization is that I see it as a good thing. I see it as an indication that the two sides are becoming more equal in power, which is a product of the increased solidarity you referred to. And,vas you said, hopefully - now that polarization has been achieved - we can begin to decrease it again, with the vast majority of power and awareness residing on the side of equity and justice.
Sadly, society will continue to be society, and expectations will continue to be expected. That doesn't mean that efforts shouldn't continue to be efforts. It only means that disappointments will continue to be disappointments. That understanding should bring tears, and alliev none of our fears. Sometimes I wonder if there's no more objectivity left in the world. The "wrong " side is always the "other" side... for everyone.
Thank you so very much for writing this! It is an extraordinarily lucid description of the dynamics of lessening oppression.
I am marginalized in many ways, and I am privileged, also, in many ways. Based on my experience as an AFB queer, autistic, fat, multiply disabled, anti-zionist Jew, I have some thoughts on your description of "polarization." While I agree wholeheartedly with every awareness and concept you have discussed, what I believe to be your definition of "polarization" doesn't quite work for me. This is not meant as a criticism, but as a point of discussion to possibly dig deeper into the cultural realities you have articulated. Also, it is possible that I have misinterpreted your implied definition of polarization.
I see polarization as the tension between to more or less equal but opposite forces. When you describe being marginalized as probably including the experience of increased polarization, that doesn't quite resonate for me because the differing positions are not equal in power. I see the strife now as polarization (just as those who don't want things to change do). The difference between me and the privileged person lamenting the polarization is that I see it as a good thing. I see it as an indication that the two sides are becoming more equal in power, which is a product of the increased solidarity you referred to. And,vas you said, hopefully - now that polarization has been achieved - we can begin to decrease it again, with the vast majority of power and awareness residing on the side of equity and justice.
"AFB" was meant to be "AFAB"
Very nice opinion piece. I keep sharing it with lots of people.
Please, white liberals, stop asking oppressed people to be nicer to their oppressors.
Sadly, society will continue to be society, and expectations will continue to be expected. That doesn't mean that efforts shouldn't continue to be efforts. It only means that disappointments will continue to be disappointments. That understanding should bring tears, and alliev none of our fears. Sometimes I wonder if there's no more objectivity left in the world. The "wrong " side is always the "other" side... for everyone.