Here I am, in my 60s, & only really waking up to the extent that the values & attitudes of a dominant culture shape our actions. Even when the people who have set those things aren’t people “like us”. This is why it can take so long to throw off the ignorance & bigotry of the past. As children, we absorb those things, even if they go against own nature, or our own interests. Women will sometimes support the patriarchy. Aspirational working class people will sometimes support economically conservative politicians. A child who feels strongly about social justice might grow into a “well meaning” adult who does “good” things in a patronising or paternalistic manner. If & when we realise such things, we have to confront them & decide whether to shake them off & learn new ways, or respond defensively, fighting to stay the same. And if it’s the latter, who are we going to hurt? Those who need our support? Our family? Ourselves?
@Susan60 Welcome to the club. Never too late to join.
Nice to meet the new you Susan. I hope your life gets better from here, as you shed the skin of old like a lizard, and find the new you that has been with you all along.
You are here. Lets keep going, whichever way you feel to choose now. Your path is yours. I may have carried on too long with my words, or perhaps this is the length needed, welcome home, welcome to the new you. :thinkerguns:
@msquebanh@GreenRoc Thank you. Like many people who are passionate about social justice, I’ve often been critical of those who express prejudiced views, but understanding that everyone is, to some extent, a product of their culture is important. We all need to look in the mirror & examine what we see there from time to time.
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