Refugees – I knew about refugee issues, of course. I work in
international development. I read the news. I know about violence from gangs, wars,
and extra-judicial killings. But like many of the world, the image of little
Aylan lying on the beach really punched me in the gut and the reality of what
refugees go through –not as a people, “the refugees”, but as individuals-
became clear. So I read a lot about refugees, those in the news and those who
fled in previous decades. At work I have asked to add that topic to my
portfolio. I’ll probably take a course on that as well. And I’ll do whatever I
can to help refugees in Europe and here –those from Central America and all
parts of the world in my community. You can also contribute through the
Guardian, TogertHer Rising, and other NGOs (World Vision, the IRC, Save the
Children, World Relief)
Guns – That one has been bothering me since I moved to the
US. What in the world? Why do people think it’s ok to own semi-automatic
weapons? Why are people so opposed to background checks? I just can’t
understand the love and passion people have for guns, period. I contribute to
Every Town for Gun Safety and I hope the next president will take steps to
decrease the number of guns people own and can buy.
Racial inequality – I am ashamed to say that I have been
color blind for too long. I lived in a world where everyone should get along
and forget about their differences. And then came the killings of young African
American men and women by the police. And I woke up! I saw the systemic issues,
the way we / I perpetuate inequalities, the way we refuse to acknowledge our
privilege because of guilt and decades of historical revisions and willingness
to portray the US in a good light. We have the same issue in France with our
former colonies. I’m not saying this is something only the US has to grapple
with. But I live here, so I am more aware of what is happening here.
Paris – Obviously. The killings in January and November were
terribly sad. While I agree that there was too much media attention to Paris as
opposed to other world crisis, I grieved with my city and my people. I am
afraid the French people are becoming more racist and afraid of foreigners,
refugees, and migrants. I hope we can wake up and become a nation that is welcoming
to others.
Elections in the US – That’s a big one for me even though I
cannot vote because I am not a citizen. I will be blunt: I do not think any of
the Republican candidates are good for the US. They’re ignorant, racist,
completely focused on topics that please their crowds and forget about
inequalities (racial, socio-economic, gender-related) in the country. I am
hopeful but careful. And worst come to worst, we’ll move to Canada or England!
(Next up: Top 5 of 2015 and a look ahead)
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