Its tough at the moment, and there's plenty of evidence to say it is going to get worse, so let's take heart: spring is coming - 'not long now!' - and most people most of the time are kind and funny, and if we don't take good care of ourselves and each other we won't have the energy to connect and create and communicate something more hopeful for the future! Your writing is part of that process - 'against the ruin of the world there is only one defence - the creative act!"
Representing the Feminist Crank Faction, I observe that these massed banks of “leaders”—laying waste to what we thought were promises, firm commitments & the desire to do good for our world—are absolutely almost entirely, men. And white men mostly, at that. I share your grinding & shrieking impulses, but I hope to channel them into preparing for the future time when the “next wave” arises. I’m polishing a set of deadly, vociferous arguments, e.g. for all world leaderships in the future to routinely be 50% female (those who give birth to the future generations have more awareness of what’s at stake), plus a dead-stop-dead end to all sexual abuse, etc.
Also, it is indeed coming into Spring, I have wonderful people around me & a rich creative life.
I also have some excellent podcasts, voices of reason (mostly American) making me feel a bit more sense of perspective. I recommend “The Bulwark Podcast“ & “Pod Save America” in particular.
Let us rage against injustice, but also dance with joy!
It helps to read something about the horrors written with such honest clarity and poised feeling, Ysella. Please keep recording your thoughts and feelings and those glimpses of a beautiful natural world for yourself and us.
Thank you Chrissy for such a lovely reflection. I wasn't sure about being so honest and didn't want to depress people, but I think that lots of us are feeling it and maybe it helps to say it out loud. And I've loved hearing people's reasons for hope in response, of which there are many. Lovely Harula sent me a whatsapp of hope that was practically a poem. People are amazing. Thanks for your encouragement, as always x
Its tough at the moment, and there's plenty of evidence to say it is going to get worse, so let's take heart: spring is coming - 'not long now!' - and most people most of the time are kind and funny, and if we don't take good care of ourselves and each other we won't have the energy to connect and create and communicate something more hopeful for the future! Your writing is part of that process - 'against the ruin of the world there is only one defence - the creative act!"
Yes, yes, yes! This is beautiful, thanks Pippa. And yes to keeping on creating in the face of *all this*
Representing the Feminist Crank Faction, I observe that these massed banks of “leaders”—laying waste to what we thought were promises, firm commitments & the desire to do good for our world—are absolutely almost entirely, men. And white men mostly, at that. I share your grinding & shrieking impulses, but I hope to channel them into preparing for the future time when the “next wave” arises. I’m polishing a set of deadly, vociferous arguments, e.g. for all world leaderships in the future to routinely be 50% female (those who give birth to the future generations have more awareness of what’s at stake), plus a dead-stop-dead end to all sexual abuse, etc.
Also, it is indeed coming into Spring, I have wonderful people around me & a rich creative life.
I also have some excellent podcasts, voices of reason (mostly American) making me feel a bit more sense of perspective. I recommend “The Bulwark Podcast“ & “Pod Save America” in particular.
Let us rage against injustice, but also dance with joy!
The 'Feminist Crank Faction' - Love it. I am beside you, my friend. And yes to spring and friendship and community - and podcasts!
It helps to read something about the horrors written with such honest clarity and poised feeling, Ysella. Please keep recording your thoughts and feelings and those glimpses of a beautiful natural world for yourself and us.
Thank you Chrissy for such a lovely reflection. I wasn't sure about being so honest and didn't want to depress people, but I think that lots of us are feeling it and maybe it helps to say it out loud. And I've loved hearing people's reasons for hope in response, of which there are many. Lovely Harula sent me a whatsapp of hope that was practically a poem. People are amazing. Thanks for your encouragement, as always x