Friday, June 03, 2022

moment of Zinn

Sometimes I peek over the edge of the abyss with my kids and feel their outrage, earnestness, and helplessness all over again. I am proud of their empathy and compassion... and also, I worry about how difficult their lives are becoming.

My annoyingly (probably) long email signature has forever quoted Zinn: “Human beings are not machines, and however powerful the pressure to conform, they sometimes are so moved by what they see as injustice that they dare to declare their independence. In that historical possibility lies hope.” 

I want to continue to hope... to act in "however small a way" in the service of what we all deserve. And if that means supporting my kids in the difficult choices and services they want to contribute to the world, then so be it.

3 comments:

Nicole Boyhouse said...

I am 100% with you on this, Maya. It's such a poignant part of parenting, isn't it? Going to a gentle support system, letting them fly, and keeping up hope. I also believe so strongly in acting in a small way, hoping that it DOES make a difference.

Gillian said...

Good for you!

maya said...

Thanks, Gillian! Nicole--so much YES to this. And honestly, I've learned SO MUCH from the way you're handling a similar dynamic--thanks for showing the way.

Olympia

My sister and I haven't shared a bedroom in thirty years.  On some level--I think--it makes us revert to feeling like kids. We hung out ...