Monday, August 25, 2025

being loud

I'm sure there's a lot happening in the world, but right now, I'm being loud about the ICE raids, the armed takeover in D.C., and Gaza. I just can't shut up about these especially as so many people are being silenced and are being made to feel unsafe to speak. In the case of Gaza, many voices have simply fallen silent, and as with my students in the online course last year, I fear the worst. Speaking up is one way of seeking them out. 

In addition to all the disappearing people, there are numerous words and terms disappearing from the public sphere--I continue to use them as loudly as needed; I refuse to be silent.

Tom Morello's Fuck Ice Playlist is terrific for getting fired up. (It's heavy with Rage Against the Machine, but that is to be expected, I suppose.) 

In the meantime, it's the first week of classes! I'm ready. Welcome emails have been sent, my Canvas sites are published, the syllabuses are loaded up, ditto class outlines and first-day activities and diagnostics. I'm ready, but even after 30 years of teaching, still with that sweet and heady mix of excitement laced with anxiety. Let's gooooooo!!

Pic: We've had thunderstorms and there's a bunch of stuff and mini logjams in the the Red Cedar. From a long walk with Big A to get ready for the Fall term. The app promised a cloudy afternoon, but we were caught in a thundershower.

16 comments:

StephLove said...

They are planning to move into Chicago next. No big city is safe from them.

I hope despite everything, you have a good first week.

Nance said...

And it's all happening in apparent silence and acquiescence from our representatives in Congress. Neros, all of them.

You have such a rewarding and rejuvenating place to walk. I know you appreciate it. Have a terrific Week 1.

Gillian said...

Good Luck.

Lisa's Yarns said...

Phil and I went for walk last night, too! We walked to the bridge where the boys usually race leaves and throw rocks. It was different to do it without them, but still very nice. We've had gorgeous fall-like weather. But dare I say it's a bit too cool for August? I did not pack enough long-sleeve shirts and pants for the boys - I sent 2 sets and that was not enough!

There is a lot to be frustrated about right now. I feel a bit hopeless about things to be honest...

J said...

I had a nightmare the other day that ICE agents took me. I mean, I’m almost 60, Caucasian, US born and raised to US born and raised parents and grandparents and so on, so the chances of that happening to me are so low. But it’s happening here, as so many other places, and so it’s in my head.

Gaza. So infuriating. SO PREVENTABLE.

Both situations are based in intimidation and trying to overwhelm people with fear and cruelty. And they absolutely do not give a shit how many children suffer.

Nicole said...

I'm so proud of you for speaking up and being loud. There are so many things in the world, we do have to pick our battles because we literally cannot battle everything. But I feel like if we all pick what's important, maybe all the bases will get covered? I don't know, Maya, all I know is that I am proud to be your friend. The ICE crisis is just absolutely gutting and terrifying, Gaza is beyond tragic, and there's just so much. So much! I don't even know what else to say. Proud of you.

Jenny said...

Wow. "Sense of belonging?" "Inclusive?" Yes, these are terrible ideas that need to be purged (WTF is going on???) Anyway... thanks for keeping me informed, although knowledge is so depressing these days.
Hooray for the first week of classes- sounds like you're ready.

Jeanie said...

Every day, worse and worse. That list -- I hadn't seen it before. Shocking. I'm glad you have the energy and excitement of classes starting. I'm still on break at the lake for art camp and it has turned cold -- 41 this morning. I'm so not ready. I feel like we've been robbed of August!

maya said...

Steph--I heard Pritzker on the news and it definitely gave me chills to think of every blue city being patrolled by military.

Thank you for the first week wishes!

maya said...

Thanks, Nance. I'm so grateful for the river and "my team" of horticulturists at MSU :)!

I too am bewildered by the lack of action by our reps--regular people seem to be doing so much in terms of protesting.

maya said...

Thank you!

maya said...

I know you're working this week, but I still think of it as a honeymoon of sorts for you and Phil!

Two sets is technically enough--one to wash and one to wear, Mama <3

maya said...

J, I'm with you on the sadness bordering on rage. Thank you for doing all that you do to resist and reverse the injustice <3

maya said...

Nicole, I love the idea of all of us doing our little bit to conquering the immenseness--it feels so hopeful! I am so grateful and proud to walk alongside you in this world too <3

maya said...

Jenny--that list! The most basic words! It made me so mad! Imagine being so petty!

maya said...

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, Jeanie. It would be laughable if it didn't have such immense consequences for education and so much else.

Yes! I noticed how chilly the mornings have been this week--I worry about the veggies in my garden. I hope it stays above 60 while you're at the lake.

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