Yes, They Look Like Us

 Yes, the victims of the war in Ukraine look like me, or I look like them. They are European and so is my background. Yes, I feel a connection. However, that does not mean that I do not care deeply about refugees and prisoners from Afghanistan or Xinjiang province in China. I feel anguish for typhoon victims in the Philipines and desperately ill patients in India. It is ok to see a similarity and then an immediate connection with strangers. Noticing a physical resemblance is just that and nothing more. 

I am not more horrified because violence is happening in Europe. That continent is certainly no stranger to war. Seeing the color of someone's skin or hearing a language and noting its difference to one's own does not make one a racist. What a ridiculous idea. 

Color blindness does not and should not exist. If someone says that they do not see skin color, I worry. Two--three year old children see the various shades and colors of humans. We are different obviously. To observe does not equal action. Observation should end with a thought. Often people who claim they are "color blind" do not monitor their own subtle reactions, rendering them blind indeed.

When we use racial, language, gender, ethnic, and religious diversity to speak out or make decisions based on those differences, we head into troublesome areas. I daresy having a racially insensitive thought is not horrible either. The well known author Ibram X. Kendi, who wrote How to be an Anti-Racist, proposed that we all have racist thoughts at one time or another. But thoughts do not equal actions. This is basic information from introductory Human Behavior courses. Awareness allows us to realize our racist thoughts and work to alter them.

There are numerous instances when I know the media, first responders, and professionals pay more attention to white people than those of color with often tragic consequences. Or the converse--treating people of color worse than white individuals. That is not a new idea, very well established in fact, and an example of systemic racism. 

But the war in Ukraine is not one of those cases. Except, of course, when African and Middle Eastern students were pushed back at borders, escaping hostilities. We are faced with frightening consequences which we typically repress, nuclear war. Our governmental leaders are confronted with making very sensitive decisions--assisting a sovereign nation and risking the unthinkable by a ruthless, evil leader or merely providing economic sanctions, strong as they may be. I do not view the present crisis as a racial one. Everyone on this earth is affected. Leaders of Asian, African, and Middle Eastern countries figure into the equation. Whom do they support?

While I am on the topic, the war is not a Jewish issue either. Jews live in Ukraine and in Russia. This is a human tragedy. Some Ukrainians were complicit with the Nazis and Soviets in killing Jews; but, that has no bearing on the present conflict. I only mention this because I have heard Jewish people make insensitive comments about Ukraine. Anti semitism was rampant and remains a problem in Europe. But that should never be the basis for decisions in 2022. Germany--the best example--among other nations have taken responsibility for the past.

© 2022 Karen Levi

 

ADVICE TO OFFEND--I APOLOGIZE IN ADVANCE

Inflation getting you down? Shrieking at the gas station? Twenty dollars more spent at the market? Suggestions from Karen and Connie Levi might help you. We learned from the master and mistress of saving money. What you save can be given to a reputable charity. We have links on our FB pages. Simple to donate. It is pathetic how few actually have done so. I know some of you have given to good causes independently. 

For G--d's sake, downsize your motor vehicle. If I see one more long, black monstrosity speeding down a road, I might become a violent person. What are you thinking? And I don't care how many children you are homeschooling or grandchildren you are babysitting. Family planning goes a long way. What is the deal with supporting oil companies and their CEO's? I thought you and your family were so bright; doesn't seem like you can connect car to gas station to oil pipeline to earth to corporation. And saving the earth is probably the most important issue of our time.

Why are you shivering outside eating cold food when you could be eating inside your home, warm and toasty? (Assuming you live in temperate areas of the northern hemisphere where it is still winter.) Think of the money you can save by creating your own meals. Anyone who is acquainted with me, knows I do not like to cook. So prepare salads, soups. Put together meals for several days in advance. Clear out your freezer and refrigerator. If you want to support your favorite restaurant, order carry-out. 

Do not drive to the restaurant--walk or bike. If you do not live near a restaurant, I give up. You probably do not need your large suburban house anymore which is located on a cul-de-sac, only accessible to the outside world by motor vehicle. Bravo to those who have downsized or live near commercial areas.

This brings me to walking. Both Connie and I step out as much as possible, combining errands. We both have "no drive" days. How about it--saving you money; decreasing pollution; and providing you with sensible, no nonsense, and safe exercise? Older people usually will not fall if they look straight ahead and down for nasty, uneven sidewalks. I always trip when I look up. "Look, Isabel, at those beautiful blossoms." Before I know it, I am down on the grass. Walking is less risky than skydiving, rock climbing, and swimming the English Channel.

Old is in. (That is us!) New is out. Follow the model of your mothers and grandmothers that we ridiculed. Yes, unfortunately, they have been proven correct in most ways (with the exception of going to a psychotherapist). Visualize old world women in overcoats and scarves, carrying net bags and pushing shopping carts.  That's us--disguised in leggings, boots, and puffy jackets. Ponder for a moment; our children will be writing this message to their offspring in a matter of years.

To quote Connie, "this is war." War. you say? Yes--COVID, our earth, Europe, Afghanistan, China, the Middle East. Wherever one looks, it is happening. Might I add--racism, immigration, dictators, political reactionaries, corruption, guns, crime. So do something. You may not have experienced the tragedies but someone just like you has suffered as I write. Act. 

© 2022 Karen Levi