Love, Resistance and Refusing to Play Monster

"Your silence will not protect you." — Audre Lorde
"If they cannot love and resist at the same time, they probably will not survive." — Audre Lorde

I love these quotes by Audre Lorde, particularly the second one, which is part of a larger quote about what our children must do in the face of racism. Recent events surrounding my POC Sangha has made me reflect on the need to love and resist. Mostly, I've been thinking of the "bait" we are offered in dealing with the racist eruptions. The trick is that often those displaying racism will only acknowledge something is wrong when they are afraid.

Often when I've been frustrated in the face of that unacknowledged reality, I've taken the bait and have played "monster" to their "innocent." Whatever initial satisfaction I've received from my metamorphosis is brief. The "innocent" will acknowledge something is in fact wrong--I'm a monster. The racist actions are no longer relevant and focus is now my behavior. This trap is always waiting for me and for us. Strangely, my efforts at high-toned psychological speak or spiritual buzz words have had the same result as the metamorphosis into the "monster."

My best results and the one that is affirming of both reality and my soul is when I use short clear words and refuse to engage in the language of academics. An "untruth" is a lie. There is a need to question each statement. Was the misunderstanding a misunderstanding? (Keep your dictionary handy.) Often the word misunderstanding is a door of escape. A way to not acknowledge what has really happened.

Silence will not save me or you, but neither will "The Monster."