I have been watching Good Trouble since this show started. I wanted to tap in to the programming about activism and this new generation so I continue to watch and love it. This show explores so many themes that touch an early season of my life that it is wonderful to traverse it through these stories. Imagine being a Good Troublemaker in the 80s and how few people there are who get it?
In a recent episode they touched on being branded troublemakers in a corporate environment. The whole episode explored selling one's soul.
It has been challenging to traverse real life when one is changing the narrative. Selling one's soul only means one thing to me, living contrary to one's personal convictions. The "sell-out" name calling that happens too often these days is myopic. It forgets that there was once a day that they didn't know, and it assumes knowing another's path - usually based on their own experience and not insight. 🤔
I came from a conservative and successful family, at least that is how I have interpreted them all my life - the conservative part is new though. I think that some of the conservative nature of my family comes from what it takes to immigrate, and not wanting to flout the sacrifice that it's been to get here and remain here successfully.
What if you were raised in a family who's sacrifice you honor but you are called to another path? What if you were called to the skinny branches, or like some of us, were born there? In some families, they have love enough to embrace and support you well because they recognize the sacrifice to which you are called. In some families they are so busy shedding what they see as dead weight, they dishonor what family is ignorantly.
What happens if you don't have someone who upholds your work like one does when they come from a heritage of Good Troublemakers? Imagine having this conviction since the 80s and not being an artist, activist or social worker? What does one do when you've had to step out of organizations because of toxic corporatism, sexism or racism, when it can be a single thing or any combination? Someone always sacrifices for the principles we enjoy, as our small group has been reflecting in reading and discussing A People's (Worker's) History of the United States. And like the conversation with Mariana, what if it is a woman and she even looks like you that does more than this woman did with Mariana and her team?
I look forward to when no one feels the need to behave this way anymore. I guess until then, those making Good Trouble, as US Representative John Lewis encouraged will have to get by in all the ways we always have, seeking shelter where it can be found. This is the only bridge I associate with him, not the meme I often see posted.
I look forward to when those who pave the way are honored as more than a tool and cast aside, although I am thankful for the love and honor he enjoyed as he lived. But, what about Ella Baker and the countless and nameless others on who's shoulders and efforts we stand? It is not about notoriety, it is about building a sustainable/regenerative society because we can certainly do better than this.
I hope those who benefit from their work honor them and their human sacrifice because, whatever your ethnicity, it is the height of privilege to walk their backs and have no honorable regard.
I hope people don't have to keep dieing for their sacrifice to be recognized. George Floyd should be alive and justice would be the end of that kind of policing. As many have said, we saw accountability in the Chauvin verdict, not justice. Now on to pass the bills associated with Mr. Lewis and Mr. Floyd.
Recently a dear friend realized, "My friends need white people to advance instead of hiding behind you." Amen, dear friend, amen. I realized that I had to be the change maker I was created to be as well. ✊🏾🙏🏽🕊
Afterall, what is a Good Troublemaker to do? 🖖🏾🤟🏾✌🏾
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