While our politics can sometimes feel a little too close to a Veep set, I remind myself to hold dear the Leslie Knope inside. I know we can do better. We all deserve better than this. We can start by electing more women. We are 51% of the population and only about 28% of Congress. If there were more of us at the table, our rights would not be on the menu.
Speaking of menus, it is almost Thanksgiving! These gatherings can sometimes be challenging and stressful, but something I have learned over the last few years is that sometimes people we love and respect hold on to views that we cannot understand. But it’s important to try to have a dialogue, because oftentimes we don’t take the time to bring people along and I believe that’s more of what our country needs right now. A dear friend of mine was struggling with pronouns. The first time we talked about it, I condemned first and asked no questions. It was ineffective. The second time, I asked questions. The problem was not hate or intolerance, it was grammar. We have to resist the urge to condemn without first understanding. These are disorienting times. Give people a little grace and see what happens. You might be pleasantly surprised and change some minds.
You might also find that some people are just jerks. That’s good information to have as well.
Regardless, Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!
