I can't watch or read anything about the Holocaust. (I have mentioned this before.) No Schindler's List. No Night. I can absolutely not handle the Holocaust Museum. And when images taken from that time flash on my screen, I have to look away.
Depictions of the suffering of others is painful to me. It's a migraine trigger. It makes me sick to my stomach. My mind disassociates. And these feelings can linger long after I've been exposed to the words/images.
(It doesn't have to be the Holocaust, either. Years ago I was covering a world history class, and they were watching Hotel Rwanda. I actively avoided paying attention to the movie, but I was still sick for the two days we had to watch it.)
Which means that I'm a terrible witness to the atrocities that are going on today, perpetuated by ICE. (This is one of the reasons why this whole thing makes me so livid.) Every news report that comes out by someone who was detained by them, every report of what someone witnessed being perpetuated upon those ICE detains threatens my equilibrium.
Because, make no mistake, ICE is committing atrocities. Today.
(What's going on in Gaza: same.)
I will never forget the people who are not appalled by what is happening. Anyone who is okay with this is dead to me. Those who are standing by, or worse, who are actively helping this along have lost my trust entirely. Forever.
ICE and their minions deserve to be tried for crimes against humanity. And found guilty.
There have been some terrible stories coming out. That raid in Chicago. Every story guts me. Every. Story. And they're getting worse.
I don't know what to do about it. I can't be a witness. It'll destroy me. But I can't stand by and let this happen. What can we do?
Seriously. That's a question. If anyone has an answer, I'm here.
I wish we had an answer :(.
ReplyDeleteAt my synagogue one year we had a talk by a Holocaust survivor and a survivor of Rwanda. The two bonded over a shared experience… because the names were different but the emotions were the same.
ReplyDeleteAnd what ICE is doing …yeah ….
Yes, exactly. Any time those in power go after a minority group, it can lead to slaughter. It's wrong no matter who's doing it.
DeleteI'm sorry, no answers, not even suggestions.
ReplyDeleteI was reminded of the Holocaust just yesterday. A couple at a thrift store (who said they weren't homeless, but "displaced" and both on disability)) told me of a conspiracy theory they heard. That large facilities were being built to house the homeless, and when full the doors would be locked. I came home just "knowing" that was ridiculous, then remembered... it's happened before. So I can't be 100% sure it's not factual. I wish I could, but I just can't. That tiny grain of doubt and fear exists. And that makes me cry.
OMG, that's chilling. And yeah, I wouldn't put it past some of those in power to try something like that. Totally gives me the icks.
DeleteI have no answer, either but may I suggest that you have already done a lot. It may feel like your Tuesday posts are going out to an uncaring world, but you are bearing witness in a way that fits who you are. You are an educator. Perhaps just keep educating. We may never know the impact our words and actions have.
ReplyDeleteThese posts don't feel like anything, but I can't be silent.
DeleteVery painful situations, I agree. I witness similar things here in India too. Grief is our lot, it seems.
ReplyDeleteHi Liz - I so agree with you ... I wouldn't know what to do, or what I could do. I sincerely hope we get through this era very quickly. With thoughts to all suffering, or worried ... Hilary
ReplyDeleteI have been reading and hearing a lot about all these. What a time we are all passing through. So much of violence. Really sad.
ReplyDeleteI give money to things that I hope will help - the ACLU, Actblue for candidates. Even the Red Cross if there is something going on. I don't know what else to do, either. I'm not capable of marching or protesting.
ReplyDeleteYeah, that is something helpful.
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