So, if you are or someone you know is a true SJW (social justice warrior), that is awesome! There are so many people who are marching and walking out and standing around with signs who are merely there for the social media pics or to see celebrities (my teen said this, and I concede) Being part of something bigger than oneself is fine, and really can be exciting. If in it for the right reasons, rewarding. Doing something to benefit someone outside of ourselves has value that is hard to put a price on.

My problem with big events like the Women’s March and the march over the weekend is that they often turn into either a trend fest or a hate fest. I am independent politically, and I do not do group think well. I am not one to fall into believing the hype easily either. In no way I am saying that there are not social justice causes that have validity, because that would be a big fat lie. But I just urge those involved or thinking of getting involved with a social/political cause to really understand the goal.

It is not wise to jump in blindly because the masses say it is cool, hip or the right thing to do. Deciding for oneself if the cause is really worth hauling it acroos the counrty or town to join in is prudent. I am skeptical when masses of people get together for a cause. When MLK marched, there was no social media to feel self important or to propagandize issues.  And, those marches were for social justice for a race of people whom were oppressed for hundreds of years. And to my knowledge they weren’t star-studded.

The motives seemed to be different then or perhaps I am romanticizing the early protestors? And I know, today there are some people who are doing WONDERFUL things in their communities. These folks and others like them across the country, volunteer or make low wages, and are the real heroes of our nation. Social workers (I was one), fire fighters, mental health aides, etc. They do big and great things with no audience and no rea budget and touch lives and are often never recognized.

For now, as far as huge events go, I stand to the side as a skeptic. A production with huge celebrities, there is a big political and financial gain for someone or some entity, and that is a turn off. It makes me want to run the other way. Anything that feels too constructed makes the original idea that may have been good or pure, somehow lost. The fact that both marches were organized by the same people is curious to me. What do those 2 events or causes have in common? It’s something to think about.

All I am saying is: investigate, read, listen, research and repeat. Not everything is a conspiracy, founded on bad intentions or for self-gain. I get that. But when a political party or organization is overzealous about supporting the average citizen, it is a reason to ask why. For those who went and are passionate about either cause, thanks for trying to make a difference! That is noble! I am not writing to offend. I am just encouraging people to know what it is they are truly fighting for…

(And I am includiing myself in all of this deep thinking because I am not above checking myself. I do it quite often!)

simply~

Dee