Using Your Platform
Off the heels of a chaotic, and yet amazing week (yes both exist, depending on how you look at it); I have been very observative as of late. In all honestly some days I'm completely zoned out by the pace and rush of running errands, working, taking care of life itself. Other times I make it a priority to slowdown and reduce the noise a bit by listening more and talking less (which is rare for me!). However, after an amazing weekend at the Budweiser Made in America Festival in Philadelphia, I caught a bad cold from partying in the rain and reciting every Jay Z lyric Mr. Carter uttered. It was a weekend to remember, and yet somehow my calves were useless and my voice had abandoned me for at least 4 days. The days of bouncing back like a spring-chicken are clearly behind me, but was it worth it? Hell Yeah! (Pics are posted on my Instagram @D1VABET1C ). It was clear that my body needed to rest and recuperate.
So after making it through last week sick and tired (literally), the world continued to spin with or without me. Mother Nature had her own plans for disastrous hurricanes and massive earthquakes; and the country made every attempt to stay hopeful. 9/11 was remembered by millions, and the political food fight continued. Not to mention the police officers who were not charged for crimes they committed, and sports journalists who received backlash for simply being honest and candid. There were literally so many “what the fuck” moments (including the time where I almost went gorilla on a bus driver this week) that I couldn’t keep track, and my emotions were already running high as hell because it was that time of the month. I was not in the position to get distracted, but I couldn’t help but become angry, sad, sympathetic, lost, and prayerful all at the same time. My heart was crying for those who couldn’t, and it was really taking its toll on me. I’ve spoken to few people about these topics, and it seems to me, it has affected many people.
The stress of wanting to do more for others than myself was wearing on me. So in a frantic fashion I grabbed every shoe that wasn’t being worn, jacket, t-shirt, you name it. If it could be useful for someone else, I threw it in a trash bag and donated it to the American Red Cross. Then I found myself getting really fired up about the injustices of the world, because you know that hasn’t stopped either! So after deleting several jackasses from Facebook (you know the ones who have no political clout and basically stand behind everything that looks patriotic but are blatantly racist…), I wrote a lengthy post about Colin Kaepernick, and basically how hypocritical people are for not supporting him yet support they support the NFL. Then I switched gears and shared my worry and concern for my father for staying in Florida despite my pleas (he’s doing fine by the way…still no electric or running water though). Then back to my diabetes, supporting charities to help hurricane victims, and on to Jemele Hill! What a whirlwind we have all experienced in these past weeks.
As unsettling and disturbing this was, I didn’t want to slow down bringing awareness to these matters, but in my uproar I noticed more people were being silent. When people need a voice more than ever, so many people became silent. The social media feeds were still full of daily lively activities (as they should and to be expected), but the question begged to be answered, “If you were called upon, or had a platform large or small, would you use it for good?” Out of shear honesty, I don’t think many people would use it or want to use it for that reason. Sometimes it just feels like there are too many people not supporting any cause, and I’m know I’m being rhetorical by mentioning this, but is it going to take for something to happen to you personally to lift a finger or your voice? That is a real question we have to ask ourselves. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to that question, I know. However, we are attaching ourselves to people who show no interest of caring for anyone or anything but themselves. This is alarming, but can be solved.
What I discovered about myself in the midst of these issues in the world is that I care, but I need to have an outlet for my frustrations and disappointments surrounding these concerns. Otherwise I will find myself angry and unleashing on random people who don’t agree with my ideals and become more judgmental than I should be. And, that only perpetuates the pain more; not solve it. So a coworker of mine made a great point when I discussed this with her, she mentioned making it a priority to do the following:
Stay grounded in what you believe in. In my case that’s God. Whenever I find myself tripping really hard about things I cannot control or change immediately, I know that’s not Godly of me, and I need to refocus my heart and mind.
Be aware of what it is we are angry about. I wasn’t doing much of that. Instead I was tuning into the news, talk radio, or whatever outlet that continued to make me randomize my thoughts even more. Instead, forgetting what the hell it was that provoked emotion in the first place.
Find a cause and like-people that support that cause. I can blame it on age or my tolerance level, but I seldom have the patience for individuals who do not educate themselves on worldly issues. It actually bothers me to the core; which it should not do! So my coworkers makes an important point by suggesting to find others who feel the same way and are concentrated on issues that I also sympathize with and want to advocate for.
So before you rule out a music festival for a great environment to achieve advocating for rights, Made in America Festival was not only the best place to do so, but the city of Philadelphia hosted the best vibes and people to do it with. The city of brotherly love embraced all of its patrons, and encouraged people to be peaceful and loving, enjoy the music, libations, art, and culture. The hand fans that were passed out had messages of hope, and even the t-shirts and other paraphernalia had statements that not only defended those who could not speak for themselves, but in support of causes that should not go forgotten. It not only was a slightly selfish move on my part (my husband stayed home with the little one while I attended with a close type 1 diabetic friend of mine. We basically nursed each other back to health!), but my husband understood that a little weekend break was necessary for me as well as a healthy way to get my frustrations out while I supported multiple causes. I know that may not be as hardcore as some may think activism should be, but I imagine much can come from the attempt.
In the future however, I plan to take full advantage of the platforms God provides me to speak on issues and concerns within my community, and to defend what is right. We all play a visceral part in changes that we may not live to see take place in our lifetime.
