Welcome back to Tough Mind, Tender Heart. Welcome to those who have remained with us and to those who are just joining in on this newsletter and wanting to grow antiracist principles/ethics. This newsletter was started to continue the legacy of antiracist ideals of the many that have gone before us. How do we continue on in action and belief rather than just sink into performative activism? This particular newsletter is a two part reflection with the latter coming in just a few weeks.
In this particular edition of Tough Mind, Tender Heart I want to take a step back from a focus on individual acts of antiracism (which are necessary) in order to survey the ways that systems interlock diminish and dehumanize. Oppression, when it is baked into the very soil that ideas and policies are derived from, and when it is more common than air has a lasting psychological and physiological impact on those who are at the top of the oppressive loop and of course those who are at the bottom of the oppression loop. Said in a different way, oppression hurts. I think of those who have to keep getting up and getting dressed for work every morning after hearing of another Black person being brutally murdered. Or, I think of those who suffer in their jobs from homophobic bosses, sexist coworkers, ableist policies, etc.
“may the odds be ever in your favor.”
― the Hunger Games
This quote is chilling to me, because, in the movie of the Hunger Games, this phrase is said almost sarcastically as the multitudes gather in the Capitol (rich socialites gather here) to watch helpless souls brutalize themselves so that the rich and powerful can receive entertainment. “May the odds be ever in your favor” is a cheap dig on those who already are hungry, impoverished, and trapped in a cycle of oppression. The odds clearly aren’t in favor of the marginalized that go hungry while those in the Capitol overindulge on food to the point of being sick. In like manner, we have a country that seems to exist in the shadows of the Capitol. It’s not enough simply to try and be a better person, to pull yourself up by your bootstraps, and to think positive thoughts. I could put down some clear action steps to move forward in breaking down the individualistic selfishness that breeds systemic oppression, but today is not that day. It is ok to sit and mourn impossible realities. Perhaps, this newsletter is to open the door for lament and pain.
Robert Monson
co-director
Robert (he/him) is a runner, musician, and a Black theologian committed to softness, contemplation, and liberation for all. As a recent seminary graduate (with distinction) and a current PhD student, Robert studied in-depth the intersection of Black Liberation Theology and womanist theology. Weaving together these two strands of liberation have been important work as well as other liberation based theologies. “How can we help facilitate community and provide answers to a hurting world that is reeling?” remains an important question in his work. While in school, Robert’s scholarly work was recognized and presented at various national conferences/outlets. Podcasting (two shows) and writing remain important aspects of his daily life as well as marathoning the latest Star Trek show(s).