Over the past week, I've been trying to unpack why I am so upset and obsessed with the Kavanaugh confirmation. My obsession began when we took Mama to Washington, D.C.
for her first time. On the drive up, we listened to the senate hearing on the radio.
While we toured the Capitol, protests took place across the street. We were close to history
in the making. As a family, we listened together talked about the hearings, and watched
the SNL opening skit, experiences punctuated by our immersion in the
national symbols of our democracy.
What truly upsets me, has kept me up at night, has distracted me from work, is deception perpetrated and perpetuated across my social media feed. Memes that attacked Dr. Ford and other Democrats, insinuating that they were part of a part of a vast conspiracy or perpetrators of sexual assault. Good people engaging in the very behavior that they indignantly accuse Dr. Ford of--spreading a lie--punctuating their posts with laughing emojis. The derisive laughter echoed across the airwaves as our President mocked Dr. Ford's testimony. How has someone's trauma become the source of derision? How do we not see the lies are hurtful to not only those involved, but also to those who have suffered at the hands of another, swallowing their pain to avoid being retraumatized by being called a liar, a pawn. Dr. Ford's public testimony took courage. I am discouraged by the response.
Friday after the cloture, I spoke with a young woman my son's age who expressed anger because she had grown up believing that our country was making strides towards equity and now feels deceived. I think my mother would tell her that she's been trying for her entire life to break through the glass ceiling and isn't sure she will see it broken. I'm thinking I will not see it shattered either. At the end of our conversation, there was nothing left to do but hug and acknowledge our shared feelings.
Today, I do not see much hope for our country. We have a win-at-all-costs mentality. If you disagree with me, watch out. I'll attack and take no prisoners. If you disagree with me, it's your problem; you're a snowflake. If you disagree with me, you are "fake news." America will never be great as long as we are unwilling to use our energy to approach one another in a genuine effort to understand. As Abraham Lincoln quoted Jesus 150 years ago, "A house divided against itself cannot stand." Our political tribalism dangerously divides us.
But I am an optimist at heart. Perhaps tomorrow I will experience something that encourages and gives me hope. Maybe my young friend and women like her will continue hammering at the crack in glass ceiling. Maybe we will start listening to understand each other. Maybe we'll work together to unite us again. Wouldn't that be great?
