Ouchable Moments

"Violence is anything that denies human integrity and leads to helplessness, and hopelessness."- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Its a definition of violence that many of us are unfamiliar with if you really think about it. Most of the time when we think of violence we think about fighting, gangs, shootings, war, or abuse. King's definition spreads a much wider net over violence... to comprehend it we have to think about the systems on which our society is built.

Not everyone has the same opportunities for advancement and social mobility that supposedly makes our country great. Many groups are oppressed by systems meant to keep a very few in power, and the rest of us struggling to bang out a living. We all buy into that system, and by simply being unaware of how it affects each of us, we perpetuate it and strengthen it.

So, I have a resolution- and hopefully a trend to start (Thanks to RPEACE):

Ouchable Moments-

An "Ouchable Moment" is a moment when someone says something that perpetuates or buys into the systems of oppression present in our society (ie - Racism, Sexism, Heterosexism, Ageism, etc..) It's a moment when someone would potentially be offended by what is said... especially if it a comment directed at a particular group, or reinforces a specific stereotype.

Why "Ouchable Moment" ?... simple- You could respond to a racist term or joke by calling the person out on it and yelling racist. Usually, that only makes people put their shields up, and deny being racist (or sexist, ableist, etc...) Most of the time we are unaware of when we buy into the system of oppression that surrounds us at all times.

So, the next you experience an "Ouchable Moment" try just saying:

"OUCH"

to the person... simply raise awareness in that person that even words can be violent, oppressive and hurtful. Many won't pick up on it... but when someone does it's an opportunity to make a small change in the world.

Let me know about your "Ouchable Moments"...