Tim Wise at Tufts

Tim Wise came to speak at school this week and it was awesome.

Coming at a time when I've been grappling with issues of nebulous-but-definitely-there sexism it was very moving/upsetting/comforting to hear him speak.

Wise is an anti-racism writer who I have never actually read. That's not true, I've read articles, but I've never read any of his books. Now I'm going to.

He spoke articulately about institutionalized racism and touched on gender inequity. What I took from his talk is the importance of being aware, upset, informing ourselves, and taking action...What's important?

NOT MAKING EXCUSES AND REFUSING TO PASS THE BUCK

He said that guilt is something we feel because of something we've done, and responsibility is something we take because of the kind of person we are.

Fuck yes, Tim Wise. Preach it.

I came away comforted, knowing now that all of my discomfort around gender issues at Fletcher is completely valid and founded. I was reminded that people like to pretend that these things don't happen and that they don't like to take responsibility. I was inspired because it was confirmed for me that my anger and my desire to create change is a sign of my own character and nothing more or less.