Values Statement:
An Overview: My values as a person and as a creator are based around the simple concept of not engaging, supporting, or promoting persons, places, behaviors, actions, or corporations that are rooted in or benefit from of the oppression of others. What that looks like offline: In my offline life I am a teacher and am helping my students develop the skills for critical thinking, social-emotional literacy, and not shrinking away from subjects or questions that might make uncomfortable as a cis-het-white woman. I also read and research about different cultures, histories, and ways to help break cycles of oppression. The oppressed are not responsible for my education. It is my job to research systems or actions that are oppressive or harmful that I might not be familiar with. Monetary donations are made when it is feasible. Community participation is also something that I engage in when it is possible to do so. What that looks like online: In online spaces I try to stand up and speak out in spaces where it is appropriate to do so. I also sit down, listen, and learn in spaces that are not mine or not made for me to speak out. I do my best to research who I follow and like on social media to make sure that I am not enabling hateful or hurtful misinformation being spread through my likes and follows. I use my money to support companies and businesses that have similar values to my own. In our capitalistic society, money talks. I want my money to support and uplift as much as possible. Why am I sharing all of this: There are a few reasons why I am sharing this. The first is that I don’t have the energy for virtue signaling or developing a massive white savior complex. Posting or bragging every “woke” thing I do or think is not helpful. The journey to a more equitable and loving society is not going to be furthered by my virtue signaling on social media. The second reason is because I have to say something. Being silent is a great way to be on the side of oppression. I don’t agree with the many “isms” in our world and I can’t be silent when others are suffering. The third reason is that knitting, crocheting, and so much of our escapism is political. Art is created out of the environment in which it was born. That makes it political. Now, the sole focus of this blog and podcast isn’t politics or activism per se but I am not going to shy away from those topics either. The political is personal. If you just want to knit without politics or do not want to look at our society with a critical view then this is not the space for you
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AuthorBethany is a knitter, podcaster, nerd, and educator from the Pacific Northwest. Archives
May 2022
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