Hello, I’m Sol, and I am a proud daughter of immigrant parents. Today I come to you in hopes that you can stop and read this message.
I have always dedicated this account to be a safe space for all; an escape from the busy world, and a chance to offer community. It’s easy to use these spaces as a way to tune out all the negativity that may go on in your daily lives, but with the way the world has become, there is no longer such a thing as a safe space. I refuse to let this account remain idle, knowing my platform and the potential reach— silence is complicity, and right now, it’s exactly what the government wants from us; to remain uneducated, to remain quiet in hopes that others will step up for us.
It is urgent, now more than ever, that we use our voice— exercise our rights, to speak up and look after those who are unable to do so for themselves. ICE has been sent to raid Los Angeles, they are kidnapping people and deporting them without due process, using force against protestors who are bravely demanding change and letting their voices be heard. It is an inhumane act of violence and racism that is not only affecting the defenseless, but getting twisted in the media to turn civilians against each other. People are afraid to leave their homes, afraid to go to work, to send their children to school, in fear that they may never see each other again. Families are being ripped apart— tell me, is this something that you want to watch happen, standing idly in silence?
Now, you may be asking yourself, what can I do to help? First and foremost, educate yourself. Be aware of what is happening in the world, why it’s happening, and what others are doing to strive for change. Do not let this post be your only knowledge— do your research, stay updated. Second, there are many protests that are happening all around the world; look into them, see if there are any you can go to, let your voice be heard, and show your anger. There is currently a nationwide protest happening June 14th, with a website dedicated to it: nokings.org. Do not fall for the propaganda of good protestor vs. bad protestor. When our humanity is being stripped away from us, and our rights are ignored, why should we be expected to stay in place and beg on our knees for our government to listen? Third, spread awareness, donate to organizations that help our cause— I am currently looking into opening commissions, with many affordable options, in hopes that I can donate the proceeds to organizations such as CHIRLA, who are dedicated to advancing the rights of immigrants and refugees, and HEAL Palestine, an organization dedicated to providing health care, education and aid to children, because there is no such thing as justice until we are all free. The conflict and war crimes in Palestine continue and only worsen as time goes on; the situation is dire— they are without food, without homes, without access to medical help— and it is not something that will be forgotten, even as other crises arise.
If you find yourself aggravated by anything I said, annoyed at seeing this post on your timeline, unwilling to care or take action, unfollow me, and block me immediately. I do not want you here. Now is the time to speak up and educate ourselves in a world where our ignorance is profited off of, and we are all expected to turn against each other; You do not need to “be affected” to act. Do not be a bystander, and stay safe.
