We stand against injustice.
As we at Imagine Goods work to empower survivors of trafficking, we realize that there are people all around us who need to be empowered in different ways. We desire to promote a society in which we all work together, listening to each other and working against injustice. So we begin by making a statement.
But we can’t ever fool ourselves into thinking that making a statement is enough. Liking a social media post isn’t enough. Buying and wearing a t-shirt isn’t enough.
So we begin by making a statement, but we proceed by living it. Let’s start by listening. Listen to someone who feels unheard.
If you are part of a historically privileged group, go listen to someone who is a part of a disenfranchised group (try to find someone who is different than anyone you’ve ever been friends with).
If you are part of a marginalized group, go listen to someone who is from a different marginalized group (every story is different, and their experience will likely be different than yours).
Remember the old adage about loving your neighbor? These people are our neighbor.
And then there’s that (much harder) one about loving our enemies. There’s that person who drives you cray-zy! The things they say make your ire rise up and choke you. You know what I’m going to say, right? Yep. Go and humbly listen to them. Someone infinitely wiser than me said, “If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that.” (a teacher named Jesus)
Then do something. It doesn’t have to be a big thing…just something. Let those acts of mini-love build over time. Commit an act of humble subversion against a system of injustice (some of you are familiar with the term “walking in the opposite spirit”—do that). Be kind in the face of rudeness. Join a discussion group with people who aren’t like you. Make a donation to put your money where your heart is. Give more than you think you can. Trust me…you can.
We at Imagine Goods are releasing a new line of Justice t-shirts today; they each make a statement. But we wanted to be sure that if you buy one of these, you’ll actually commit yourself to living it.
Be ready to explain why you are wearing the shirt. But be quicker to listen than you are to speak. If someone sees you wearing it and wants to talk (it may be a conversation starter), be humble. Listen. (If you start to feel defensive, go away without responding and ask yourself why you feel defensive.) If you are part of a historically privileged group, you may be surprised that disenfranchised people express anger while talking with you. (Try not to be offended. Just listen.)
So here is your checklist before you wear one of our Justice tees:
* I have listened.
* I have taken a stand against injustice.
* I have loved.