Oh, how I’ve missed delivering my essays and prose pieces to you, but I have good reason. Really, I do! Our family recently relocated from the South Suburbs of Chicago to a suburb just outside Philadelphia earlier this summer. Couple that with homesickness and the ensuing emotions and activities that come along with relocating, it seemed that I only managed to eke out some poetry.
Well, I’m pleased to report that my immediate family is finally all together and we’re as settled as we’re going to be…for now. The kids are in new schools, hubby gets to come home to me every evening, and both the home and bed are warmer. 
Additionally, I’m learning to make peace with change being a constant, and doing my best to avail myself to this new season and the challenges and opportunities that might be in store for me. I’m not sure where I first heard the saying “Happy Wife, Happy Life”, but whoever authored it was spot on! Our whole house is in order now that its Commander-in-Chief is happier.
Speaking of Commander-in-Chief, did you realize that we’re only two months away from voting for ours? The GOP wrapped up its convention last week, and this week’s Democratic National Convention confirmed that this race will be intense, and right down to the wire. Regardless of what side you’re on, or even if you’re undecided, I’m sure you’ll agree that this race is likely to get even more contentious as we head into November.
Undoubtedly, the word “race” has taken on a much broader meaning in this election. Rather than dancing around this fact, I’d like to think of this juncture as an opportunity to break bread about what that means, and whether we can move the conversation forward in authentic and meaningful ways. The perspectives of common, everyday folk are intriguing and varied, but are rarely heard above the din of endless news spin, popular opinion, and media soundbites. I find it especially difficult not to weigh in on the tone of this race, so I happily agreed, when asked by Monica Medina at www.monicastangledweb.com, to write a few posts during and after the election about race and politics, as part of a blogging project she’s launched that will coincide with a new PBS documentary called Race 2012 in October.
“It’s about race and the election and what it means for each of us”, says Monica.
My hope is that my participation will foster a civil dialogue that is effective, healing, and enlightening. With that in mind, I plan to write a few posts toward this project between October through the middle of November, and welcome you to share in this effort through your comments and feedback. These posts will not attempt to cover the election, but rather, take a look at the elements of race and politics from a unique perspective that is mostly personal, and hugely familiar. Are you ready?
On your mark…get set…let’s go!
To become even more integrated in this dialogue, like Race 2012 on Facebook at (http://www.facebook.com/Race2012Pbs), and follow on Twitter at @PBSRace2012.
Congratulations on your move. Glad to hear your all settled now. I love the sentiment in your message about the Race 2012 project. I look forward to your posts!
How can race not be an issue in this election? While I think it has been veiled as to the President, it is alive and well in our immigration policy. And a look at convention delegates is pretty telling. At times I wish we could have a civil dialog about race, but there really is nothing to say – either it matters to you a lot or not at all…very little middle ground here. And, what does it take for someone to change sides here? An actual relationship with a new face…or perhaps a bad run-in with someone who is an “other”?
Good morning Chris,
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I’m curious: how did you find me?
I couldn’t agree with you more about race being “alive and well in our immigration policy”. I’d like to believe that there is more ground to cover beyond either caring about race or not. I’m hopeful that through conversation, we can explore our diversity of thoughts, and possibly understand what informs our individual perspectives. My goal isn’t so much to change the minds of folks, as much as it is to make deposits that might enhance our understanding of the subject, especially if we are to coexist and be respectful of each other. I think you’re on to something about relationship, and it being instrumental in shaping our perspectives on race and/or politics. Yes, sometimes it takes that, even when it is virtual. I appreciate you chiming in so early. I’m looking forward to more!
Thanks for having me on board, Monica! I’m really looking forward to the dialogue.
Good to have you back (posting), hermana. Your voice in this forum was missed. Felicidades for the RACE 2012 writing gig. Looking forward to your perspecacity, wit & analyical prowess.
Gracias, hermana! I’m stoked now! “…perspicacity”, “analytical prowess”? I can live with that. It’s on!
Nice to hear from you and glad to know that all’s well. All the best to you and family. Blessings.
Thanks Giftus! I hope you stay tuned for the upcoming posts. Be Well!
Always trenchant, courageous, inspiring. Again Thanks
Thanks Toby!
Well now I understand what’s been going on. I’m sorry we couldn’t get together somehow while we were still in the same general area. I’m glad you’re settled in and all together.
The new pieces on race and politics sound interesting and very timely. I’m tired, but ready.
LadySparks! Though we never physically met when I was in Chi-town, I felt like we did. I know that this meeting will happen at the appointed time. In the meantime, I have this wonderful book called “Entanglement”, written by Kathleen (Re) Harris, that I have to read.
I cannot wait to cozy up with her characters, and her inventive story-weaving! I’m glad you stopped by, Re! Like you, I’m tired, but I’m ready for some real, open, and enlightening talk.
You have such a fluid writing style. I feel like I’m listening to a reporter airing from the comfort of her living room as she’s sipping a cup of tea. I look forward to your posts.
Thanks Tots! I’m glad you feel welcomed. I look forward to writing them and the ensuing dialogue.
You were missed SE, and I can’t wait for your series. I agree with the poster who pointed out your Wordsmithiness. Your poetic style is perfect for debate topics, which are often written with a rather curt tone.
Morning Amelie! I’m starting to get nervous now. You guys are raising the bar. I love it! Really, thank you for that lovely take on my writing. You just never know what people take away from your writing. I hope that it serves well in addressing those important issues.
I’m going to comment here within Amelie’s thread because she’s my blog-world friend too, and I feel nice and cocooned in this comment thread with the two of you. I hope you like Philly SomerEmpress; I grew up there, my family’s there, and it has such a nice feel. Although I imagine that a geographical move takes time to settle into. Looking forward to your posts on ‘race within the race.’
Jon! I’ve come to pluck you out of your chrysalis.
This move has been my most difficult, but it feels great to be together again. I didn’t realize how much of a Midwest gal I’d become. I’m looking forward to writing about, as you put it, “a race within a race”. Hope I can bring something fresh to the dialogue.
I get nervous when writing posts too, especially when it’s something I really care about. Or when I think other biologists might be reading, for fear I’ll make a mistake. But it’s a blog, it’s supposed to be fun to write. I figure I’ll write from the heart and have fun with it. When I can do that the posts go over surprisingly well.
I like that “vote” of confidence, Amelie. Figure I might as well use the jargon when the opportunity presents itself! Whenever I elect to write from the heart, and unleash my truth, I find it to be more transformative, more soul-reaching.
Oh also meant to say, congrats on your new home! I adore the northeast, been here all my life. Wish I were closer I’d bring you a housewarming bouquet!
Thanks Amelie! I would have loved that, but I receive the virtual one with the same gratitude. Thanks! (And I thought I was through with the Northeast!)
Hi Empress! Congratulations on the Race Special! It’s awesome and I really look forward to reading your posts. Your insights are invariably meaningful. I sh** you not. Happy to hear you’re settling in and hope Philly embraces you with open arms. Keep hope alive.
Yeah, Power to the People!
I look forward to you joining the dialogue as well. Thank you, Coco.
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Enjoyed reading this and I look forward to reading more of your work!!
Great! Thanks for stopping by, Ayo!
Congrats on your new home! I guess we have to work on our timing because we just met and I live in the Chicago area. I really like your blog and you’re right, we’ve got to start a meaningful dialog on these issues. Admittedly I’ve been swamped with a new job so my blog has been a little quiet as of late, but I’m looking forward to diving back in and using this blogging project as a venue. I admit I’m a little nervous about it, but I know all will work out well.
Hi there! Thanks for stopping by. Yeah, I have impeccable timing, don’t I?
You never know, our geographical paths just might cross again. In the meantime, our literary paths will suffice in this special blogging project on Race & Politics. I’m also excited, though I haven’t prepared a post yet. Yikes! I better get to work!
Great luck on the new gig. I hope you find it fulfilling. Welcome!
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