brenda's point is very valid. I also think that the rhetorical positioning of white allies as explicitly and expressly marginal voices in the movement is pretty effective at making its own point about the power gained by marginalizing others. And I'd say that the message is primarily aimed at POC, not whites.

Relatedly, this seems like a good time for me, hippy dippy white liberal that I am, to 'fess up to the fact that I dislike and resist the term "ally." I'm okay with other people using it to label me, but I don't want to label myself that way. I'm just going to continue to be who I am, and to raise my voice where I think it's appropriate for me to raise it, and raise my kids with the values I believe in. I've spent a long time thinking about why it bothers me, and I think it comes down to the way it overtly maps the language of war onto other kinds of interactions and exchanges. Sure, okay, in an explicitly political interaction I will overtly position myself as an ally, but in day to day interactions, I don't want to be burdened with the imagery of war and conflict.

Suzi, that's a great vote of confidence, and yet, why would you want a position he's just described as horribly frustrating.

Ginger, stay safe, okay. That's too close.

Matt, no, it isn't wrong at all. Totally understandable.

eta wrote the above hours ago and just hit Post.

brenda, well said, and Burrell, thanks for articulating why the word "ally" feels uncomfortable.

Sympathy and fist bumps to those feeling overwhelmed. I'm taking vacation next week, and although I've worked overtime this week (and last, and the week before...) to get ready, work is still not ready for me to be away for five whole days. I don't know what I'm going to come back to, but I need those days away.

YES, brenda. Thank you.

to 'fess up to the fact that I dislike and resist the term "ally."

Oh lord, yes. Along with the points you made, it positions allies as separate - it's not our issue, you know, we're just good people who ally with you.

I like the term "decent human being" in place of "ally."

Totally unrelated, I could use some hire~ma. We've been understaffed for so long, and had a couple of really good candidates fall through. I've got a guy know who really wants to join the firm, passed all interviews to date with flying colors, and would just be really great.

I've just reached out to Person Most Likely to Scuttle All This to offer her the opportunity to interview him as well. Because I kind of have to. But I'm really hoping she doesn't want to take the time.

Thanks, everyone. I was trying to articulate this, and failing miserably. I still feel like a lousy human being though, even asking the question.

Thank you all for answering me honestly.

______

Just got a call from the vet. She has a UTI and chronic kidney disease, so tomorrow she gets a long-lasting antibiotic shot and I learn how to give sub-q fluids. Initially, she'll be on a MWF schedule. He also talked about a low-protein diet and prescription food. I'm wary of vets and recommending food, so if anyone has any input, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Andi will be your best resource.

Kitty~ma, and life~ma for all the other crap going on. You've been on my mind but I'm sorry I haven't said anything.

long-lasting antibiotic shot

Totally worth the extra cost. At least, at the vet we took the kitty to for her ingrown claw, it was $20 more to have a long-lasting antibiotic shot versus 2 weeks of twice-daily pills. It was worth more than $20 to NOT have to burrito the cat and try to cram a pill down her throat twice a day for 14 days.

if anyone has any input

ISTR that Andi has had a lot of good information about pet food in the past.

Oh Maria, that's tough, but lots of folks on the board have dealt with sub-q fluids and can probably give you the best advice.

it positions allies as separate - it's not our issue, you know, we're just good people who ally with you.

Oh yeah, that too! That one rankles.