I'm sure that due to recent events, you've all read your fair share of empowering, motivating, and uplifting blog posts. But I just wanted to share my thoughts on all of these issues, as well as remind everyone that it's ok to stand up for what you believe in, because I think that a lot of people are afraid of that.
First things first, to my US blog buddies, I am here for you, we are all here for you, and now is the time for you guys to get your voices heard. I'm sure you've heard this all before, but I just wanted to remind you that if you ever need someone to talk to, you've got a whole world of people that want to support you. Now, I want to talk about a growing issue not only in the book community, but in real life as well, and that is being afraid to stand up for the real issues.
I see it in my own school everyday. Feminism is known as the "F" word. You don't mention it, and nobody gets hurt. If someone makes a racist remark, you're kind of afraid, myself included, to speak up because it's "freedom of speech". In my class, being a social justice warrior is something to be ashamed of, something that should be made fun of, because it means that you're sensitive and get offended at everything. A guy in my class actually uses SJW as an insult.
Even in the book community, I've noticed a lot of people saying that when they post about diverse books they are unfollowed, or not followed as much anymore. Diverse books are usually the best books out there, so personally it baffles me that people actually would rather only follow cookie-cutter, white-washed books. Does that not get boring?
So I just wanted to make this post to finally remind myself, and other people, that it's ok to be a social justice warrior. It's not an insult, it doesn't mean that you get offended at everything, and it should be something to be proud of. I've spent a lot of time this year putting up with a lot of crap from other people in my school, but I'm finally ready to not be ashamed of speaking up. Because I know now that by not speaking up, I am apart of the problem and preventing the change from happening. I know that some people may seem so narrow minded that you won't be able to change them, but at least you know that you did the right thing. I keep telling myself that it will be hard, but it's part of the process.
So I will finally wear my SJW badge with pride and I hope that many will accept it as well. Because at the end of the day, an SJW is as simple as being kind. As my good friend Cee @ Diary of a Reading Addict says: just don't be a jerk ;)
Emily @ Paperback Princess
This is such a great post, Em! I'm so glad you took the time to write it because it's something I've been constantly thinking about these days. Even though I'm not in the US, this is very much a reality we ALL have to face because it doesn't just affect those in the US. However, yes, I have noticed a lot of otherwise outspoken personalities on social media being silent about this and it was honestly very disheartening. Of course, some prefer to stay away from "drama" but this hardly classifies as unwanted drama, does it? I don't know but it's really disappointing to see. I deeply appreciate all the social justice warriors we have, and to those who'd rather not involve in such things, I do so hope they'll reconsider their stance. A healthy balance between bookish things and things like this is best, in my opinion. Anyway, thank you for writing this highly timely post! Superbly written!
ReplyDeleteYES YES YES!! This reality faces all of us and it's so sad to see people not caring because it "doesn't effect them". I just really hope that people realize that their support matters, and that they are doing nothing wrong by standing up to hate. I definitely agree that as book bloggers, we should keep a balance :)
DeleteI LOVE YOU EM!!!! XD
ReplyDeleteYou speak up & say what's important sweetheart - but keep safe, ok? :)
You're an amazing person and I'm oh-so proud to know you!
LOVE YOU TOO CEE!! Thank you for your kind words and I promise I'll always be safe, because I think that could sadly also be an issue as well with this day and age :) <3
DeleteI love this post so much, Em! I try not to judge people, but when I see some *never* posting/tweeting about social issues it really makes me question how compassionate they are. Even if they feels like these issues don't directly concern them, I can't imagine how they still wouldn't speak up when we're part of a community that's passionate about diversity, about equality. The fact that many stayed completely silent in the past week baffles me, especially when I saw friends/bloggers speak up, even those who aren't really active on social media.
ReplyDeleteIt's quite interesting how people have a way of twisting the meaning of words that mean something positive, making them sound like a curse word, and how we all assist to this by not saying anything. This'll sound super-corny, but the fact that you're ready to be a proud SJW is truly inspiring. Keep being empowering and awesome, Emily! :)
Veronika @ The Regal Critiques
Thank you Veronika!! Yes, I definitely agree that it is kind of disheartening to see people stay so silent when this community was not made to be silent! People can tweet about whatever they want of course, but at the end of the day, it's important to shed light on the important issues :)
DeleteOh wow I had no idea this was such a big issue. Especially with how some people report being in followed etc after posting about diverse books - I wouldn't have thought that was the case! Keep being an SJW - we always need more good people in the world!
ReplyDeleteYeah it's definitely something that I've noticed more recently and I just don't get it! We definitely need to continue talking about it.
DeleteEmily, I'm glad you're prouder of being a SJW. We need more people like you in the world!
ReplyDeleteI'm very introverted and I feel like I can't express myself well, so I always stay quiet. However, I still try to change someone's mind by small acts. It is harder, but it is the way I feel most comfortable.
I definitely think it is important at this moment to be a social justice warrior. Speaking your mind can be difficult, but I encourage you so much to do so!
Thanks for writing such an inspiring post! <3
Thank you Lais! I definitely find being an introvert to be one of the reasons it's hard for me to speak up, but we will get through this together! Like you said, it's the small acts that add up :)
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