Hi. My name is __________

Talk less. Listen more. That’s good advice for journalists, life partners, and especially those who live life with privileges and want to understand a hurt that is not only of this moment but is systemic and centuries in the making.  -- Dan Rather

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Recent trail ride at Deam Lake

I have been quiet on recent events. Partly because of my job (I have to be careful what I post on social media sites), but mostly because I am listening. 

It has been very telling, and alarming, to read what friends and even family have to say about racism, and Black Lives Matter. 

I come from privilege. I have recognized that for a long time.

FFS my name is literally Karen, and I grew up in one of the most affluent, white suburbs in Indiana. It's so white, in fact, that the mayor recently made national news. Carmel is a nice place to grow up, but I long quit telling people I was from there. Because it's embarrassing.

Privilege doesn't mean you have not had struggles. It doesn't mean I am rich. It doesn't mean I have never been discriminated against for anything. It's astounding what people truly cannot see and fail to grasp. Even more alarming is watching folks turn racism into a political stunt. 

Loving the ShooFly boots

Here's what else makes me privileged:

• My parents were never divorced
• I grew up with a father figure in the home
• I had a private grade school education
• I never had to help my parents with the bills
• I didn't have to pay for college
• I never wondered where my next meal would come from (but I have as an adult)

I have been handed opportunity after opportunity. Those are just the basics. Let's not forget growing up showing horses. I mean geez. Yes, I have worked my ass off to have a horse. Made sacrifices, struggled. Worked some more. Still privileged. Those who suggest people "get a job" or "work harder" are so tone deaf and missing the point entirely. 

While I struggle as an adult, I do still consider myself privileged. I ride my horse in the rolling hills of Kentucky people. If you get to do that, YOU ARE PRIVILEGED.

I mean ....

So in a sense, I have felt like I don't get an opinion on racism. My job is to listen, learn, check myself. You know it's a problem when you suggest to a friend that maybe they are tone deaf, and I get called a libtard.

It runs so much deeper than we know.

I was going to spout off some more about the newest pedophile to be banned from Safe Sport but I think I'll sign off for today.

Peace.