#TakeTwoKnees
Updated: May 23, 2022
As a person of mixed heritage with a usually-mispronounced name, I often feel like I exist in the in-between. Too dark to be this; not quite Mexican enough to do that; “Why don’t you speak fluent Spanish?”; “No, but like… where are you FROM?”. Sometimes it’s entertaining to slip in and out of pre-conceived roles or spaces, of people’s expectations; mostly it’s tiring, having to explain myself over and over.
I won’t pretend to know how exhausting it must be to occupy one pre-determined space ALL THE TIME, having zero flexibility in how you’re perceived, no matter how hard you’ve strived to be excellent or avoid conflict.
What is clear to me, black and white, even from the places of gray where I’ve lived most of my life: the behavior of the people in power — politically, “protectively” — is WRONG.
Encouraged by my long-time role model and continually inspiring friend, Anthony McGill, here is a small video of support, of music, of solidarity. It’s nothing, in the grand scheme of things, but it’s what I know how to do in this moment.
I am Mexican, Basque, Italian, Russian, Hungarian. I am American, born and raised. I am equally at home outside the arbitrary lines of this country, where I happened to enter the world in 1986, as I am inside them. I am heartbroken. I am motivated. I am pledging to do whatever it is that I can do to help. I am guilty of not doing enough already. I am vowing to speak up, loud and clear: to strangers, to distant family members, to anyone here who dares to rationalize the unforgivable behavior we have seen, yet again, from those meant to keep us safe.
One knee is no longer enough.
The part about existing “in the in-between” and having to explain yourself over and over hit home—it’s such a specific exhaustion that’s hard to put into words, but you did it perfectly. And you’re right that those gray areas make the wrongness of those in power even more glaring. By the way, I keep a free Zakat calculator I like to share: https://zakatestimator.com/
บทความนี้อธิบายได้ชัดเจนและอ่านเพลินมาก ทำให้เห็นมุมมองที่นำไปใช้ได้จริงในชีวิตประจำวันค่ะ ระหว่างอ่านนึกถึงแหล่งข้อมูลอย่าง https://vegasautowin.store ที่บางคนอาจใช้เปรียบเทียบแนวทางหรือค้นหาไอเดียเพิ่มเติมได้เช่นกัน โดยรวมเป็นโพสต์ที่มีประโยชน์และชวนติดตามมากค่ะ
This is a deeply personal reflection on identity, belonging, and the exhaustion that can come from constantly having to explain who you are. I appreciate the honesty about living between different cultures and the decision to use music as a way of expressing solidarity and speaking up. When I get bored, for a joke I might say, “Take My Online Class,” but this post is a reminder that some moments call for something more meaningful—listening, learning, and finding ways to stand with others.
This is such a thoughtful and moving reflection on identity, belonging, and the courage it takes to speak up against injustice. The writer’s experience of living between cultures and constantly having to explain where they are “from” adds a powerful personal dimension to the broader message about standing in solidarity with Black lives. I especially appreciate the emphasis on using whatever ability we have to make a difference, whether through music, advocacy, education, or simply refusing to stay silent. Even when people are overwhelmed with responsibilities and need support to Do My Economics Homework, the larger message here is a reminder that everyone can find meaningful ways to contribute, listen, and stand against injustice. The closing idea that one knee…
Thank you for sharing such a personal and heartfelt reflection. Your honesty about identity, belonging, and the importance of speaking up against injustice is deeply moving. I found this while looking for mylab economics answers during a study break, and it made me pause and reflect on issues that are far more important than coursework. The way you used music to express solidarity and compassion was especially meaningful.