#TakeTwoKnees
- May 29, 2020
- 2 min read
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.
Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt and honest perspective. Your words about identity, empathy, and standing up for what's right are powerful and inspiring. Sometimes, when I get bored, for a joke I say "Take my online class," but reading posts like this is a reminder that there are conversations and issues that deserve our full attention, compassion, and willingness to listen. Thank you for speaking from the heart.
Thank you for sharing such a personal and heartfelt reflection. Your honesty about identity, belonging, and standing in solidarity with others is both moving and inspiring. Meaningful conversations like these become even more impactful when they can reach people from diverse backgrounds, and a NAATI Translator plays an important role in making important messages accessible across languages and cultures. Wishing for continued compassion, understanding, and positive change.
Thank you for sharing such a powerful and heartfelt message. Standing up against injustice and showing solidarity through compassion and action truly matters. In a different but equally meaningful way, Marriage Certificate Translation helps families from diverse backgrounds overcome barriers and build connections across cultures and borders. Every step toward understanding and inclusion makes a difference.
Your decision to share a video of music and solidarity, inspired by Anthony McGill, really resonates with me. Exploring how an AI music generator can help others create their own pieces of protest or reflection might give more people a way to stand up too.
Thank you for sharing such an honest and heartfelt reflection. Your message about identity, empathy, and standing in solidarity against injustice is both powerful and inspiring. Open conversations like these help build understanding and encourage positive change. Likewise, Interpreting Services play an important role in breaking down language barriers, ensuring that meaningful discussions about inclusion, equality, and community are accessible to everyone.