Race is the great taboo in our society. We are afraid to talk about it. White folks fear their unspoken views will be deemed racist. People of color are filled with sorrow and rage at unrighted wrongs. Drowning in silence, we are brothers and sisters drowning each other. Once we decide to transform ourselves from fearful caterpillars into courageous butterflies, we will be able to bridge the racial gulf and move forward together towards a bright and colorful future.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of openly discussing race to overcome societal taboos and move towards a harmonious future.
Eva Paterson's quote addresses the societal reluctance to discuss race, highlighting the fears and emotions that surround this taboo topic. She urges individuals to transform their fears into courage, suggesting that such a change is necessary to bridge racial divides and work collaboratively towards a hopeful, inclusive future. The metaphor of 'caterpillars' transforming into 'butterflies' reflects the potential for growth and positive change when people confront their fears and engage in meaningful dialogue about race.
In practice
During a community meeting on social justice, this quote can be used to inspire open dialogue about race.
Through constant familiarity, we can definitely establish new behavior patterns, using our tendency to form habits to our advantage. If we make a steady effort, I think we can overcome any form of negative conditioning and make positive changes in our lives. But we need to remember that genuine change doesn't happen overnight.
As much as people say they love change, they love it when you change - not when you want them to change. Even when it comes to processes they don't like, they're afraid of change.
We can choose to use our lives for others to bring about a better and more just world for our children. People who make that choice will know hardship and sacrifice. But if you give yourself totally to the non-violence struggle for peace and justice you also find that people give you their hearts and you will never go hungry and never be alone. And in giving of yourself you will discover a whole new life full of meaning and love.
Every seven years, I sit down and make a whole new plan.
At such times the universe gets a little closer to us. They are strange times, times of beginnings and endings. Dangerous and powerful. And we feel it even if we don't know what it is. These times are not necessarily good, and not necessarily bad. In fact, what they are depends on what *we* are.
In this present culture, we need to find the means to work and live together with less aggression if we are to resolve the serious problems that afflict and impede us.
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