What sort of art makes your experience of the internet bearable? Whose presence in your inbox reminds you that inboxes used to be sources of delight? Whose words feel like buoys? Some of you have told me that Culture Study sometimes does that for you, which is incredibly kind of you and makes all of this feel worth doing. But today I want to tell you about the person who does that for me.
Chris's writing, Samantha Irby's newsletter, The Dogist, Useless Farm and Failing Full Circle on Tiktok. When it's a bad brain day, all those are guaranteed to make me feel better about something.
I am working on an amicus brief for the Harvard and UNC admissions cases. This will be the 3rd amicus brief on this topic I've written in a decade, because the Supreme Court keeps revisiting whether *taking into account a person's history of experiencing racism* is, in itself, racist. And because a very angry old white man has devoted all of his resources and energy to stopping the consideration of a person's racial background in admissions as if THAT is the greatest evil needing addressing, as if there weren't bigger problems to solve. This time feels especially hard because - with the loss of Kennedy and Ginsburg and the incoming Kavanaugh and Barrett - it seems like we are walking into defeat. I feel deeply discouraged to read polls showing that such a huge percentage of americans are against "affirmative action" in college admissions because I know, reading the news coverage of it, that most people believe it to be a much simpler, more binary, meritless process and it is in fact much more nuanced and conscientious than that. But people aren't interested in complexity. They like fiery rhetoric and feel comfortable and righteous in that headspace. I am reading your "keep getting shit done" message here with stars in my eyes but I'm honestly flagging here. I wonder if you have any words of wisdom for continuing to fight a battle that seems poised to lose?
Heather, I think it's important to realize sometimes you need to take a rest from it all. That's probably the most important thing. After that, showing others you tried is sometimes the best you can do. My tribe was told over and over again we would never get federal recognition but people kept plugging away and plugging away, and most died before it ever happened. But they laid the groundwork. Others stepped up. 156 years later, it happened. So just do what you can and recognize it isn't all on you. I don't know if this helps or not.
Love this--I believe I found Chris' work through your newsletter and I've been so thankful to be introduced to his work and thoughts on the world. Profoundly grateful there are people like this in the world.
Thank you for the introduction. I’ve been reading An Irritable Métis since you first linked him. That’s my partner’s background, and it’s great to get more perspectives on their history.
The art on the internet that makes it bearable?
Chris's writing, Samantha Irby's newsletter, The Dogist, Useless Farm and Failing Full Circle on Tiktok. When it's a bad brain day, all those are guaranteed to make me feel better about something.
Just subscribed, thank you for sharing. (also still intimidated by Discord)
DON'T BE!!!!
Me too, on both counts!
I was too....but everyone is SO friendly and helpful...it is a great place to just read if you don't want to join in at first.
I am working on an amicus brief for the Harvard and UNC admissions cases. This will be the 3rd amicus brief on this topic I've written in a decade, because the Supreme Court keeps revisiting whether *taking into account a person's history of experiencing racism* is, in itself, racist. And because a very angry old white man has devoted all of his resources and energy to stopping the consideration of a person's racial background in admissions as if THAT is the greatest evil needing addressing, as if there weren't bigger problems to solve. This time feels especially hard because - with the loss of Kennedy and Ginsburg and the incoming Kavanaugh and Barrett - it seems like we are walking into defeat. I feel deeply discouraged to read polls showing that such a huge percentage of americans are against "affirmative action" in college admissions because I know, reading the news coverage of it, that most people believe it to be a much simpler, more binary, meritless process and it is in fact much more nuanced and conscientious than that. But people aren't interested in complexity. They like fiery rhetoric and feel comfortable and righteous in that headspace. I am reading your "keep getting shit done" message here with stars in my eyes but I'm honestly flagging here. I wonder if you have any words of wisdom for continuing to fight a battle that seems poised to lose?
Heather, I think it's important to realize sometimes you need to take a rest from it all. That's probably the most important thing. After that, showing others you tried is sometimes the best you can do. My tribe was told over and over again we would never get federal recognition but people kept plugging away and plugging away, and most died before it ever happened. But they laid the groundwork. Others stepped up. 156 years later, it happened. So just do what you can and recognize it isn't all on you. I don't know if this helps or not.
Chris’s writing has never yet failed to deepen my desire to be a better person. Thank you both for an incredible conversation!
This is my feeling exactly.
That last paragraph is like a benediction.
Isn't it though? What a perfect way to describe it.
Love this--I believe I found Chris' work through your newsletter and I've been so thankful to be introduced to his work and thoughts on the world. Profoundly grateful there are people like this in the world.
THANK YOU. This did indeed lift me from some despair.
I will always be thankful to you for introducing me to Chris and his amazing writing.
Don't be a dick is really a great concept...should replace e pluribus unum
thank you for this, it made me feel a glow in my heart
Thank you for the introduction. I’ve been reading An Irritable Métis since you first linked him. That’s my partner’s background, and it’s great to get more perspectives on their history.
What joy to be reminded of the heartache and need to sustain, to celebrate our empathy and love ❤
Wow. Just a beautiful interview, and it brought up a lot to sit with.
oh, I did not know I needed this today, but I did. thank you