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I don’t know about you, but I tend to think of myself as a very smart person. I don’t like to think of myself this way, because it can be awfully arrogant and egotistical, but I can’t resist. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m a writer, or maybe because I was raised in a homeschool culture that told me I was special and unique and great in ways that other kids weren’t. Or perhaps I’m just especially full of myself. (My money is on the latter.)
I do like to think, however, that I know enough to know what I don’t know. Unlike Aaron Rodgers, I can admit that I don't know more than the doctors, epidemiologists, and health care professionals who have studied, tested, and approved the COVID-19 vaccines. I also know that Rodgers was consciously lying when he responded, “I’m immunized,” to the question of his vaccination status.
I know enough to know that everyone loves to confirm their priors in the weeks after an election. If you believed that “defund the police” is deeply unpopular and a losing slogan, you have proof to point to. And if you believe that good organizing and clear messaging can make police abolition winnable anywhere, you’ve also got proof.
The list of what I don’t know is long and unexplored. I don’t know if Julius Jones will live. I don’t know if we can overcome polarization to protect pregnant people. I don’t know if black and white movies are actually good or if I’m just a film nerd. I can’t, despite my desire, know everything. That’s a humbling and comforting truth. What I do know is the below articles are a worthy exploration of knowledge.
1. Aaron Rodgers Didn't Just Lie
His lies, his illogical defense, and his hubris damage all professional athletes. By Kareem Abdul-Jabbar via kareem.substack.com.
2. An Open Letter to the Governor of Oklahoma
The decision to kill Julius Jones or to spare his life rests in your hands. By Terrance M. McKinley via sojo.net.
3. She Ran on Defunding the Police in Iowa—and Won
Indira Sheumaker, 27, was elected to Des Moines, Iowa’s City Council. By Lexi McMenamin via Teen Vogue.
4. Will Christian Left and Right Agree on Protecting Pregnant Workers?
For some faith leaders and activists, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act balances “pro-worker, pro-family, and pro-life.” By Madison Muller via sojo.net.
5. How to Stop Progressives From Losing the Working Class
A new report, based on extensive survey data, suggests “Commonsense Solidarity” might be the answer. By Katherine Rader via thenation.com.
6. When Church Fosters Both Belonging and Bigotry
As an immigrant, the church invited me in — but also made me feel invisible. By Grace Ji-Sun Kim via sojo.net.
7. Halsey's Film Is a Gothic Meditation on Gender and Pregnancy
“I am not a woman, I’m a god / I am not a martyr, I’m a problem.” By Rachel Saywitz via bitchmedia.org.
8. 24 Quotes on Giving Thanks, Justice, and Radical Gratitude
Giving thanks doesn’t mean giving up on justice. By Olivia Bardo via sojo.net.
9. Why Are All the Movies in Black and White?
From Passing to Belfast, The French Dispatch to Gunda, the monochrome movie is back in full force — and for interesting new reasons. By Alissa Wilkinson via Vox.
10. After 20 Months of Social Distancing, Why Did I Crave Solitude?
Learning from the monks at the New Camaldoli Hermitage in Big Sur. By Cathleen Falsani via sojo.net.
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