I started this post with the full intent of writing about another trip…..and then I came across this in the news:
This weekend an officer SHOT a 13-year-old-kid, who had autism. He wasn’t armed. He wasn’t dangerous. He was just having a breakdown. I’ve worked with kids that have autism for years, I am completely and utterly mortified this happened. I’ve had plenty of kids (his size and his age) have breakdowns, and I was trained in how to provide safe and effective intervention (and it wasn’t difficult, and there were no injuries requiring hospitalization). There is absolutely no reason for this to happen.
I can’t blog about travel when this is happening in my own backyard. I’m HORRIFIED to say the least. This. Is. Why. Systemic. Prejudice (and ableism). Must. Stop. This is why there are so many movements, laws, and protests to make sure individuals are protected and safe. I could go on and on about how awful and frightening it is to be a gay disabled woman of Asian descent in America right now. And I count myself among the privileged few. I cannot imagine what individuals in other communities are going through. My heart goes out to all those that have experienced violence and prejudice at the hands of those that are supposed to protect us. Make a stand. Check your privilege. And stand up for those who cannot stand for themselves. You have an ally here.
I don’t think I can really say anything further to be honest. The act speaks for itself. This madness has to stop.
