Read. Talk. Think.

Things that make you say O. Hm.

“I use the word ‘queer’ to describe a diverse set of identities that include bisexual, trans, lesbian, gay, two-spirit, genderqueer, intersex, and asexual people. I use the word queer to describe myself, my community and my experience. Other folks might use any of these words or other terms to describe themselves and their experiences. It’s important to note that ‘queer’ is a reclaimed word, a word that has historically been used to harm people. When I use the word ‘queer,’ I’m using it with pride and with love. The word ‘queer’ should never be used in hate or anger.”

Jill Winsor, an Oregon Humanities facilitator, responding to questions about the use of the word “queer” as part of her Conversation Project discussion, “Where Are Queer People Welcome?”

 

“Fear creates the divide. When we get to know each other in the way Bridging Oregon allowed us to, much of what we see as ‘divides’ seems to dissolve away. It’s clear to me that one antidote to today’s divides is having more of these reflecting conversations in our communities.”

Yoko Ikeda, a licensed marriage and family therapist from Bend, who participated in Bridging Oregon, a monthly conversation series in Prineville that explored the fractures and connections we experience in our state

 

“No matter one’s dietary habits, I do think there are many moral and existential problems when one eats without thinking. The same is true for other kinds of consumption as well.”

Erin McKenna, University of Oregon professor, in her book Livestock: Food, Fiber and Friends (University of Georgia Press 2018)

 

“If we’re really going to reimagine justice we need to resist pushing back on or rejecting ideas that seem overly idealistic or impractical or seem too far away or maybe not viable at all.…I would ask that we allow ourselves to imagine what would our society look like—even if it’s eighty years from now—what might it look like if we didn’t have prisons and jails?”

David Rogers, executive director of ACLU of Oregon, at a March 2018 Think & Drink conversation about criminal justice alternatives

 

“Kinship created a web of Indigenous connections across space and time that was often illegible to colonial outsiders. As the federal government sought to control Indigenous placemaking, it also attempted to streamline the complexity of Indigenous relationships to the land and to one another.”

Katrine Barber, Portland State University professor, in her book In Defense of Wyam: Native-White Alliances and the Struggle for Celilo Village (University of Washington Press, 2018)

 

“We all got to HIP by going about life outside what may be considered ‘normal.’ Whether life circumstance or our own choices—we have not followed the traditional path. From my perspective, following the beat of your own drum is part of what got you here. And what can guide you when you move on from here.”

Chelsey Fowler, Humanity in Perspective alum, sharing thoughts as guest speaker at the 2018 HIP Commencement. Pictured: The 2018 HIP class

 

Now it’s your turn. Share your thoughts about the quotes on these pages—and the rest of this issue—on Twitter (@orhumanities), Facebook (Oregon.humanities), or Instagram (@oregonhumanities) with the tag #readtalkthink.

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Editor's Note: The Point of the World

Creating Connection Across Oregon

Exploring Sovereignty

Engaging as Fellow Humans

"Poetry Builds Community"

From the Director: Word Problems

Deep Roots

A Lot to Ask of a Name

Out of the Woods

Episodes in People Watching

People, Not Pundits

Day of Judgment

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Read. Talk. Think.

Croppings: The Casta Paintings