It is always easier to define community by positives. It is one of the few thought experiments that is, colloquially, overwhelmed with affirmations about connection and world-building, the latter of which is centered around growth and sustainability. But in reality, the term community is incredibly flexible and at best can be a lens to focus on whatever compartment of existence is salient to the conversation at hand. In reframing this word to be more applicable, I look to reading about politics, sociology and history, specifically about the structures of power and the people who are maimed by them, the people who fight against them.

As a progressive, it is important to constantly reevaluate my experience and perspective. To become the best version of myself, and participate in the best version of community requires honest inspection and the culling of institutional and internalized bigotry. This is common practice within the movement of being "anti-racist" rather than being just "not racist.” Investigating the problems rather than ignoring them as a bystander.

The themes I wish to investigate with others include the 2nd Amendment and its roots in white supremacy, the connection between gentrification and beliefs about the family, the logic of injury and debility in the Palestinian genocide, the movement for Native Americans’ self-determination, and lastly the place of pedagogy in emancipatory struggle.