YOU MUST HAVE ONE GRAND PASSION
I absolutely love Jenny Holzer’s truisms. I discovered them via poster in the background of a scene in Helvetica – and I’ve been a fan ever since.
When I run out of juice for this blog (but not out of writing juice), I’m going to share some thoughts on a truism. Here’s the first in the series.
The Grand Canyon. Fill it up with your passion.
YOU MUST HAVE ONE GRAND PASSION
Last week, one of my students left me a fantastic surprise in my mailbox.
The note said “for encouraging us to follow our red rubber ball” and behind the wrapping paper was a fantastic book. Besides being touched by her kind gesture, I was incredibly moved by the message of the book itself.
It’s not a Nobel-winning novel or anything – in a lot of ways, it is your standard motivational “follow your dreams” message. But this really resonated with me as I thought of my Grand Passion and the people in my life who have encouraged me to follow it.
My Grand Passion is about bodies and ownership and empowerment. I don’t know how to phrase it succinctly or lyrically – but I know my passion when I feel it. I want to change this rape culture. I want to give people the knowledge they need to make healthy decisions about their sexuality. I want everyone to live in a world where they can love who they love. I want people to own their bodies and their bodies alone – which in practice would hopefully mean an end to rape, childhood genital mutilation (male and female) and “corrective” surgery on intersex infants and children. I want everyone to have the confidence they need to feel comfortable in their skin and love their body (and the things it can do). These are all things that make my heart beat and move me to action.
Grand Passion is such a powerful truism. Without a Grand Passion, how does our life have direction? How do we know where to bounce our rubber ball?
I just discovered another great blog with some great social justice content -Angry Asian Man. I’m sure I’m late to the party on this one, but for some reason it wasn’t one I’d stumbled across yet. I’m always on the lookout for blogs that post some good identity focused content. If you find others you think I might like, feel free to send them my way!
