For many people, the summer protests of 2020 following the murder of George Floyd felt like a real chance for change.
Ibram X. Kendi called for antiracism.
Michelle Alexander called for the defunding of the police.
Nikole Hannah-Jones called for reparations. There was a reckoning. There was a moment of possibility.
We all know what happened next: a global pandemic, a big lie, an insurrection, a backlash to The 1619 Project and critical race theory, book bans, anti-trans laws, and an upcoming Supreme Court decision. For some of us, this is a step backward. But for others – like San Francisco voters, who recalled progressive prosecutor Chesa Boudin, and Los Angeles voters, who backed pro-police mayoral candidate Rick Caruso – this is a desirable correction to increased crime and failed leftist policies.
Today’s issue of The Highlighter includes two articles on both sides of the divide. The lead piece, “
Equality ≠ Equity,” may surprise many of you who have come to expect a social justice bent to this newsletter. Author Tal Fortgang argues that seeking equity, or the equality of outcomes, does not represent Americans’ notions of fairness. Checking privilege is one thing; sacrificing privilege is another. I encourage you to read the article, especially if you think you’ll disagree, like I did.
If you’re an educator, like many of you are, don’t read the
second article, which profiles a gay teacher in Florida who resigned after the state passed the Don’t Say Gay law. It’s infuriating. Instead, take in the beautiful photo of Yosemite and head straight down to the last two pieces – about
large-scale cheating in a college course and about promoting empathy and
compassion among doctors. Please enjoy!
+ Want to read more, read more deeply, and connect with other thoughtful people? Check out
Article Club. This month, we’re reading “The Roe Baby,” by Joshua Prager.
Here’s more information. We’re meeting June 26.