Posts Tagged ‘America’

How Sondheim’s ‘Assassins’ fuels my passion for social justice

You might not think a show about Presidential assassins would inspire activism for social justice and the greater good, but Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins has done exactly that for me.

Assassins1This musical masterpiece is not an endorsement of assassination, not by a long shot. Instead, it’s an investigation into what might have motivated nine Americans to feel like the only choice they had in life was to try and kill a President.

I first played the role of Sara Jane Moore, would-be assassin of President Gerald Ford, in 2010. At the time, I was concerned about the anger and anti-government sentiment raging across our country. And after the production was over, I found myself more determined than ever to work toward productive solutions that would help put the American Dream within the grasp of more of our citizens.

I’m playing that role a second time, against the backdrop of a time in our history when the vitriol and violence of humanity feel closer to the surface than ever. If we are to stem this tide of discord, we must engage in collective action to take better care of each other, so that no one feels so disenfranchised, downtrodden or desperate that they’re pushed to such extremes.

My commitment to making a positive difference in this country is even stronger now, and it’s my sincere hope that a day will come when Americans no longer feel inclined to choose violence over constructive action.

I have more to say about Assassins, which you can read in my post at Eclectablog.

[Photo credit: Bryan Clifford, courtesy of Avon Players.]

Supporting equality for all

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal….”

Statue-LibertyBWThe world knows these words from the U.S. Declaration of Independence well. It’s a foundation of our country’s vision of a land where everyone has an equal opportunity to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

In the years since those words were written, America’s leaders have amended our laws to make it clear that every citizen is entitled to the same rights, regardless of their gender, skin color or other characteristics. That work isn’t finished yet, though, because the LGBT community still faces discrimination in the workplace and in their personal lives.

Legislation like the “religious freedom” bill recently passed in Indiana is a giant step backward in the march for equality. Other “religious freedom” legislation already exists in some states, and is pending in others. Although I fully support laws that protect an individual’s right to practice his or her faith (or not to practice any faith) without government interference, I do not believe in laws that allow discrimination against anyone, for any reason.

So it does my heart good to see an outpouring of support for LGBT equality in the wake of the Indiana bill being signed into law. Across the country, people are standing up and being heard.

The most notable example is the “Open for Service” campaign. Here’s how the campaign website describes Open for Service:

We are a non-partisan, nonjudgmental group looking to provide a grassroots network for people to support businesses that open their doors for everyone – Black, White, Gay, Straight, Christian, Atheist, Disabled . . . well, you get our drift.

OpenForBusinessOpen for Service’s mission is simple: to celebrate businesses that oppose discrimination of every type. For a $10 contribution, businesses can be added to the Open for Service roster and receive a window sticker to show their customers that they believe everyone is equal — and will serve everyone accordingly.

As a small-business owner, I’m proud to sign on to Open for Service. I may not have a shop window to display my sticker in, but I gladly join businesses across the country in saying I would never turn away a customer because of who they are, what they believe, or who they love. Open for Service also sends a positive message of unity and lets those who may fear discrimination know they are welcome.

I believe in equality, and I believe in the collective power of people to drive positive change. Together, we can make sure America remains a country that upholds the principle that all men and women are, indeed, created equal — and makes sure everyone is treated that way.

Choosing hope

New beginnings are around us everywhere, every day. Even when we think all hope is lost, we’re reminded there’s always a chance to find something new, something to inspire and reinvigorate us.

In recent weeks, I’ve watched two people I love start their new life together, a bride and groom confident in their partnership and their future. I celebrated a friend’s first pregnancy — one that did not come easily, and is all the more appreciated for it.

By contrast, I saw our country’s divides grow deeper over issues like race, choice and equality. My heart ached as Detroit declared bankruptcy, proof that a city holding a lifetime of memories for me is struggling to survive.

Choosing hopeBut I choose hope. I choose to reflect on the new beginnings I’ve witnessed. I choose to do my part to contribute to a better future for those just starting out — new couples, new babies, new businesses, new dreams.

Can America overcome what divides us, to stand united for the good of our country and each other? I believe we can, if enough people want it and work for it. Can Detroit rebuild itself and become a great city once again? I have no doubt. In fact, the seeds of that rebirth are already there, in the businesses and residents moving into the city. They’re choosing hope, too.

No one’s saying it will be easy. Even the most joyous of new beginnings — a wedding, a baby — has its challenges. Emerging from bankruptcy or overcoming decades of division are tasks that will be years in the making, but absolutely worth the effort.

Sometimes, it can start with the smallest of seeds, A kind gesture, a purchase at a local business, a thought of forgiveness for someone who doesn’t share your views.

Hope can even lie dormant but it’s always there, like the lily that blossomed in my house after two years without flowering.

Hope is always there. You just have to believe in it.

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