Read on Twitter
As MOCs bare their souls and share their traumas, let's talk about the support networks.
Here, AOC notices Rep. Tlaib physiological response to this trauma, she stands behind her, arm on her back. Once Rep. Tlaib has made it through the worst of the memory, AOC backs away. https://twitter.com/justicedems/status/1357492730075709447
Here, AOC notices Rep. Tlaib physiological response to this trauma, she stands behind her, arm on her back. Once Rep. Tlaib has made it through the worst of the memory, AOC backs away. https://twitter.com/justicedems/status/1357492730075709447
This act of backing away may seem small, but it's huge. It's a show of support and an acknowledgment of power.
Hand on back, AOC reminds Rep. Tlaib she's not alone. Standing to the side, AOC is intentional not to coddle and watches Tlaib tell her story in all her power. (2/5)
Hand on back, AOC reminds Rep. Tlaib she's not alone. Standing to the side, AOC is intentional not to coddle and watches Tlaib tell her story in all her power. (2/5)
In AOC's Instagram story, we heard about Rep. Pressley encouraging AOC to breathe & acknowledge that she experienced trauma
This simple pause, acknowledging trauma is an acknowledgment of truth, & one of the most powerful versions of support available in the immediate aftermath
This simple pause, acknowledging trauma is an acknowledgment of truth, & one of the most powerful versions of support available in the immediate aftermath
I bring this up because, for all the awareness campaigns around "believing" trauma, there isn't nearly enough attention on support networks
Without support networks, advocacy campaigns are performative, & the person who experienced the trauma becomes a prop & is left in the dust
Without support networks, advocacy campaigns are performative, & the person who experienced the trauma becomes a prop & is left in the dust
When we "raise awareness" we must also reflect inwardly. We have to change systems and culture, but to do so we have to be critical how we interact with the people in our own lives.
From the outside, it looks like The Squad is an A+ support network, and we can all learn a lot.
From the outside, it looks like The Squad is an A+ support network, and we can all learn a lot.
