I know there's a lot of painful and turbulent things going on in the world right now. Specifically in the U.S., it is a time for much needed reflection and change. Each one of us has a different part we can play, and there are many lanes in a revolution. Some protest publicly, others donate privately, while many more are having tough conversations with friends and families. All are helpful.
All of this to say, it's a weird time to be drawing and honestly, I haven't felt very creative lately. However, I'm reminding myself art shouldn't be abandoned, but embraced in times of trouble. So I'm going to continue drawing, because I think putting good, creative things into the world is important work. Outside of all things art, I am endeavoring to make the world in my personal circle of influence a better place and hope that you are doing the same.
On the Black Lives Matter movement:
My policy since joining social media, running this website, writing a weekly newsletter, and just being somewhat public with my artwork was to never share politics or get political online. I'm politically agnostic and see good on both sides and crazy on both sides of the spectrum. I also feel like I, a guy who draws mostly silly robots, should not be your go-to source for hot takes on current events and guidance on political/moral/religious matters. But this last week I struggled with the performative aspect of social media; like how do I share ideas and information because I think it's crucial, and not because I want to score points with people?
I see people being criticized for sharing the right message in the wrong way, sharing the wrong things in the right way, being silent, being too loud, being told now is the time for whites to speak up, but also now is the time for whites to listen.
Yet I feel like I need to share something. And I feel like this revolution transcends politics. So know that while I'm not perfect, I'm doing my best, I'm learning, and I'm changing.
Here's some things that have helped me, a white guy, put things into perspective:
First, this simple question asked in this tweet: LINK
Second, this overview of racial violence in the United States throughout our history: LINK
Third, this empathetic perspective on looting and rioting: LINK
Lastly, this Christian explaining Black Lives Matter to someone who keeps saying All Lives Matter: LINK
-Jake