There is no such thing as single issue struggle
For we do not have single issue lives – Audre Lorde
Caught between different worlds,
We stand alone
In the intersection of identities,
We navigate the unknown
We speak with many voices
But our struggles are the same
For in this life, we do not live single-issue lives,
It’s a shame
We face discrimination, prejudice and hate
But our resilience and strength,
We will not negate
For our identities are not just one thing or another
But a complex blend, like a flower to a lover
Honoring our culture, with heritage and pride,
Diversity embraced, a beauty we cannot hide.
But our struggles exist beyond what meets the eye,
With environmental woes affecting you and I
Communities of color and those with low income
Indigenous peoples, refugees and the like
Women, girls, LGBTQ and those with disabilities
Informal settlements and slums, their reality
Elderly and those with mental health in tow
Low income rural communities also know
This burden, not fair nor just, a blatant crime
Together, let's fight and make this burden subside.
Climate change is real and global, a threat to all
Power and privilege play a part,
In decision making that take a toll
Leaving marginalized communities to bear the brunt
It’s time to act, before the damage is done.
The call for ethical purism is a noble pursuit,
But in the real world, it's not the only recourse.
Inclusive solutions are crucial, too
For they hold the key
To ensuring that marginalized communities are set free.
For without addressing root causes, our efforts will fall flat,
Let us strive for a world that's equal, where all have a voice,
With justice and compassion as our guiding light for every choice.
We are the voices from the margins, unseen and unheard
We will not be silenced, our message un-hurled
For there is no such thing as a single-issue fight
As we navigate life, with our identities in flight.
Our struggles are complex, shaped by intersecting plight
Oppression and marginalization, a never ending fight
But we will not be silenced, our voices shall ring true
For justice and equality we’ll see it through.
“Why do men then now not reck his rod? Generations have trod, have trod, have trod; And all is seared with trade; bleared, smeared with toil; And wears man's smudge and shares man's smell: the soil Is bare now, nor can foot feel, being shod."
Lamenting ….
Much Love
Founder
A Cry For Action:
Sustainability is not only about protecting the environment, but also creating a more equitable and inclusive society. Marginalized communities, often face discrimination and prejudice due to the complexity of their identities, are disproportionately affected by environmental issues.
Environmental intersectionality refers to the ways in which different forms of oppression, such as race, class, gender, and ability, interact and exacerbate the impacts of environmental hazards and pollution on these communities.
Inequality in power distribution, inadequate representation and a narrow approach to problem-solving often exacerbate the existing issues.
Marginalized communities include, but are not limited to, low-income communities, communities of color, Indigenous people, immigrants and refugees, LGBTQ+ individuals, women and girls, people living with disabilities, people living in informal settlements or slums, elderly individuals, individuals with mental health issues etc.
The communities often face multiple and intersecting forms of oppression, which can make them more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Communities of color:
Disproportionately affected by environmental hazards
Limited access to information and resources
Systemic racism and lack of political power can prevent these communities from advocating for their rights and accessing resources for protecting their health and environment.
Indigenous people
Disproportionately affected by climate change
Traditional lands being targeted for extraction of natural resources, leading to contamination of their lands, waters and air. They may also face challenges in accessing resources and having their voices heard in decisions that impact their lands and communities.
Immigrants and refugees:
Poor living and working conditions.
Housed in overcrowded and poorly maintained buildings and work in industries with inadequate protection for workers health and safety.
Language barriers
Lack of legal status
These can prevent them from advocating for their rights and accessing resources to protect their health and environment.
LGBTQ+ Individuals:
Discrimination and marginalization create barriers to accessing resources and services and may limit heir participation in decision-making processes.
Women and girls:
Disproportionate burden of household responsibilities
Limited access to resources and decision-making power
Vulnerability to natural disasters
Specific health impacts
People living in informal settlements or slums:
Limited access to resources and services
Vulnerability to displacement or eviction due to environmental development or climate change
People living with disabilities:
Limited access to information and resources
Difficulty accessing transportation or other services during environmental emergencies
Elderly individuals:
Often have limited mobility and health issues
Limited access to resources
People with mental health concerns:
May face additional barriers to accessing resources and services
May face additional barriers to participating in decision-making processes
Low-income communities:
Limited access to resources, information, and services
Higher exposure to environmental hazards
Rural communities:
Limited access to resources, services, and decision-making power
Reliance on natural resources
Vulnerable to climate change
What can be done?
Solutions to address the challenges faced by different communities can include (but not limited too) advocating and educating through multicultural and multilingual resources, promoting environmental justice policies, increasing access to resources and information, addressing root causes of poverty and inequality, promoting sustainable development, addressing barriers to mobility and health, promoting anti-discrimination policies, promoting mental health awareness, and advocating for representation and inclusion in decision-making processes. These solutions must be tailored to the specific needs and challenges faced by each of the communities as aforementioned.
The proposed solutions are not exhaustive and there may be other areas that require attention. It is also crucial to address the issue of decolonizing mindsets and dismantling systemic oppression in order to create a truly inclusive and equitable society for all, and thus a truly sustainable society.
The concept of the Marginal Man illustrates the blending of multiple cultures and backgrounds, and the need to navigate and balance these different aspects of identity. It also highlights society's pressure to conform to a single identity, rather than embracing the complexities of individual experiences. This can lead to oversimplification of issues and a lack of recognition for the unique strengths and perspectives that come from being part of multiple worlds.
"The beauty of being a marginal person is that you can walk into different worlds and see the best in both." - Jhumpa Lahiri
Mindset Without Borders
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