A moss and fern rebellion
Susan says, “I love how the strict, relentless rhythm of the tiles in this image is disrupted by the random ferns and moss. This greenery rebellion taps into my general dismay at what is happening in America today. For me there is something hopeful about how these delicate ferns and luminous moss are insinuating themselves between the black, stacked roof tiles, slowly brightening and softening the stark blackness of the tiles. Even in an environment which seems totally controlled and tightly organized there is room for lightness and disruption.”
Lucia says, “After the election, Susan and I had trouble thinking about writing our blogs. We felt we couldn’t write about presentations and elearning as if something catastrophic hadn’t happened. Yes, we do good work with our blog to help people enrich and develop their voice and we will continue to do so. But right now we need to address what has happened. Susan wrote this blog a couple of weeks ago. I’m afraid it’s taken me this long to respond to her message of hope. And I’m going to use words written right after the election of a few young people in my life, who are in their late teens and early 20s.
Izzy Howell: “It’s no surprise that I’m extremely disheartened by the results of this election. However, I will continue to hold my ground in what I believe should take place in our country…. We may suffer losses, but hopefully, if we work together, we can overcome all of the negativity that is present right now….use our political power to speak for all of those who can’t. We must stand strong and fight for what is right.
Tucker Smiley: “To all my fellow people of privilege, now is the time that we band together and do whatever we can to help those without. Prove me right, America.
Mattea Mrkusic: ‘Tonight, I can only muster the words Neil deGrasse Tyson, because frankly, I am speechless, and I am angry, and it’s partly a crude consolation for my own ears: ‘This is the end of nothing. This is the beginning of something new and solemn and so important. You must be part of what comes next.’ And then she added: ‘Don’t you dare talk about leaving for Canada, or Australia, or New Zealand, or any other escapist fantasy. You are needed here more than ever. Remember what this feels like, this raw, devastating force. Wade knee deep in it. Then use it as fuel.’
These young people have given me hope. Like the ferns in this photo, they bring lightness to our future.”
