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By KENT MICK

I can’t imagine how exhausted people of color are when it comes to America.

I can’t imagine how exhausted my gay friends are when it comes to America.

I can’t imagine how disgusted my Native American friends are when it comes to America.

I can’t imagine how exhausted working women are when it comes to America.

I can’t imagine how exhausted the working poor are when it comes to America.

I can’t imagine how disgusted the disabled are when it comes to America.

I can’t imagine, but, that doesn’t mean that it isn’t my obligation, my responsibility, and my driving force to try to understand.

You are either a racist, or you are an anti-racist. You are either a sexist, or you’re an anti-sexist. You are either for 100% equality and equity, or you are not.

I can’t imagine not believing every person deserves to be treated equitably and equally in every way.

I am done hugging bigots. I can no longer imagine doing that.

Bigots want to be martyrs to their cause. I’m done hugging bigots to make them feel better about how mistreated they feel when they abused someone else.
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Author Kent Mick is a history teacher at Grinnell High School in Grinnell, Ia., and has taught at the high school and college level for 34 years. He is also a musician, songwriter and playwright.