Harris’s comment resonated with me. “Humble” is often used as code for “subservient” in the white patriarchal culture. 100% every time (and there have been a few) someone has told me I need to be “more humble” what they mean is to stop standing up—for myself, for the disenfranchised, against the systems that keep the disempowered “in their places.”
So, friends, that co-opted meaning of humble, the one they try to shame and gaslight us with, I’m all out on that one. But Beth’s definition I could be for. Let’s talk about words and meanings and cultural distortion of definitions. Maybe we can reclaim some.
It took me aback at first. But then I watched the video again and saw only a very non-humble person speaking about how humble she is? It put it in perspective and allowed me to understand Harris’s point better.
I loved reading this newsletter when it hit my inbox on Friday. Question about substance, though - any tips for getting the videos to play? I wanted to read it again and watch the clips for myself, but when I click play, it says "sign in to prove you are not a robot," but I am already signed in.
Couldn't love this whole post more! Such a thoughtful look at these views! VP (near future P) Harris' comment also broke my brain, but in a shake me awake from a slumber kind of way. I love how you wrapped it up with the etymology of the word humble as earth and grounding. I'm going to keep that one with me, along with Harris' comment, which to me meant that we, as women, should not need to make ourselves small. That our voices can and should be heard and respected, and doing that from a place of humble groundedness feels right.
Harris’s comment resonated with me. “Humble” is often used as code for “subservient” in the white patriarchal culture. 100% every time (and there have been a few) someone has told me I need to be “more humble” what they mean is to stop standing up—for myself, for the disenfranchised, against the systems that keep the disempowered “in their places.”
So, friends, that co-opted meaning of humble, the one they try to shame and gaslight us with, I’m all out on that one. But Beth’s definition I could be for. Let’s talk about words and meanings and cultural distortion of definitions. Maybe we can reclaim some.
It took me aback at first. But then I watched the video again and saw only a very non-humble person speaking about how humble she is? It put it in perspective and allowed me to understand Harris’s point better.
Beth - you said this exactly right ... and your last sentence about being connected to the earth! Yes!
I loved reading this newsletter when it hit my inbox on Friday. Question about substance, though - any tips for getting the videos to play? I wanted to read it again and watch the clips for myself, but when I click play, it says "sign in to prove you are not a robot," but I am already signed in.
are you on the app or desktop?
Couldn't love this whole post more! Such a thoughtful look at these views! VP (near future P) Harris' comment also broke my brain, but in a shake me awake from a slumber kind of way. I love how you wrapped it up with the etymology of the word humble as earth and grounding. I'm going to keep that one with me, along with Harris' comment, which to me meant that we, as women, should not need to make ourselves small. That our voices can and should be heard and respected, and doing that from a place of humble groundedness feels right.
Yes, yes, yes. We do not need aspire to make ourselves small.
Beth, I love this piece and felt every bit. The final description of humility is exactly right from my perspective. Thanks for sharing!