In my religion custom, there’s a well-worn adage that the reality will set us free. This idiom, expressed from the pulpits and at dinner tables, is an encouragement to uphold the reality—about ourselves and the world round us—above all else.
However at the moment’s truths—particularly these deemed uncomfortable—are extra typically disregarded and downtrodden, contested and challenged. Whether or not it’s the true reason for the Civil Warfare, the Massive Lie that fueled a lethal revolt, or trans youngsters deserving entry to medically crucial care, each concern is handled as if it has two equal sides worthy of being debated. However most of the time, the laborious fact is that one “aspect” goals to uphold the higher good, whereas one other hoards energy, sources, and management.
Our “Reality” concern, the final print journal we’ll launch earlier than the 2024 presidential election, places the duty of each telling the reality and upholding it squarely within the realm of the collective. Because it turns into more and more troublesome to distinguish reality from fiction, we provide some clear signposts for consideration: Texas high-schooler Marium Zahra makes the case for youngsters to be free from the specter of gun violence. Journalist Nico Lang studies on drag queens standing up for our collective proper to specific ourselves. And, as public libraries are subjected to finances cuts and undue scrutiny, Erin Jones chronicles radical bibliophiles who’re discovering artistic methods to get books within the palms of the youngsters—and adults—who want them.
As we face a presidential contest that once more features a candidate who deliberately weaponizes misinformation, it’s important to hone our potential to acknowledge the reality. This isn’t essentially a brand new phenomenon, however it’s an accelerating one, with the rise of synthetic intelligence, “deep fakes,” and disinformation making that activity tougher—which is why this concern closes with an insightful sport about how we will higher differentiate between reality and fiction.
In these moments, calling upon our historical past—the actions and the moments that assist us reckon with the place we’ve fallen brief—is crucial. Abaki Beck, a fifth-generation descendant of Native “boarding college” survivors, thoughtfully probes whether or not fact and reconciliation commissions can stay as much as their title, and whether or not “reconciliation” is even attainable within the face of cultural genocide. And, as we think about how historical past influences our understanding of the reality, James Tracy spotlights Stonebreakers, a documentary that examines the difficult motion to take away accomplice and colonialist statues.
We take into consideration every concern of YES! as a time capsule, one which readers can return to sooner or later to raised perceive this second. Our deepest hope is that this concern might be precisely that—a clear snapshot of a second the place we, collectively, determined to carry the reality above all else.
Be nicely,
Evette Dionne
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Evette Dionne
is the chief editor at YES! Media, the place she leads YES! Journal. She is the previous editor-in-chief at Bitch Media, and an award-winning journalist, popular culture critic, and journal editor who covers tradition and politics by means of the lenses of race, gender, class, and dimension. Her latest e book, Weightless: Making Area for My Resilient Physique and Soul, was revealed in December 2022 by Ecco. She’s additionally the creator of Lifting As We Climb, which was longlisted for a Nationwide Ebook Award and received a Coretta Scott King creator honor. Evette relies in Denver, and speaks English. |
