As an artist with a platform, and a person whom lives in this world, there are issues and causes I believe in. As a business owner and blogger, I want you to know that you deserve to understand the core values and ethics that drive my business before you make a purchase or interact with my site.
I am a white woman, of mostly Danish and German decent. I must start this by declaring the acknowledgement that I live, work, and play on the unceded ancestral lands of the Duwamish and Coast Salish Peoples. These peoples are still here, and continue to honor and bring to light their ancient heritage. I will do my best to uplift their voices and support their culture. Additionally, I grew up on the unceded lands of the Dena’ina of Lower Tanana, one of many Athabascan Tribes in Alaska. Their heritage and way of life has always been a part of my life, and I intend to honor that in all possible ways.
I acknowledge that misogyny, white supremacy, racism, bigotry, ageism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, colorism, and religious and ethnic discrimination are baked into the world’s institutions, governments, and academic structures. Those discriminations are not welcome here, and I will always fight against these avenues of hatred and violence.
I am actively anti-racist. It is not enough to be not racist, but to be actively against racism in all its various forms.
I trust and stand by the scientific process. It is a process that is based in curiosity. In asking questions. In innovating and peer-review and data-driven summaries. It also grows with what it learns, and it is always learning as we continue to explore the world and universe around us. It is a discipline that is fascinated by the un-explainable. I trust this process, and also strive to be curious in my own life. In my mind, this does not wholly rule out the existence of another world beyond our own.
I believe that societies are better when we take care of each other. Shelter, food, clothing, healthcare, and the right to live…these are undeniable human rights. Everyone has the right to live and express themselves as they wish – without impinging on other’s rights to do the same. Everyone’s bodily autonomy is paramount, and I will continue to fight for the rights of women, children, BIPOC groups – and everyone’s right to fairly and equally have access to our rights as humans and citizens of this pale blue dot.
I don’t believe in shying away from talking about mental illness and harmful life experiences. I, myself, suffer from anxiety and depression, and think it’s important to share my experiences and the underlying reasons when possible, in order for shared experiences to become a mode of understanding. Connection and understanding of our fellow humans is important for creating a more culturally responsive community.
How I Plan to Do This:
I am constantly learning and growing as a person. I am committed to read books and articles, watch shows and movies, and share what I learn.
I am committed to finding ways to uplift and feature diverse artists whenever possible.
If hate speech arrives at my door, I will shut it down. It’s okay to have civil conversations that make us uncomfortable – it’s part of the growing process, but there is no tolerance for hatred and tearing others down. People will be held accountable for what they say and do, especially when it causes harm or upholds an oppressive system.
I commit to learning more about how my whiteness has benefited me and how I can better recognize when I might be benefiting from it over someone else as I move through the world.
Resources:
This is not an all-inclusive list. These are resources or fictional shows that I found to be helpful in my own journey.
Books:
How to Be an Antiracist – by Ibram X. Kendi
The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living – by Russ Harris
Documentaries:
“13th” – by Ava DuVernay (currently on Netflix)
“Whose Vote Counts Explained” – by Vox (Netflix)
“LA 92” – Netflix, Hulu
“Who Killed Malcom X?” – Netflix
Shows and Movies:
“Dear White People” – Netflix
“When They See Us” – Netflix (based on true events)
“Detroit” – Hulu (based on true events)
“Hidden Figures” – (based on true events)
“American Son” – Netflix
This is a living page. I intend to update it as I learn and grow.
The Crafty Raven 