One of our last classes was dedicated to a guest speaker, Tiny, aka Lisa Gray-Garcia. She spoke about being born into poverty in the United States. I was moved by her presentation and eager to learn more from her. So I bought her book!

Although I’ve only started it, I’ve already realized how arbitrary words used every day, say more between the “lines.” Coinciding with her presentation in class, affiliating the displacement of homeless people and their belongings from public streets to cleaning up or sweeps- objectifies populations. While we affiliate homeless people to mere garbage that needs “taking out,” we effectively ignore compassion and empathy. It makes it easier to criminalize poverty. This use of language is used to oppress.

I’m excited to learn more from you Tiny, to see through your eyes!