What a great experience. Work like this seems like what really makes America great.
Love how you framed this fundamental proposition.
"...complexity is flattened when we don’t listen to each other. How the most interesting conversations come from asking about someone’s fears and dreams..."
If enough of us learn this wisdom, to listen to others, we might have a chance.
I think it's great how thoughtful and well-written this is, plus I really appreciate the occasional splashes of colour from the paintings between paragraphs. Thanks, this is really interesting
This is so beautiful, thank you! I started canvassing for economic tax policy in my area and the first question we ask people is about the American Dream and whether they believe in it or not. Everyone has such different experiences and stories, I love it
Erie is a very special place affected by brain drain and the offshoring of manufacturing like so many other small towns. Here’s hoping its story has a redemption arc worthy of the people who live there ❤️ this was a great read
Love how the stories and interviews we're portrayed, I'm not big on politics but reading each person's mini life story with their beautiful watercolours faces felt like you were getting to know them, some sentences they said were very moving. Beautifully written!
Hi Shani! I (Irene) remember meeting you in Erie - I volunteered there for about two weeks - and somehow your Substack showed up on my feed! What a wonderful coincidence. Love your nuanced takes and beautiful portraits.
Finally got a chance to read this and it was sooo vivid! I could literally imagine every conversation, every description of the person the way you described them! You really have a way with words Shani! As always loved your aesthetic for this piece too 😊
Thank you for this Shani. This in particular: “When I read the news, I often have to remind myself: How complexity is flattened when we don’t listen to each other. How the most interesting conversations come from asking about someone’s fears and dreams and needs instead of their party affiliation. And someone’s political views snaps into focus, even without asking, once you understand what they are afraid of losing”
i canvassed for kerry in 04 in southern ohio. there were lots of slammed doors. but that feeling of being in a parking lot, gathered with the others, a reminder i wasn't alone, with similar hope (and fears) still remains. thanks for sharing this beauty of writing 🙏🏾
I loved reading this. Such a beautiful piece of storytelling-journalism-I don’t know what to call it but it’s so full of life.
What a great experience. Work like this seems like what really makes America great.
Love how you framed this fundamental proposition.
"...complexity is flattened when we don’t listen to each other. How the most interesting conversations come from asking about someone’s fears and dreams..."
If enough of us learn this wisdom, to listen to others, we might have a chance.
I think it's great how thoughtful and well-written this is, plus I really appreciate the occasional splashes of colour from the paintings between paragraphs. Thanks, this is really interesting
Great work. Love the commitment to engage with life.
What good and thoughtful work! Thank you 🙏
This is so beautiful, thank you! I started canvassing for economic tax policy in my area and the first question we ask people is about the American Dream and whether they believe in it or not. Everyone has such different experiences and stories, I love it
That truly moved me to tears. So much truth. Well done.
Erie is a very special place affected by brain drain and the offshoring of manufacturing like so many other small towns. Here’s hoping its story has a redemption arc worthy of the people who live there ❤️ this was a great read
Love how the stories and interviews we're portrayed, I'm not big on politics but reading each person's mini life story with their beautiful watercolours faces felt like you were getting to know them, some sentences they said were very moving. Beautifully written!
Hi Shani! I (Irene) remember meeting you in Erie - I volunteered there for about two weeks - and somehow your Substack showed up on my feed! What a wonderful coincidence. Love your nuanced takes and beautiful portraits.
Finally got a chance to read this and it was sooo vivid! I could literally imagine every conversation, every description of the person the way you described them! You really have a way with words Shani! As always loved your aesthetic for this piece too 😊
Thank you for this Shani. This in particular: “When I read the news, I often have to remind myself: How complexity is flattened when we don’t listen to each other. How the most interesting conversations come from asking about someone’s fears and dreams and needs instead of their party affiliation. And someone’s political views snaps into focus, even without asking, once you understand what they are afraid of losing”
i canvassed for kerry in 04 in southern ohio. there were lots of slammed doors. but that feeling of being in a parking lot, gathered with the others, a reminder i wasn't alone, with similar hope (and fears) still remains. thanks for sharing this beauty of writing 🙏🏾