Clarification

Remember that writing is to put love in the world, not to use against your friends.

Harriet the Spy

I'm going to go ahead and nip this in the bud, because I've had this sentiment twisted against me whenever I speak up about something. Because some folks have it in their head that putting love in the world is to never, ever, speak of the bad things.

Don't mention the pain you have to deal with. It's not nice. It kills the mood.

Don't upset your allies. They mean well, right? Even if they repeatedly fuck up and hurt you because they don't listen.

How can you be putting love into the world by causing so much strife?

how can you

how can you

How dare you call me out?

Because I must.

I'm not going against you when I say that you hurt me. If anything, I'm with you. Rooting for you. Because you can do better. If anything, I'm doing more than putting love into the world. I'm protecting it, and helping it grow.

So, if anyone dares to twist that beautiful quote, I counter with this:

If I love you, I have to make you conscious of the things you don't see.

James Baldwin