Damn Damage

 Suspending Damage- A Letter to Communities written by Eve Tuck was deeply interesting and upsetting to me. Interesting because it revealed so much to me personally and upsetting because of what it revealed. As I made my journey through the piece, I first had negative images of Native Indians flashing in my mind. Depicting them as subhuman. Followed by memories of stories told and read legitimizing the images. Quickly I found myself thinking of the times when I or those around me participated or was subjected to Damage Centered Research. The feelings felt and discussed during and after the participation. I also thought of an experience a peer explained when reflecting on his educational journey. I believe they used the term "used" as a young Latino youth when he and his BIPOC male presenting classmates were taken to events in efforts to gain funding and notoriety for the charter school which they attended. Moving forward thoughts of countless social media posts and feeds I see highlighting pain, despair, violence, and acts of depravity by those of urban communities.  I always ask myself why at times have I felt ashamed of who I am or where I come from? Why have I felt undeserving or have a lower value of my being? Is what I have felt normal? How do I stop these feelings from reoccurring? While continuing the reading I felt a sense of relief when a solution to Damage Centered research was elevated. Desire Centered Research, I love this research aimed at highlighting the desire one has to thrive and achieve. Research that does not mask harmful intentions rather works to be transparent in its sole intention. This piece truly made me look at individuals in communities of which I am apart in a sacred way.  Below are some images which depict some of the images and thoughts this piece brought to my mind while navigating it.