#purple

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." -The Lorax

Note: This meetup takes place all over the bay area :)

#purple is about a peaceful, yet impacting, stance on current issues. We have come in an age where there are a lot of uncertainties for a lot of people.

This is not an anti-Trump campaign. Instead, this is a Listening & Teaching campaign through subtle, yet powerful, message. This movement is a step to end racism and sexual violence.

How I came to this method was when I got into an altercation with a man who was defending all the terrible things Trump has said, and supported, throughout his campaign. I was about to become really angry with this man, but then I stopped. Why does he think like this? So we spoke calmly with each other. As it goes, and has been since the beginning of time, it comes down to the lack of exposure and interaction with people beyond one's immediate environment. I can not blame a man who is only a product of his environment. I know this because I used to be like him. I came from a prominently white town who was beaten down by the media with the false belief that all Muslims are bad. I believed this. Years later, I moved to California where my eyes have been opened. I no longer have this point of view of Muslims. In fact, I now have a lot of dear friends who are Muslim, and they are quite amazing.

When I thought back to that time when I was filled with hate and fear towards another person who was not like me, I knew that the only way to get the Good message across to racists, sexists, etc., is through interaction and teaching. It's like having the fear of flying, but once you're taught how an airplane operates and how safe it is compared to most other medians of travel, you realize that it's not as bad as you thought. Over time, you finally accept flying.

In lamest terms, we're going to spread knowledge and interaction to reduce fear. Reduced Fear reduces anger. Reduced Anger reduces hate.

We promise to never stop. We will keep going until the day that no one is bullied, harassed, or violated just because of what they look like, their sexual identity, sexuality, or because of their beliefs. This, #purple, is our Fight Song.

I chose the color purple in light of Hilary Clinton wearing purple for her concession speech. This represented the union of the two parties. Blue + Red = Purple. Unity is exactly what #purple is all about.

There's just one catch to this group ...well, four... 1) we always wear purple. Mix it up and be creative! 2) Everyone, no matter who you voted for, what your gender is, sexual identity is, race is, and religion is, you are welcome into this group. 3) Under any circumstances will there be bad commentary, violence, etc. We will not tolerate it. Remember, we're trying to represent what we believe, not shove what we believe down other's throats. If you won't listen to someone doing that to you, why do you think it's work on them? And finally, 4) During our events, no one will speak a word (for the most part). Join me to find out why. Trust me ... this is going to be way cool.

This meetup takes place everywhere in the Bay. So, if you're not close, let me know and we can open a division near you that you or someone you know can lead. #purple is important and impactful, so I refuse to leave anyone behind!

Let's be active and not passive!

Inspirational Poem:

The Oyster

There once was an oyster
Whose story I tell,
Who found that some sand
Had got into his shell.
It was only a grain,
But it gave him great pain.
For oysters have feelings
Although they’re so plain.

Now, did he berate
The harsh working of fate
That had brought him
To such a deplorable state?
Did he curse at the government,
Cry for election,
And claim that the sea should
Have given him protection?

No – he said to himself
As he lay on a shell,
Since I cannot remove it,
I shall try to improve it.
Now the years have rolled around,
As the years always do,
And he came to his ultimate
Destiny – stew.

And the small grain of sand
That had bothered him so
Was a beautiful pearl
All richly aglow.
Now the tale has a moral;
For isn’t it grand
What an oyster can do
With a morsel of sand?

What couldn’t we do
If we’d only begin
With some of the things
That get under our skin.

:) Welcome ... and be excellent!