Reflecting on cultural appropriation
And the gap between intent versus impact
Many of you may know that I founded GaneshSpace about five years ago (can you believe?) to provide a healing space for folks who felt ostracized and marginalized by dominant culture i.e. white supremacy, patriarchy, capitalism. We announced this week that we have decided to change our name after months of deep reflection and inquiry.
I don’t think I realized how much all of this was weighing on me and my heart until we released the news. Yesterday felt like a big exhale after I saw the overwhelmingly positive response from our community on Instagram and via email. Myself and our team is taking in all the love and compassion and finally have room and space to to celebrate this next chapter with true joy!
I’m sharing that piece here and welcome any and all comments and thoughts. It was vital for us to share our process and for us to also be transparent (and vulnerable) in acknowledging our accountability and growth.
Thank you for reading and for supporting my work as always. Acknowledging that for I have punted you to my writing in other places and promise that I won’t make a habit of it :) I will be back soon with more original essays right here on Substack.
Here is my contemplation for you this week:
In which ways is your impact not aligned with your intentions? And how can you close that gap?
P.S. For those of you who read my ‘Barbie’ piece, a reader reached out and let me know that apparently it was very much a part of Greta Gerwig’s vision to mirror Stereotypical Barbie’s journey to that of the Buddha. Full interview here with Comicbook.com.
Being a writer requires a certain level of drive, love, tenacity and faith. So if you’re feeling inspired and find value in my work, please consider sending me $1.11 to encourage me to keep going.
Your love motivates me to keep this newsletter going, and allows me to keep my writing practice as an act of service. I’m committed to sending a portion of any monthly donations to a social justice organization I am supporting. Your investment helps support that donation — from protecting abortion access to healthcare services for trans youth. So sending me a few dollars via Venmo (@kthai6) with the note “✨ ✨ ✨” is a way of telling my heart to keep writing, and a small little affirmation from you to me that I am on the right path. It also helps me understand the value of my writing as I continue to navigate capitalism as a writer and teacher.