Jews Talk Racial Justice - Ep 62: Support People Support Peace
QUICK EPISODE OVERVIEW
April and Tracie spend Veterans’ Day reflecting on their family connections to veterans and the ways in which our country has treated veterans throughout our history. The political conversations that happen around war and policy often employ either/or thinking that leads us to forget the human beings and all those connected to them, who are forever changed by these military policies.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
April and Tracie both have veterans in their family. Do you have family members who are veterans? What is your family history of military service?
Tracie reflects on the “surface level” way American society supports veterans, when in reality it is conditional. What do you know about the history of the treatment of veterans, particularly racist treatment? Where can you learn more?
Tracie reminds us that Black GI”s were not able to access the benefits of the GI Bill due to practices, such as redlining. Are you familiar with this history?
Tracie also reminds us of the treatment of Vietnam veterans, who were left to hold the bags after returning home from an unpopular war. What do you know of this history?
Tracie uses the story of her college activism to highlight the tension and either/or thinking that often surrounds the political conversations around war and the people whose lives and families are directly impacted by these decisions. How do you balance these two truths?
What are the stories about the veterans in your family that you cherish? How can you honor these stories and these dear ones on Veteran’s day and throughout the year?
April and Tracie talk about the serious issues facing veterans, including mental health, and how some members still in service may not seek out services so as not to sacrifice their job. Do you know how to support those with PTSD and CPTSD in your life?