Instagram “rejected” my post.
I hold a complicated relationship to the social media platform which includes gratitude for the fact that I can share my art with the world and build a community, skepticism that it is a positive force in the world, and concern that it is not built on solid ground.
But now Instagram seems to be taking a stand against the free class we have worked so hard to create 3 Ways to Raise Anti-Racist Kids Through Art.
In the past, sharing and promoting my classes on Instagram has been a huge source of enrollment, so when I saw the NOT APPROVED text, I was surprised. I clicked on the button which then took me to a general informational page about how “political posts” require “further review.” Then I was angry.
What does it mean that our class about anti-racism was flagged as “political”? To me “political” is any issue that is debatable. The word “political” makes me think of standing in front of my high school debate class at the old wooden podium with a slip of paper indicating a “side” to defend in my hand. So Instagram, what’s the other side of anti-racism? Pro-racism?
Racism is not about a debate. Racism is about our morality (and lack thereof). A class about anti-racism is not political, it is reconnecting us with our humanity.
When I sat and stared at the REJECTED button over my instagram class description, what felt most frustrating about it was the fact there was no one to talk to. No person on the other end of the button to share why they felt offended/concerned/upset by the post. The human component was missing and that’s what this is all about anyway- as Austin Channing Brown puts it- “The work of anti-racism is becoming a better human to other humans.” Anti-racism is a dialogue, a conversation, a chorus.
The irony of all this- is that the goal of the free webinar is to give folks a taste of a beautiful, collaborative 8-week class that Steph Balón AMFT, Amber Simmons MFT and I are launching next week called Raising Anti-Racist Kids Through Art. It is all the things that a rejected IG post is not- rooted in integrity, open-hearted curiosity, creativity, and community.
The class offers 8 live zoom meetings (or recordings), 5 tangible activities to use with kids, students, clients, etc. and a connected community of others to engage with. There are 4 cohorts of the class- 2 offered by me and 2 BIPOC cohorts led by my colleagues Steph and Amber (these will be filled on a first come first serve basis and are free of charge). More details can be found here. Those that sign up by Friday and also get the Early Bird Discount, an additional 15 quick activities to keep kids occupied making art, as well as a private 1-on-1 session with me.
So maybe you found me on IG (if so- stick it to them by re-sharing my latest posts!) or maybe you avoid social media at all costs, but regardless I hope you have a community of people you can lean on to become a better human to other humans, or if not, come join us in ours. It is truly the highlight of my week.
