I have always seen My Scandinavian Home as a positive bubble and somewhere people can come each day to escape, even if for a fleeting moment of time. But then the words of Desmond Tutu came swirling into my head: "If you are neutral in situations off injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor."
What is happening around the world is unacceptable and I stand in support of justice for people of colour and against racism. What can I do better both in my personal life, here in this wonderful online community and the content I share? This is a question I will be reflecting on and take with me as I continue to blog about beautiful Scandinavian-inspired homes and design.
In the meantime, thank you so much for stopping by. I look forward to continuing to share this positive bubble of Scandinavian-inspired design with you each day!
Niki
Drawing found via Black Crane with thanks
What is happening around the world is unacceptable and I stand in support of justice for people of colour and against racism. What can I do better both in my personal life, here in this wonderful online community and the content I share? This is a question I will be reflecting on and take with me as I continue to blog about beautiful Scandinavian-inspired homes and design.
In the meantime, thank you so much for stopping by. I look forward to continuing to share this positive bubble of Scandinavian-inspired design with you each day!
Niki
Drawing found via Black Crane with thanks
Good on you!
ReplyDeleteIt was in front of my church that 45 (liberals and progressives don't say his name) posed with the bible, after having the police tear-gas peaceful protesters. You can read a first-hand account on the public FaceBook page of one of the clergy who was there; her name is Gini Gerbasi.
My hope is that we are birthing a new nation, and this is the painful part of labor. We need to keep pushing.
Always loved your blog! But will unfollow because I don’t like any political content. Never see that you reported on any other issues (prosecution for religion, age, gender, etc), so why on this particular one. Keep to your blog which was beautiful homes.....
ReplyDeleteSame exact sentiments as anon.
ReplyDeleteI totally approve of this post! This is a beautiful piece of art and the message is clear and very much needed.
ReplyDeleteAnd I cannot see anything political in this. Human rights are human rights and they apply to everyone!
ReplyDeleteI totally approve. You have a great platform for elevating minority designers and decorators working in the ever-expanding and flexible "Scandi" style. Always a breath of fresh air on this blog.
ReplyDeleteDear anon, all life is political, whether we choose to embrace it or ignore it. Although I only comment once in a blue moon here, I love Niki's content and admire her for addressing this subject in way that is so much more effective (and reflective) than a black square on social media. Of course you are free to unfollow, but there's no need to announce and flounce – just do it. ;-) Best wishes, Imogene
ReplyDeleteI commend you and find it ridiculous that your compassionate statement is considered "political". It is simply a reminder of humanity and kindness. You are trying to add a little good to the world and thank you from New York City.
ReplyDeletethank you!
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU!
ReplyDeleteOne cool thing you could do is feature more homes of people of color. I’ve been subscribed to your blog for awhile here in California and I love it! But I don’t see any diversity amongst the homes and designs you show us. I’d love for you to highlight more people of color and especially women of color, and even more specifically, Black women! Peace and love from a Black woman in California. :)
ReplyDeleteI echo this sentiment. Great blog and could be made even greater with exposure to those of us who love scandinavian design and are also black.
DeleteI know you mean well but will also unsubscribe if you go in a different direction. I come here to see beautiful Scandinavian homes, nothing more. I don't need lectures on how to be a good person. I am a good person as I suspect most if not all of your readers are. And featuring homes of black people is condescending.... making skin color an issue when it shouldn't be. It doesn't matter to me what the skin color of the owners of the featured homes is.
ReplyDeleteI am not planning to unsubscribe but I echo Dawn's sentiments. I come here to fill my soul with calm and beauty; and with all due respect, I am not interested in reading about current events here since there so many other sites that bring detailed updates several times a day - although I respect Niki's discretion to post what she sees fit.
DeleteAlso, I wonder how the Anonymous posting from California (asking for more black women to be featured here) actually knows of what is the skin colour of the house/apartment owners featured here - in most cases, unless the owner is the photos, do we really know their skin colour? I like what I like, regardless of the ethnic background of the owner or the designer.
I hope you both can recognise Niki's statement as an effort to acknowledge the deep pain that many people are feeling and expressing right now. Like you, many of those same people also engage with Niki's content for peace, calm, and respite, and find comfort in being seen and valued in this space, especially when they do not find safety in other spaces. To read comments that say "I wish you would not acknowledge this suffering, I don't think you should recognize the injustice of our experiences" increases that pain.
DeleteNiki said she would continue to sharing beautiful Scandinavian homes so that does not suggest a deviation from her usual content. What people are suggesting in response to her request for feedback is to consider if content creators/home designers of color may be overlooked or underrepresented among the homes featured. You're right in that we may never know their racial/ethnic identity -- but that's for Niki to consider in how she goes about curating the blog.
Thank you, Niki, for your thoughtful, positive contribution to the dialogue on the tragic U.S. situation. -from a faithful Chicago reader
ReplyDeleteThank you, Niki! I love your blog and with so much going on, there is nothing wrong with expressing how you and all of us feel. To exhale for today or whenever you need it.
ReplyDeleteAs a resident of Los Angeles, thank you so much for this post and your empathy. A beautiful home is about more than beautiful furnishings, it's about people striving to do good. Thanks for reminding us of that. You always start my day with beauty. I look forward to more of the same.
ReplyDeleteThank you Niki! Some people have suggested/will say that you shouldn't acknowledge racial injustice because this blog is a source of escape and inspiration for people creating safe and calming spaces for themselves. But for those who are experiencing and/or trying to challenge this injustice, the need to escape and create a safe, calming, and restorative space for themselves is all the more meaningful. To acknowledge and condemn a big piece of what many people have to seek escape and safety FROM is such an important and appreciated gesture, and also a step towards ensuring this positive bubble is itself inclusive and welcoming to everyone.
ReplyDeleteyou have voice and heart, thank you
ReplyDeletealways love stopping by here
your ideas always nurture
your words do too
Good one, Niki, thanks!
ReplyDelete❤️
ReplyDeleteBeautiful homes are lovely to look at because homes are not static things they shelter and express our humanity. Thank you for creating a wonderful place to visit but also for taking the opportunity to open the window to a larger conversation.
ReplyDeleteA gentle reminder regarding the complaints that you have somehow offended by straying from neutrality with the sweet and tender post:
ReplyDelete"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor."
Good on you, Niki. It's time we all stand up,speak up and show up for our friends, neighbors and colleagues whose rights have been usurped by the rampant racism that exists in America.
ReplyDeleteThank you Nikki. In the words of Elie Wiesel:
ReplyDelete"We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.
There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.
The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference."
The ability to escape, however fleetingly, is a privilege. One not enjoyed equally by everyone. It's important to acknowledge that from time to time. I love your "standard" content, and your voicing support of this crucial moment and movement will honestly make me appreciate it even more going forward.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog whatever you do...
ReplyDeleteYes! Thank you for your comments, this is exactly the right attitude.
ReplyDeleteIn the past few days many people around the world have been feeling addressed. Looking away has been taking too long. Niki shares her thoughts, what's wrong with that? Nothing. Everyone should stand up for human rights. Everyone can do something, especially in our everyday life, in fact every single day. Human is human, for me, all people are equal. Thanks Niki for your words and warm regards from Germany.
ReplyDeleteHappy you said something, Niki. I know lots of us come to this space to find a little beauty and escape, but sometimes an acknowledgement of the realities of the world is necessary - and it shouldn't be a 'political statement' to support human rights.
ReplyDeleteThank you for acknowledging the pain so many are feeling, Niki. As an American, it means a great deal to see others around the world standing up and supporting the fight against injustice. I would have been disappointed if you had ignored what’s happening in the world. Just as you have referenced the pandemic, I appreciate your acknowledgment of injustice.
ReplyDeleteThank you Niki. Your reflections touch the heart. We're all struggling with the same feelings 'what can we do to avoid this in the future' and I am so happy to see that you have them as well and use this forum to share them.
ReplyDeleteI am just getting caught up with blog posts and was filled with hope to see you and people from all over the world stand with us against injustice and racism. To have not acknowledged what is happening would have been tone deaf and this Chicago girl thanks you.
ReplyDelete