Fascinating ponderings.

Did the ‘headscarf’ get my attention at one point? Might that be a ‘diversity’ box someone’s checking off an official list while organizing events, consciously or not? Maybe. At the same time, it’s ironic that a thoughtful person like yourself might find unfair advantage of some sort in being a Muslim woman, while old straight white guys like myself have to work to remind ourselves that our worlds – however challenging – lack many of the struggles of those not in our demographic shoes.

But is popularity or range of voice unfair? Unbalanced? Unpredictable? Absolutely. We are not rational creatures, and certainly not thoughtful or fair about such things. Once you have A voice of any merit, the momentum sometimes becomes self-perpetuating. You are called because you were seen or heard. You are seen and heard because you were called. Perhaps that’s the universe directing things as it wishes, or maybe it’s just random luck. In any case, that part is out of your control.

If I had any sort of authority or credibility, I’d grant you full absolution for things beyond your control. I’d say something wise about the only challenge being what you do with those open doors, those microphones, those webby cameras, etc. What you say, how you introspect, who you touch, etc.

But I’m just a random voice thinking he needs to comment, so… speaking only for myself, and not knowing who you think might be the ‘better options’, I’m rather glad. You make me think and want to be more thoughtful as well. Plus, you write real good (as we would have said in Oklahoma), so that’s pretty nice.

Thank you for what you do – however it is you come to keep doing it.