You create the culture. So what will you build?
Confession:
Like you, I struggled to wave the flag this weekend. Celebrating our nation's freedom felt heavy in the wake of the Supreme Court's deletion of womxn's right to bodily autonomy (which is tied to our economic autonomy).
And yet, I will still say something very unpopular:
I love this country.
Why? Because I love you.
If you're reading this, you create culture.
The thing about American culture is that there is so much of it that is so awesome. That reflects the best of this country. Our values. Our creativity. Our inclusivity. Our highest aspirations. Our vision for a better world.
When you get in a Lyft in another country, you hear Cardi B playing. People will quote Ted Lasso to you, or talk about Hamilton, The New York Times, or the latest Thor movie.
Our influence is massive. And culture creates change. (To get real nerdy, it opens the Overton Window)
Here are a few of my favorite reasons to love this country:
Shirley Chisholm
Jad Abumrad
Jon Stewart
The Rev. Dr. William Barber II
Cardi B
Adam Davidson
Raja Kumari
Beyoncé
Kara Walker
Dolly Parton
Rachel Rodgers
Ezra Klein
James Turrell
The Obamas
Chana Joffe-Wolt
Seth Godin
2 Dope Queens
Tig Notaro
Sarah Silverman
Amanda Gorman
I bet you've got a similar list, and I bet it comes to you easily.
Part of the reason we get to hear so many voices of people from historically marginalized groups is that we have managed to push for change in organizations both public and private to gain more access and voice and platform.
That work has opened up a lot of doors. But it is far from done.
I've dedicated myself to teaching the skills of financial autonomy to you, the culture maker, and the historically marginalized person, because you create the culture.
And so you change the world.
I believe in you so much, that I've made this my life's work. I want you to secure and hold onto your economic power. So you can have a bigger impact with your work.
I want you to do the self-care of getting your tax + money foundation solidly underneath you.
In service of that today, I made you a video.
You've already downloaded my Visual Guide to your Deductions.
(You haven't? Here are the links for you again. Pick the one that fits you best:
So I made you this 5 minute video with some quick tips for how to use the guide to set yourself up.
So now I’ll toss the question back to you:
What is the country you want to see?
What is your vision?
What is the culture you’re creating?
I'm gonna say it again.
I love this country.
Why? Because I love you.
In love and solidarity,
Hannah