Day 76: Trapped in Carbonite
“History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.”
-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I don't want to do this today, I really don't. Writing about drinks doesn't seem right today, thirsty readers. I hope you're also angry. We should all be angry right now, and the time for silence passed long ago. I'm sick and tired of a world where people deny science, and I'm beyond sick and tired of a world that pretends racism and prejudice doesn't exist, when innocent lives are taken and executed like animals in the street.
Last night, I found out someone very close to me was in the hospital, after being run down by a car during the protests in Pittsburgh. Did I mention I was angry? They sent me the video, and I burst into tears. This was no accident, and as the driver accelerated his car, he screamed some slurs I won't repeat, making things hurt almost as much as the injuries themselves. If you have any doubt or don't understand why people would take to the streets in riot, this is why. You can't reason with people who have hate in their heart and who dehumanize others. These protest and riots aren't about one senseless murder of a black man in public, but instead they are the tipping point after the innocent lives of people of color been taken for years.
The past few days have been filled with outrage. Everyone is right to be outraged. This isn't new, it's just finally been forced into everyone's faces enough to where they can't ignore it anymore. It's hard to know what to do or say. I sit here from my position of privilege, knowing I'll never fully understand. Being queer isn't the same as being black, and I'm well aware of that. I can hide this, but you can't hide the color of your skin. You shouldn't have to. Hate is the fault of the oppressor, never the oppressed. It's like being trapped, and you can't move, no matter what you do. I honestly feel like I'm trapped in Carbonite, like Han Solo. I need to be thawed out, so I can join the Rebel Alliance.
Trapped in Carbonite
2oz Multi-Island White Rum Blend
.5oz Amaro di Angostura
.5oz Cinnamon Syrup
.5oz Passion Fruit Syrup
.5oz Lime Juice
3 dashes Absinthe
1oz Aquafaba (Chickpea water. You could use an egg white, but this cocktail is for my friend, and they're vegan, so go get some chickpeas please)
Coupe
Shake with ice.
Strain and discard ice.
Dry shake without ice.
Strain into a chilled coupe.
Garnish with a single orchid.
I didn't want to do this today, but then I remembered how many people have reached out lately, telling me how much these posts and drinks brighten their day. I want to thank all you you for that, otherwise I would just be done now. That's all I can force out for today. Perhaps tomorrow with greet us with better news. Keep shaking.