Dragon and Goat is an all ages comic. A funny adventure comic, designed to give us a laugh but also to think critically about the world around us. With roots in satire, we have not shied away from the political (take a look at Dragon and Goat Goes to Washington to see our take on George W. Bush), but because kids and young people are dealing with so much now, we have wanted during the quarantine for the D&G space to be more a site of comfort despite having to live at home and in isolation thanks to Covid 19.
But in light the events since the brutal murders of George Floyd, Breona Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, and so many others, we want to make crystal clear that we at Dragon and Goat believe that Black Lives Matter, and we are committed to doing the work of anti-racism.
What has been happening with protests and riots in Chicago around the world has been bubbling up over 400 years of trauma for Black people in the United State since 1619 and long before. (Check out this article on In Defense of Looting) Things aren’t just getting heavy now– they’re now becoming visible- at least to white Americans and other Americans whose privilege lets them overlook the weight on Black and Brown people: ultimately the pain, the hurt, and the systemic violence that is baked into the racist system that is our United States.
As uncomfortable as we all may feel, do not ask for things to go back to normal. To return to normal is to return to blindness. Instead keep your eyes open and listen. Ask how can I be an agent of change?
Change comes in big and little packages. Help a neighbor. Be kind to a stranger. Buy someone groceries (if you can, and if you can’t check out). Insist that we get an accurate Census Count. Work for voter registration in communities of color (and vote by mail!). Commit to making sure communities of color are at decision making tables (and their voices are actually heard and amplified). Vote out fascist presidents. Look to help build something new and better together and know when to let others speak and listen.
If you’re white and looking to help take a look at Dr. Eddie Moore’s 21 Day Challenge for a plethora of resources and a nicely structured way to better understand the system and social construct of racism in the United States- and for change, especially in yourself. Know that you will make mistakes but be humble and always be ready to course correct.
If you’re out there doing the work, protesting and helping others take care of yourself and stay safe. Places like Brave Space Alliance have lots of resources for protesters and anyone who’s having trouble with food access or housing.
We love our city of Chicago and our country, but we have to help it become something greater and better for all people. March onward!