“an area lying beyond the strict limits of a thing”

What does it mean to be on the periphery? To be beyond the limit? Outside of a thing and not a part of it?

What does it mean to be peripheral; to reside on the margins?

It means hours of transit in cramped quarters just to get inside of the thing.

It means being expected to leave the thing after you’ve put in your time.

It means being essential to the functioning of the thing, but not being allowed to be a part of it.

It means being invisibilized, stigmatized, forgotten except as fear.

It means being from over there and not from here.

It means you’re both dangerous and in danger.

It means where you live isn’t meant for thriving, it’s just meant to contain you.

Continue reading →