Politics and Sausages (and Dog Parks)

There’s an adage that politics and sausages are two things one wouldn’t want to see being made. That’s because they’re messy and often include some unappealing bits, though the end result is somewhat smooth and desirable.

As someone who embraces her inner political animal, and actively engages in politics, I don’t disagree with the adage. Having spent the past few weeks attending the UNCSW, and having done much reading and advocacy ahead of time, I can share that this CSW was messier than most in process and purpose (as we are facing greater pushback against equal rights). The road to Agreed Conclusions was bumpier than normal, with shifting political practices and alliances; and a decrease in civil discourse and decorum (even in the Chamber!). I have opinions.

A few days of reflection has me considering a different adage than sausages… I think this year, politics at the UNCSW (and elsewhere) is more like a dog park in March.
(Comet gladly came with me for some ‘research’ into this analogy)

The dog park is a great space – lots of room for roaming around, within well-established (and fully fenced) parameters. There are some high spots and low spots, some trees, and some well-worn paths. The opportunity to connect and interact with others is abundant, depending on who is there at any given time. Normally, all goes well, but sometimes skirmishes can occur between pups – these can be resolved by some distance (either going to a different part of the park, or someone going home), and at times some outside intervention (from the respective humans)
The analogy doesn’t need much explanation here.

Presently, the dog park landscape is both the same and different: the March Melt is upon us. This means things are a tad messier than normal. The fencing is less secure in the weakened soil, creating a potential disruption in the security of the parameter. In the low-lying spots, large puddles have formed, which leaves uncertainty about what exactly is in there (including sharp edges on ice)… it also makes for a splashy mess when someone goes in/through. The pathways are far from smooth, as in sections there is really oozy and smelly mud (the kind that tries to suck you in, and even after you’re through it lingers); and in other sections there are some unexpected slippery parts where black ice remains a hazard. Staying on the areas where the snow build-up remains is no longer the solid place it was, as the foundation has started to destabilise, and it’s common the fall through. And, the thawing snow often reveals quite an abundance of ‘surprises’ that had been deposited (and were either unseen or ignored – or intentionally hidden) are no longer covered by the snow. (In politics as at the dog park, poop happens.)
Sadly, I don’t think this extended analogy needs much explanation either.

What this highlights for me is the potential to clean up. For those doing the work of justice, it can look intimidating and ugly and uninspiring. Yet we are committed to the work, the work that we have been called to: be it at home or in larger political spaces. It’s messy, and takes time and effort, but it is holy work. And as with the dog park, we know the safe space and beauty that we can return to – where all who come can benefit and flourish.
In the meantime, we still go to the park – we just bring towels for some immediate cleanup.