Oral History Interview with Lexi Gordon

Title

Oral History Interview with Lexi Gordon

Interviewee

Lexi Gordon

Interviewer

Bailey Pezzella

Description

Lexi Gordon of Greensboro, North Carolina was interviewed by Bailey Pezzella, Sewanee student, on February 15th, 2024 on Zoom. While their conversation was primarily on the Black Lives Matter Movement, other topics included: discussing the response of their student body of the college preparatory school they attended to the Black Lives Matter movement. We hope that this conversation will assist scholars with a further understanding of race in the United States during the early twenty-first century. Please click on the link to see the full interview.

Transcript

Bailey Pezzella (03:17):
This is Bailey Pezzella from Sewanee, the University of the South. It is Thursday, February 15th at around 3:45 PM Central Time. I am here with
Lexi Gordon (03:32):
Lexi Gordon. Should I say where I'm from?
Bailey Pezzella (03:35):
You can absolutely say where you're from.
Lexi Gordon (03:37):
The University of North Carolina. Greensboro. It's also Tuesday, February 15th. However,
Bailey Pezzella (03:42):
It's not Tuesday, babe.
Lexi Gordon (03:44):
Thursday, February 15th. However, for me it's 4:45.
Bailey Pezzella (03:49):
Wow, that's wild.
Lexi Gordon (03:50):
Magical.
Bailey Pezzella (03:51):
That's pretty crazy. Thank you for being here, Lexi.
Lexi Gordon (03:55):
Of course. Thank you for having me.
Bailey Pezzella (03:57):
Yeah. So we're going to start with some baseline questions and then we will work our way into it. Where are you originally from?
Lexi Gordon (04:05):
I'm originally from Portsmouth, Virginia.
Bailey Pezzella (04:07):
Awesome. How is where you currently live different from where you were raised?
Lexi Gordon (04:13):
Oh, that's a good question. I would say there's more stuff to do around here. Within a five minute radius. There's a mall, there's a movie theater, lots of restaurants and eateries. Portsmouth had less things and activities. I feel like there's more. I like being in a college town, 'cause there's more youth and abundance of youth here, which is nice. Yeah, I think those two main ones and the food's different, which is interesting. They have a Korean hot dog food truck.
Bailey Pezzella (04:47):
Oh, that's an interesting combination.
Lexi Gordon (04:51):
Yeah, it's called Astro Dogs. I haven't been yet, but everyone loves it, and so I feel like I should go at some point.
Bailey Pezzella (04:56):
Okay. We occasionally have sushi out of a food truck in the Piggly Wiggly parking lot here. Sounds, sometimes it's in the CVS parking lot though, but I haven't had it.
Lexi Gordon (05:04):
Moves around, bounces around.
Bailey Pezzella (05:06):
I don't trust it.
Lexi Gordon (05:09):
It could be the best sushi you've ever had though, if you think about it.
Bailey Pezzella (05:11):
It could be, but it's also in a food truck in a Piggly Wiggly.
Lexi Gordon (05:19):
I haven't had good sushi since I left Virginia. I've only had sushi from the Sparket which is our marketplace in the
Bailey Pezzella (05:28):
Speedy market.
Lexi Gordon (05:29):
Spartan market.
Bailey Pezzella (05:31):
Ah,
Lexi Gordon (05:32):
Sparket!
Bailey Pezzella (05:33):
Sparket. That's lovely. So back to where did you find community as a child?
Lexi Gordon (05:41):
As a child?
Bailey Pezzella (05:42):
A wee lad
Lexi Gordon (05:44):
I guess at school. I don't know. I liked being at school. Most of my friends were from there, and I played soccer too, outside of school. So I guess those two things were where I got most of my friends as a kid.
Bailey Pezzella (05:58):
What do you consider as a kid?
Lexi Gordon (06:01):
From the ages of six to, I don't know, 12.
Bailey Pezzella (06:07):
When did you come like- sixth grade? you came to NA in sixth.
Lexi Gordon (06:10):
Yeah. yeah.
Bailey Pezzella (06:10):
Where did you find community before NA? Did you have any friends before that?
Lexi Gordon (06:14):
So also school. So I still went to school. I hope you know like I didn't just
Bailey Pezzella (06:20):
You didn't know me.
Lexi Gordon (06:21):
That is true. I did not. Well, we weren't even friends in sixth grade.
Bailey Pezzella (06:24):
We really weren't.
Lexi Gordon (06:26):
We weren't even in the same sphere until eighth grade.
Bailey Pezzella (06:29):
No. And then I decided I want that one.And here we are.
Lexi Gordon (06:36):
Like in the 18 hundreds.
Bailey Pezzella (06:37):
Yeah. No.
Lexi Gordon (06:44):
*laughing*
Bailey Pezzella (06:44):
You're foul, you're cruel. I love you but you're foul.
Lexi Gordon (06:54):
You were so excited, I'm sorry!
Bailey Pezzella (06:54):
Just because you're my friend and I like being with you and I get excited when I'm with you.
Lexi Gordon (07:01):
Sorry, I'm sorry. We can cut that out if you want. I think it's funny.
Bailey Pezzella (07:11):
So today, where do you find community?
Lexi Gordon (07:15):
Still at school, mostly in different clubs and stuff in my building.
Bailey Pezzella (07:20):
What clubs are you in?
Lexi Gordon (07:22):
I am in women's to women's Self-defense. I've been to one meeting.
Bailey Pezzella (07:29):
Nice.
Lexi Gordon (07:30):
I went and I didn't have my sports waiver signed, and so I couldn't actually participate and then I was too embarrassed to go back. But I am still on the roster, so I count it.
Bailey Pezzella (07:42):
If you're in the group Me, you're in the club.
Lexi Gordon (07:44):
Exactly. I'm in Black Student Union and that's about it.
Bailey Pezzella (07:51):
Nice.
Lexi Gordon (07:52):
I'm going to join more next year.
Bailey Pezzella (07:54):
Okay, that's good.
Lexi Gordon (07:57):
Too busy. Too busy.
Bailey Pezzella (07:59):
Okay. Okay. What is your occupation?
Lexi Gordon (08:06):
None.
Bailey Pezzella (08:07):
None Student.
Lexi Gordon (08:09):
None, student. I tried applying for jobs, but nowhere's hiring. So
Bailey Pezzella (08:12):
Nowhere's hiring. Where have you tried applying?
Lexi Gordon (08:14):
I wanted to work at Build A Bear.
Bailey Pezzella (08:17):
You would be so good working at Build A Bear.
Lexi Gordon (08:20):
Thank you. But they only hire in the spring and summer. And the problem with that is, is that I won't be here
Bailey Pezzella (08:29):
Yeah, that's upsetting. Who inspires you?
Lexi Gordon (08:37):
A lot of people do. That's a difficult question. My parents a lot. My friends, there's this really cool girl named Bailey. I love her . Freddie. Lots of people I feel like motivate me to keep going and they're just an inspiration to me.
Bailey Pezzella (08:57):
Yeah. Is there a common trait between all of them or is there anything that one of them does that's really like, oh yeah, I like that. That helps.
Lexi Gordon (09:08):
I think a common trait is just, they're all very determined and disciplined in what they do. You know what I mean? And if they have a goal, they get it done and they're very good at whatever they try to do.
Bailey Pezzella (09:21):
Yeah. Beautiful. What sort of traveling have you done?
Lexi Gordon (09:26):
What sort of traveling have I done? Well, I, I've gone out and about around the United States. I've been up and down the East Coast, so probably everywhere, not past New York. I think New York's the farthest up. I've gone and then I've gone everywhere down to Florida. I've been to Texas, I've been to The Bahamas. I think that's about it. I think it's as far as I go, I haven't really gone to out there. I try to stay local, you know what I mean? Stay.
Bailey Pezzella (10:04):
Oh yeah.
Lexi Gordon (10:07):
There's so much to explore just outside of your door. Why?
Bailey Pezzella (10:11):
Why leave?
Lexi Gordon (10:12):
Why leave?
Bailey Pezzella (10:13):
Yeah. So on that topic, how have you experienced international cultures in your life?
Lexi Gordon (10:22):
That's a great question. I don't know. I guess I've taken Spanish for a really long time. I enjoy Spanish. And when I went to Texas, it was for a school trip and we were doing a lot of combining Texan and Mexican culture. Wanted to call that a Tex-Mex, if you will, so yeah, I enjoy Spanish a lot. I have a lot of African friends recently, which has been really cool. And so they've just been telling me about some really cool stuff. I know a girl from Congo. I know a girl from Senegal and Gambia, Nigeria. So it's been really fun. They've showed me different dances and foods and stuff. That's really interesting. It's been really fun. So I've enjoyed that. What else? I don't know. I did know a British man, but he was a little evil, so that didn't help my thoughts on the Brits at all.
Bailey Pezzella (11:23):
Who?
Lexi Gordon (11:23):
His name is Aaron. He's a little evil.
Bailey Pezzella (11:25):
Oh, I know Aaron. I know of
Lexi Gordon (11:27):
He's a Little evil.
Bailey Pezzella (11:31):
He's a little evil, yes.
Lexi Gordon (11:31):
So now I don't think positively of the Brits.
Bailey Pezzella (11:35):
Owen Johnson's practically British.
Lexi Gordon (11:38):
That doesn't help.
Bailey Pezzella (11:39):
I talked to him the other week.
Lexi Gordon (11:42):
In person?
Bailey Pezzella (11:43):
No, on WhatsApp.
Lexi Gordon (11:47):
Can you explain this interaction?
Bailey Pezzella (11:49):
I was asking him questions about the little country that he owns
Lexi Gordon (11:55):
Oh yeah. What was it- owns?
Bailey Pezzella (11:58):
Sealand, he's like a governor for,
Lexi Gordon (12:03):
Was it just him?
Bailey Pezzella (12:05):
No, there's multiple people, but I only talked to him about it.
Lexi Gordon (12:12):
Sorry. My roommate's emerging from her bed.
Bailey Pezzella (12:15):
Good for her.
Lexi Gordon (12:16):
Like a bear from hibernation.
Bailey Pezzella (12:18):
Good. That's good.
Lexi Gordon (12:21):
Yeah, she can't see it. You're fine.
Bailey Pezzella (12:24):
So you mentioned Korean hot dogs earlier. What's your favorite type of food?
Lexi Gordon (12:28):
Favorite type of food? I lied. She can see you. Don't worry, don't worry. She's not over there. Favorite type of food? I would say probably soul food or Mexican.
Bailey Pezzella (12:40):
Okay. Do you grow up with those foods a lot?
Lexi Gordon (12:43):
Soul food for sure. My mom made a lot of really, I don't know, mac and cheese all the time. Pork chops, gravy. She's made really good gravy. So that kind of stuff I grew up with. Mexican, not good Mexican until recently. I had white people taco night every once in a while I was a kid, but you know, it's white people taco night.
Bailey Pezzella (13:06):
I like how you still had white people taco night.
Lexi Gordon (13:08):
I still have white people tacos, but yeah, real Mexican food has been more of a recent thing. We find little places to go and it's really good.
Bailey Pezzella (13:17):
That's beautiful. Alright, so if you are ready, we're going to delve into the deeper questions.
Lexi Gordon (13:26):
Okay. I'm so ready.
Bailey Pezzella (13:29):
This one, it's light. How do you receive the news?
Lexi Gordon (13:34):
How do I receive the news? Well, I've got a little Apple News widget on my phone, my home screen, and it just tells me, it's interesting because sometimes it'll be like, oh, 30,000 dead in Gaza. And then the next thing is Kris Jenner did what? And it's like, wow. It stresses me out a little bit.
Bailey Pezzella (13:53):
News cycle. Got to keep them entertained.
Lexi Gordon (13:56):
It is what it is, so I cycled through that. I don't really have one on that one specific news outlet that I follow. Just whatever Apple decides is relevant for the day. And I just go off that. And then a lot through social media, Instagram and my mom,
Bailey Pezzella (14:16):
Your mother!
Lexi Gordon (14:16):
My mom sends me a lot of news articles about Portsmouth and says, this is what you're missing. But usually it's a lot of stabbings or robberies and I'm like, "Mom, do you want me to go back to that?" So I'm really confused on her messaging there. That's wonderful.
Bailey Pezzella (14:30):
Lemme see if I can, oh no, I might not be able to make the time longer. Well, that's okay. We'll figure it out. Okay. So you mentioned social media. What's your experience with social media? How long have you been on the 'gram?
Lexi Gordon (14:51):
On Instagram, since eighth grade.
Bailey Pezzella (14:54):
Was that your first? Your first
Lexi Gordon (14:56):
No, Snapchat was my first, and that was late sixth grade.
Bailey Pezzella (15:00):
Okay. How did you first encounter with the Black Lives Matter movement?
Lexi Gordon (15:08):
Also through social media, I would say. Probably just, honestly, I don't even know? That's not true. My mom, my parents, they talked to me about it when I was young and it first started becoming a thing. My mom talked to me about it a little bit. Not really. So definitely my family was, but the first real interactions I had through social media.
Bailey Pezzella (15:30):
Okay, got it. So it was mentioned when you were younger, but it wasn't a prevalent topic.
Lexi Gordon (15:38):
Yeah, it was talked about. I was told about it. I was told about, not super in depth, but kind of just what had led it to happen. And in the same way my brother was talked to about it, but not in depth, "this is what we need to do or something that you're going to have to do." You know what I mean? It was just told, talked to me about it.
Bailey Pezzella (16:00):
Yeah. What's your opinion on the movement?
Lexi Gordon (16:05):
I think it's good. I think it's definitely been interesting to watch the rise and fall of it in a sense. And just based on where we are as a country, I think it was definitely easier to get people to work towards one common goal when most people were feeling kind of like a lack of motivation or a lack of purpose. And then everyone's inside. You know what I mean? It's easy to talk about one thing when everyone's on their phone, you know what I mean? Or on something of some kind. I think it's definitely died down in its massive support from 2020 to now. I think the focus has shifted a little bit. I think it's still as important. I think it's still important to talk about, but I definitely think that what the movement did has helped to a degree in the sense of even if there are things, there are still systemic issues, there are changes being made in certain places. I think that's cool. And there are people being recognized for that, so that's cool.
Bailey Pezzella (17:08):
Yeah. So you'd think it is accomplished some of its goals
Lexi Gordon (17:12):
Yeah
Bailey Pezzella (17:12):
and it's working on others.
Lexi Gordon (17:14):
Yeah.
Bailey Pezzella (17:15):
Awesome. So what was, I guess your community, we can go at home community first. What was your family's reaction to the Black Lives Matter movement, especially when it started really rising.
Lexi Gordon (17:34):
My mom was super in support of it. My dad also, but he is more, my dad is just more of a critic when it comes to most things. So his kind of general idea was that he was worried that it wouldn't be taken seriously. And he also had that, I don't know, he's kind of an antagonist in most social critique things. So my mom was super supportive of it. My brother didn't really care. He was seven. But yeah, I think most of my family was in support of it
Bailey Pezzella (18:14):
What about your friends? I mean, especially going to a Norfolk Academy type school,
Lexi Gordon (18:21):
It's a special place.
Bailey Pezzella (18:22):
It's a special place.
Lexi Gordon (18:24):
It's a place like no other. I would say my friends were pretty on board. I can't think of an exact instance where I had a genuine friend of mine be like, no, I don't support that. You know what I mean? That was however, the outward community of my school,
Bailey Pezzella (18:44):
Yeah.
Lexi Gordon (18:46):
mixed messaging. And it happens, but most of the people in my circle, I think were pretty cool with it in the sense of obviously, I'm you know, they had to be somewhat cool with black people. So there are a few people who I think most of the people in my life's interaction with, it was through social media. And so for me, I was kind of just watching who posted and who did. You know what I mean? And so it wasn't like we were, our school definitely didn't have a protest of it, and there wasn't a school brought attention to it, you know what I mean? It's not like the administration was like, look at this thing, it's good for you. You know what I mean? But on an individual, on an individual level, I think people had their opinions about it. And I think most people were at least going to say that they were fine with it or neutral about it, just because, you know what I mean. But, Whatevs.
Bailey Pezzella (19:54):
Whatevs. Was there anyone, you don't have to name names obviously, but was there anyone where you kind of strayed away from talking about it with?
Lexi Gordon (20:10):
Not really. I'm trying to remember who I was really close to at that time. Most of those people shared the same ideology as me, and I didn't really have a problem with talking about it with anyone. And the people who I wouldn't have talked about it with weren't really my friends or anything. So I didn't really mind too much. The people who were against it, I didn't talk to anyways. It's not like I could have avoided. I was avoiding them. There were people, I talked about it more often than others, but there was no one I cut contact with over it or anything like that. Not that I can remember. I'm trying to think. I don't think so.
Bailey Pezzella (20:49):
Alright. Which generation do you think was most affected by the Black Lives Matter movement?
Lexi Gordon (21:00):
Probably Gen Z.
Bailey Pezzella (21:01):
Yeah
Lexi Gordon (21:01):
Just because it was a very internet heavy kind of thing. I think there was a lot of messaging at the time of, "Gen Z's the only generation that can change this." You know what I mean? Whether it was from people outside the generation or within it, it was a very big of, this is your time to change the world kind of thing. But I think it was not just Gen Z, but I think younger people in general based kind of on party, political party, and also just kind of affiliation to social media and affiliation to the movement itself. And I mean, most of the older people I know weren't super interested or what they had heard was of the negative parts of it. So they didn't want to get involved or they were claiming neutrality, whatever. You know what I mean? I think that a lot of the information, depending on how the information was presented to you, was whether you embraced or ignored the movement. So if it was presented as all riots and against cops, obviously you're more turned away from it. But if it's presented as like, oh, we're advocating for people who have lost their lives for police brutality and equality, you're going to be like, oh, that's great. You know what I mean? I think that information got pushed towards people who are more on social media. So I would say younger
Bailey Pezzella (22:27):
Word. Okay. I'm going to ask you this one last question and then we are going to, if you still want to say more, I have other questions. It's totally up to you. I'm going to end the meeting though and restart another one because I don't think I did it right and it turns out we have a time limit,
Lexi Gordon (22:51):
Oh, dear.
Bailey Pezzella (22:53):
So the last question for part one, how has the Black Lives Matter movement impacted your life?
Lexi Gordon (23:02):
I don't know. I think it was a very eyeopening time for me. It got me really interested in, I don't know, social justice and advocacy. I feel like I learned a lot, but I feel like it made me very aware of my community and the place that I was in. It also, I think definitely cemented me in my values and my beliefs because it was a very integral part of me trying to figure out where I land. And it was very eyeopening and I think definitely cemented me and the left side political, not that I was ever really right leaning, but a little lefter than average. You know what I mean?
Bailey Pezzella (23:44):
A little more left than center. Yeah.
Lexi Gordon (23:46):
Yeah.
Bailey Pezzella (23:47):
Fair. Got it. Alright, I'm going to, end part one there. I'll send you another link. I apologize about that
Lexi Gordon (23:56):
No, you're all good, pooks
Bailey Pezzella (23:57):
Thanks. Okay, I'll see you in a minute.
Lexi Gordon (24:01):
Yeah. Whoa,
Bailey Pezzella (24:06):
We're recording again. Alright. Sorry about that intermission back to your regularly scheduled programming.
Lexi Gordon (24:12):
It was really fun.
Bailey Pezzella (24:14):
I gave you a little bit of a brain break.
Lexi Gordon (24:16):
Yeah, I was thinking really hard.
Bailey Pezzella (24:20):
I bet you were. So we did that. Getting right back into it. Has Black Lives Matter affected how you talk with your family and friends?
Lexi Gordon (24:36):
I don't know. Friends, sure. Family, definitely. I feel like it was, like I said, it kind of cemented my beliefs politically and really it opened up a window for me to talk to my parents, especially about political stuff going on. Cause I feel like before that I wasn't super involved in politics, which it was reasonable. I was in middle school or really social justice, which I think going on. So being involved with the Black Lives Matter movement kind of opened up a wonder for me to talk to my parents about that kind of stuff and what I believe versus what they believe, which is pretty similar for the most part. But my beliefs were a little bit more extreme than theirs. And then definitely my friends too. I think it led me to find some common interests with my friends and educate them and learn from them also.
(25:29):
And just, I dunno, it was really cool. I think it was a good time where people were more open to talking about things. That wasn't the only thing being talked about, so people were starting to question more. So I was having a lot of good conversations. And I think it also helped me debates and stuff, which I didn't get into a lot of, but just in general, I feel like trying to defend your opinion is a pretty good skill to have. So I think that helped me and down the line as I took more classes that were pretty overtly political and I took classes that were based on ethics and policy. It was interesting to have some kind of history and knowledge in that regard. So
Bailey Pezzella (26:14):
Yeah, I also think it was happening during a time where, I mean, we were 15, 16, 17. I feel like a lot of maturing happens during that time. So I feel like it was kind of interesting to be able to have those conversations. And those are heavy, mature conversations, especially in the classes we took. I think that, at least for me, really helped me find my opinion and voice and how to talk about heavy subjects like that. Just having those kind of Socratic type classes where you can just say really controversial things
Lexi Gordon (26:59):
And then Dave Michael Kidd goes, "good job."
Bailey Pezzella (27:03):
Good job. Yeah, I think that it was just an interesting time in my life for it to happen. I don't know, I feel like it kind helped me find my own voice in this situation.
Lexi Gordon (27:20):
Agreed.
Bailey Pezzella (27:26):
Okay. How has the Black Lives Matter movement changed how you interact with people of other races or your own race?
Lexi Gordon (27:33):
That's really interesting. I never thought about that. I think within my own race, I don't know. It's made me more aware of a lot of things. I mean, during the Black Lives Matter movement, there were obviously black people who were like, "this is stupid." And that was really interesting. And I think for a while, I think kind of polarized me. I was like, oh, if you don't agree with this, you're automatically racist. And I think that was another side effect of it being so everywhere. And I had to mature to realize that it's not necessarily a moral failing to have a different opinion. And a lot of people are just simply ignorant to the depths of the movement. Not in a bad way, just not informed on it. So for a while then it was kind of like, I don't know. It's not like I disliked white people. I went to NA. It kind of wasn't an option,
Bailey Pezzella (28:35):
But it's okay too.
Lexi Gordon (28:38):
But it did make me more aware than I had been at that point. Up to that point, I was kind of just like, well, yeah, I know there are racist white people out there, but it doesn't affect me, so it's fine. You know what I mean? And I had been not reluctant to admit that some people were like that, but it was definitely more in your face and there are people around you who don't really care. So I guess I kind of regarded that in a manner of, well, what can you do? Yeah, I think that's where I am. But now I feel like I'm definitely different and I have more mellowed out. I have my beliefs. I also know that you can't teach anybody who doesn't want to learn. So it's not a failing of an entire race. I think it's more of a failing of education and a bigger societal thing of separation. Makes any sense? I think we're still very polarized as a country, so it's hard to bridge the gap, bridge the gap if both ends are fighting.
Bailey Pezzella (29:46):
And both ends have been fighting since the very beginning.
Lexi Gordon (29:49):
Both ends just fight all the time.
Bailey Pezzella (29:51):
They have not stopped,
Lexi Gordon (29:53):
Which sucks. And the people in the middle are not on either end enough for the people on the ends to accept them. And so it's a big round circle of fighting, actually.
Bailey Pezzella (30:03):
Yes.
Lexi Gordon (30:05):
Yes.
Bailey Pezzella (30:06):
Cyclical
Lexi Gordon (30:10):
The wheel.
Bailey Pezzella (30:11):
Yes. The Wheel of Racism.
Lexi Gordon (30:14):
The Wheel of Racism
Bailey Pezzella (30:16):
game show.
Lexi Gordon (30:16):
It gets you. A game show? I don't think that'd be a good game show.
Bailey Pezzella (30:21):
I don't think it would.
Lexi Gordon (30:23):
I don't think that would go on air.
Bailey Pezzella (30:25):
No. Yeah. I guess you already kind of answered this, but how do you think the Black Lives Matter movement succeeded and failed? What were its heights and pitfalls?
Lexi Gordon (30:42):
I think heights were definitely awareness. A lot of people started talking about it and exposed people's eyes to things. I think it really did a good job of getting people's attention and getting people to think about the structures that are in place. And when people say, oh, you're systemically failing us, what that means. I think one failure, which I think can be a failure of all protests and movements of any kind, is that it's hard to get everyone on one accord. And so there were people who entered it on the extreme side, and then the extreme side got amplified. And then the majority of people who didn't really think that were kind of getting silenced by, there was few extreme opinions, and then misinformation was a thing that happened a lot. So you see someone say something and then that spreads, but it spreads especially quickly over the internet.
(31:40):
So I think because it was so internet heavy, which was great for awareness and great for getting people involved, that does lead to faster mis and disinformation. So I think that was one thing. And because it was such a heavy topic at a time where things were being shut down, I think that the institutional impact would've been greater if we could have done, I don't know. I think something that really helps, especially in the United States when protesting is economic, like protesting and boycotting because money makes the world ground. You know what I mean? Especially here. But at that time, things were already kind of failing economically or lessened economically. So it was what really, the timing of it, I would say. And just the fact that there were so many different messages being put out at one time of what's helpful and what's not helpful and what the real goal is. That kind of, but I would say as far as awareness and outreaches are really good, and the genuine mission of trying to get these systemic policies to change and to kind of in police violence and discrimination. But those things are obviously good. So
Bailey Pezzella (32:59):
Yeah.
Lexi Gordon (33:00):
Sorry, I'm yapping.
Bailey Pezzella (33:01):
No, I like it when you, you have a lot of things to say. I like it. It's one of my favorite things about you. It's also why I chose you to interview, because I was like, Lex will have a lot to say.
Lexi Gordon (33:12):
I always do
Bailey Pezzella (33:13):
You always have a lot to say. And it's like one of my favorite things about you.
Lexi Gordon (33:16):
I just got so much.
Bailey Pezzella (33:18):
You were born to yap forced to study.
Lexi Gordon (33:20):
I was born to yap.
Bailey Pezzella (33:20):
You truly were.
Lexi Gordon (33:22):
I was born to yap. When I was born, the doctor said, this little baby will yap so much,
Bailey Pezzella (33:29):
So much, this baby is a yapper.
Lexi Gordon (33:33):
This baby was, look at this baby, look at it. It'll never
Bailey Pezzella (33:37):
That's not a baby. It's a yapper
Lexi Gordon (33:40):
Certified yapper.
Bailey Pezzella (33:44):
So kind of like its strengths being so social media heavy, were also it's weaknesses being so social media heavy
Lexi Gordon (33:52):
Double edged sword, if you will
Bailey Pezzella (33:55):
If you will. That is the fourth time I've heard that expression today. And I don't know why it's coming up so much
Lexi Gordon (34:02):
If you will?
Bailey Pezzella (34:03):
No, no, no. Double-edged sword.
Lexi Gordon (34:05):
Oh, oh,
Bailey Pezzella (34:06):
I dunno why
Lexi Gordon (34:07):
Why?
Bailey Pezzella (34:08):
I dunno. I heard it twice in the barn earlier.
Lexi Gordon (34:15):
What was going on in the barn?
Bailey Pezzella (34:18):
One of the barn staff got into an argument with his wife last night because he was sick and ruined their Valentine's Day plans. And they were using Bible verses to argue with each other.
Lexi Gordon (34:32):
So she got mad at him for being ill on Valentine's Day.
Bailey Pezzella (34:36):
Yeah.
Lexi Gordon (34:39):
Okay.
Bailey Pezzella (34:39):
I don't know what the state of their marriage is.
Lexi Gordon (34:43):
And then they argued using Bible verses. Okay, that sounds really fun.
Bailey Pezzella (34:49):
I go to an Episcopalian school. What do you expect?
Lexi Gordon (34:52):
That's true. I just had never heard of someone. Was it like they went to go type out their arguments and then quoted Bible verses? Or was it just they were just shouting them back at each other?
Bailey Pezzella (35:03):
I'm not really sure. I heard bits and pieces of the texts. He had gone to work this morning. He had to work.
Lexi Gordon (35:11):
Oh, so they were over text. Okay.
Bailey Pezzella (35:14):
It might've been, but he was like, hold on, I need to find this. And then opened up his Bible app
Lexi Gordon (35:19):
Was it just actual arguments and supported with citations of the Bible?
Bailey Pezzella (35:26):
I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I dunno.
Lexi Gordon (35:30):
That's really fun.
Bailey Pezzella (35:31):
I do not know. Where do you see the Black Matter movement going in the future?
Lexi Gordon (35:40):
I don't know. I'm really not sure. That's a good question. Probably staying at about the same kind of level of urgency as it is right now. Another, I think fall of it being on social media is that it was a trend in the sense of people were very into it and then very not, which I think happens, but because it was so localized to social media and localized to a certain time period, it kind of fizzles out a little bit. And I think it will just kind be remembered as an internet thing in 2020. You know what I mean? Even though it has further outreach than that. And so the people who are involved in that, I'm sure that there are people who saw that and have made it their life mission, but maybe not a large enough number to have a resurgence. Maybe if there is another incident like George Floyd or something like that, it would come back. But I'm not particularly sure. And I feel like, especially since we've already had the Black Lives Matter movement, police departments and governments are trying very hard to keep an incident like that from happening again. Especially too close in, too close in time to the black lives matter movement. And it's upsurgence, I guess. They actually are trying hard to keep that from happening. And if it does happen, keep it on the down low. But yeah,
Bailey Pezzella (37:05):
Don't want to get on the media,
Lexi Gordon (37:07):
Don't want to get that on the Instagram. Do not let that get out.
Bailey Pezzella (37:10):
Do not do it for the gram.
Lexi Gordon (37:12):
Do not. Anything but that. Anything but that, yeah, I do think that it's, I don't know, it's definitely in the future, I think it can be used as a tool to educate and it can continue to do the things that it's doing and amplifying stories. But I'm not sure if it'll go anywhere. I think it might've peaked at its highest involvement and then it could have more peaks and valleys as time goes on.
Bailey Pezzella (37:42):
Yeah. All right. Final question, unless you have any bits and bobs to say after this.
Lexi Gordon (37:49):
I don't have any bits and bobs.
Bailey Pezzella (37:52):
What is the state of race relations in the United States? What are the tensions right now from your personal point of view and experience?
Lexi Gordon (38:04):
I dunno. I would say that, I don't know. I'm not really sure. I like to think that they are both the best and most poignant they've ever been. I would say best in terms of legally, you know, can't keep black people out of stores. That's great. You know what I mean? That's
Bailey Pezzella (38:31):
Fantastic.
Lexi Gordon (38:32):
Objectively, I think we are the best we've ever been legally. However, I think the fact that so many people are aware of this history and are still kind of debating certain topics can make it difficult for it to be super all on our piece. And you know what I mean? I wouldn't say that racism's over, obviously. There are still, I think the biggest goal right now, and I can't speak for other communities, but the black community I would say is representation and education. I would say that we're kind of regressing a little bit, especially with schools in the sense of trying to get certain history books taken out and book banning and watching teachers. That stuff is a little like, whoa, what's going on? What's happening? And places that are really important to me, like Virginia, that's my home state. I want it to be a place where education is being taught and not just taught but genuinely cared about and wanting to make a difference.
(39:37):
But I think that's the biggest thing. Representation of actual information being, getting actual information, getting out and not the stories that have been kind of glossed over. I think a lot when it comes to civil rights, black lives matter movement. I think the big thing that was brought up was when this kind of stuff is taught, it's kind of like, okay, slavery happened. Oops, it got abolished at Able Lincoln and nothing happened. And then boom, civil rights movement. You know what I mean? It just kind of skips a very large period of time and you don't really learn about that until, unless you do it on your own or until you're in college. And I think that that is something that could be really worked on and improved. But yeah, I would say race relations aren't too terrible. I would say that they have been, I would say that recently, recently, especially since a lot about the Middle East and Palestine and Israel have been in the news. I would say that that community is probably under fire and would probably feel differently than I would right now. But I can't speak for them. I think tensions rise and fall, obviously. But I would say that right now they're kind of quelled. I do wonder what's going to happen in November. It's a very big election year. I don't know what's going to go on there, but I get to vote this year.
Bailey Pezzella (41:10):
I'm really excited to vote. I missed my first voting.
Lexi Gordon (41:15):
You missed your first voting.
Bailey Pezzella (41:16):
I missed the, whatever it's called, Virginia Electoral or whatever.
Lexi Gordon (41:20):
Really?
Bailey Pezzella (41:21):
Because I forgot to put in, my mother didn't remind me or show me how to put in an out of an absentee ballot.
Lexi Gordon (41:27):
Silly, silly goose.
Bailey Pezzella (41:29):
So I was thoroughly upset because you know how excited I was to vote.
Lexi Gordon (41:33):
I know how excited you really like voting.
Bailey Pezzella (41:35):
I really want to vote. I'm really excited to vote. I had Noah Howell walk me through the whole process multiple times.
Lexi Gordon (41:43):
I wonder how he's doing
Bailey Pezzella (41:46):
Since the last time we saw him a month ago?
Lexi Gordon (41:51):
I didn't talk to him much, and if I didn't,
Bailey Pezzella (41:52):
I talked to him.
Lexi Gordon (41:55):
Did you get him to walk you through voting?
Bailey Pezzella (41:57):
Again, for the fourth time, And I told him how upset I was that I didn't get to put my absentee ballot in.
Lexi Gordon (42:08):
Yeah, I don't remember much from that night. All I remember is that I ate a lot of pretzels and
Bailey Pezzella (42:11):
You ate a lot of pretzels.
Lexi Gordon (42:13):
I went upstairs, I put my PJs on and I went to bed.
Bailey Pezzella (42:17):
You conked out.
Lexi Gordon (42:18):
I conked out.
Bailey Pezzella (42:19):
I took a power nap with baby Yoda.
Lexi Gordon (42:22):
That's beautiful.
Bailey Pezzella (42:23):
It was beautiful.
Lexi Gordon (42:25):
I don't even know when people left. All I know is that I went to sleep at 11 and I woke up and everyone was gone. Except for Kaydn. He was on the floor.
Bailey Pezzella (42:31):
Yes. Yes. Kaydn was there for quite a long time.
Lexi Gordon (42:35):
For quite a while. But that's all I have for you.
Bailey Pezzella (42:40):
That's all I've got for you as well.
Lexi Gordon (42:42):
Thank you for having me.
Bailey Pezzella (42:43):
Yeah. Thank you for letting me interview you.
Lexi Gordon (42:46):
Of course.
Bailey Pezzella (42:48):
Turning off the recording.
Lexi Gordon (42:51):
Whoa, magical.
Bailey Pezzella (42:53):
Wait, wait. Oh.