From West Virginia Holler to Senate Testimony: Finding Strength in Not Belonging

Embracing the Outsider Perspective

Caitlin Myers recounts a trip back to her childhood home in West Virginia. The experience highlighted the contrasts between her past and present, making her feel like an outsider in both worlds. This feeling of not quite belonging, however, has given her a unique lens through which to view the world.

Questioning Assumptions Through Data

As an economist, Caitlin Myers uses data to explore the effects of abortion policies on various outcomes. Her research reveals that seemingly minor restrictions can significantly impact people's access to abortion. This challenges the assumptions of some economists who believe that individuals will always act in a purely rational, self-interested manner.

Caitlin Myers's work highlights the importance of considering the real-world constraints and challenges that people face, especially those from low-income backgrounds. As she puts it, she had grown up in non-perfect worlds and "knew plenty of people who would struggle to figure out how to get the information, the cash, the credit, the time off work, the child care to make a 200 mile round trip to get healthcare that by the way cost like $600 cash on short notice."

Bridging Divides with Compassion

Caitlin Myers's research often places her in the midst of heated debates, particularly regarding abortion. She notes that people often make assumptions about her beliefs based solely on her work. Despite this, she advocates for approaching these conversations with compassion and respect, recognizing the complexity of the issue and the diverse perspectives involved.

She recounts Senator Grassley's comment that, "Abortion is above all a moral and legal issue. It's not an issue that lends itself to being looked at solely through an economic lens. After all, life is priceless." Caitlin Myers's response is not one of perturbation, but of understanding, because growing up where she did, she knows lots of people who believe that abortion is immoral. She states, "They're not misogynists. I like them. I respect them. I love them. I think some of them like and love me, too. So, what if we could start there? What if we could start with compassion and respect?"

Actionable Steps for Dialogue

• Seek Understanding: Engage in conversations with people who hold different viewpoints, genuinely trying to understand their perspectives.
• Start with Respect: Approach discussions with compassion and a willingness to find common ground, even if complete agreement is not possible.
• Use Data to Inform: Share relevant facts and evidence to promote a more informed discussion, while acknowledging that data can be interpreted in different ways.

Embracing Discomfort for Progress

Caitlin Myers encourages us to embrace the discomfort of not belonging, to stand in those awkward, liminal spaces and use them as opportunities for growth and understanding. By listening to others and practicing empathy, we can bridge divides and create a more inclusive and compassionate society.

An Invitation to Connect

Caitlin Myers's journey reminds us that our unique backgrounds and experiences can be valuable assets, allowing us to see the world in new ways and challenge conventional thinking. By embracing our outsider perspectives and engaging in respectful dialogue, we can foster greater understanding and create positive change.