rlly nsfw

Shirley Chisholm has the honor of being the first Black person to do a lot of things. She was the first black woman elected to the U.S. Congress. She was the first Black woman member of the Congressional Rules Committee. She even was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Women’s Caucus. She was also the first Black woman to run for president.

She garnered 10% of the vote at the Democratic National Convention in 1972, though she failed to win the nomination. She was forced to survive three assassination attempts during this presidential run. Some say it was her bid that laid the groundwork for future presidential bids by women.

In honor of #WomensHistoryMonth

I bring in a graduated cylinder of it and we talk about how it’s used in nuclear power plants and gmo crops. How inhaling even the small amount I’m holding can lead to suffocation or even death. It’s found in vaccines and cancer cells, but also in infant formula and pet food. It is a huge component of acid rain, can cause severe burns, and has been found in places that were thought to be the most pristine and unpolluted locations on earth.

We talk about how there are little to no regulations on this chemical. No bans, no warning labels, and most manufacturers don’t even have to disclose their use of it in their products.

My students are outraged. We talk about what we can do. Create posters and flyers to spread awareness. Contact our senators with petitions to ban DHMO. Spread this information all over social media.

Then I explain that the real problem with dihydrogen monoxide is that….when I am thirsty…there is just nothing else as refreshing, and then I watch their looks of absolute shock and horror as I drink the entire vial down.

is just making me think about shit like this: