i’m interested in this. as a southerner, i offer everyone water when they arrive at my house because water is a basic human need and most people won’t ask for it when they need it because it can be a struggle to get it and they don’t want to put me out. it’s just like… a little showing of mutual respect and love for our shared struggle that takes not much to offer. if we’re eating, i’ll offer you food to.

if i don’t offer you water i’m communicating in the southern way that you are not welcome and your presence in my household has been imposed on me. i go by the standard Nikki Giovanni taught me: everyone gets fed, racists can fetch their own water.

but i acknowlege this is likely a cultural difference. my wife hates this pattern of showing solidarity and finds it confusing. so like… how do you and your people demonstrate that someone is welcome in your space?