We are truly in unprecedented times for our country. And, based on the history of other countries that have fallen into authoritarianism, we'll be lucky if we come out of this with any sense of democracy intact - at least at a federal level. I'm not saying destruction is imminent. But, historically, where we're at now is not a good sign.
And, here's the thing, it may take time before everyone feels the squeeze of authoritarianism, particularly if you're an able-bodied white American (like myself) who will be sheltered for some time by our privilege. So, it's important to listen to marginalized groups who are already being affected by Trump and Company's bulldozing of our democracy. These people have been the initial targets of racist, authoritarian power structures since time immemorial. This isn't new to them. They've had to fight tooth and nail to gain and keep their basic civil rights in this country. Support them now in whatever way you can. Be an ally.
And remember, quite literally, if you're not a rich white man, your ancestors had to fight hard for your rights too (for example, poor white men were not fully permitted to vote until 1828 - 40 years after the ratification of the Constitution) - which is one of the reasons why Trump and Co. don't want inclusive history to be taught.
As this progresses, there's going to be a tendency for people to get apathetic, to get compliant - again, especially if you're a white person and the pain being inflicted isn't directly affecting you - sure, we'll all feel the price increases, but that can be begrudgingly shrugged off as we go about our day.
But, authoritarianism feeds on apathy. It fears resistance. So, we have to resist. In small ways. In big ways. We cannot be passive. Call your elected officials, flood their phone lines. Donate to organizations that are fighting this unabashed loathing of the Constitution. Support immigrants, who've long been the backbone of our country, in any way you can. And be ready. Start telling yourself now to stand up, to protest, to boycott, to shout and make your voice heard so that you're ready when the moment presents itself.
And I get it. This can all feel so overwhelming and we've all got responsibilities and bills and people to take care of and we live in a society where the most pressing weight is put on the working class. And sometimes we're doing all that we can just to get by day to day. So, do what you can. Take care of yourself and your loved ones. And just be ready. Because, at some point, we will all be brought face to face with some facet of this authoritarianism and how you respond (and it may be as simple as ignoring it) will determine which side you are on. As the late great Howard Zinn said, "You can't be neutral on a moving train.”
We are very likely going to have to say, "not in my country," "not in my state," "not in my county," "not in my city," "not in my home."
And I think it's important to close by saying that I do not think this is a hopeless way of thinking. I truly hope this constitutional crisis is curbed with minimal damage to our government. But, I think sometimes we mistake hope as a passive thing - just stay home and hope something gets better. But, hope needs help. Hope is only the beginning, an emergency tow to pull us out of the sinking darkness. At some point, we’ve got to open our eyes, see where we are, grab a tool, and help hope help us.
And, here's the thing, it may take time before everyone feels the squeeze of authoritarianism, particularly if you're an able-bodied white American (like myself) who will be sheltered for some time by our privilege. So, it's important to listen to marginalized groups who are already being affected by Trump and Company's bulldozing of our democracy. These people have been the initial targets of racist, authoritarian power structures since time immemorial. This isn't new to them. They've had to fight tooth and nail to gain and keep their basic civil rights in this country. Support them now in whatever way you can. Be an ally.
And remember, quite literally, if you're not a rich white man, your ancestors had to fight hard for your rights too (for example, poor white men were not fully permitted to vote until 1828 - 40 years after the ratification of the Constitution) - which is one of the reasons why Trump and Co. don't want inclusive history to be taught.
As this progresses, there's going to be a tendency for people to get apathetic, to get compliant - again, especially if you're a white person and the pain being inflicted isn't directly affecting you - sure, we'll all feel the price increases, but that can be begrudgingly shrugged off as we go about our day.
But, authoritarianism feeds on apathy. It fears resistance. So, we have to resist. In small ways. In big ways. We cannot be passive. Call your elected officials, flood their phone lines. Donate to organizations that are fighting this unabashed loathing of the Constitution. Support immigrants, who've long been the backbone of our country, in any way you can. And be ready. Start telling yourself now to stand up, to protest, to boycott, to shout and make your voice heard so that you're ready when the moment presents itself.
And I get it. This can all feel so overwhelming and we've all got responsibilities and bills and people to take care of and we live in a society where the most pressing weight is put on the working class. And sometimes we're doing all that we can just to get by day to day. So, do what you can. Take care of yourself and your loved ones. And just be ready. Because, at some point, we will all be brought face to face with some facet of this authoritarianism and how you respond (and it may be as simple as ignoring it) will determine which side you are on. As the late great Howard Zinn said, "You can't be neutral on a moving train.”
We are very likely going to have to say, "not in my country," "not in my state," "not in my county," "not in my city," "not in my home."
And I think it's important to close by saying that I do not think this is a hopeless way of thinking. I truly hope this constitutional crisis is curbed with minimal damage to our government. But, I think sometimes we mistake hope as a passive thing - just stay home and hope something gets better. But, hope needs help. Hope is only the beginning, an emergency tow to pull us out of the sinking darkness. At some point, we’ve got to open our eyes, see where we are, grab a tool, and help hope help us.