Action in the Face of Paralysis
Those of us in the national Pantsuit Nation group, as well as those of us who joined any of the local groups popping up on Facebook have seen the posts: “I’m done grieving, now I’m ready to act!”
There are lists upon lists of any number of actions you can now take to protect your rights and the rights of those expected to be targeted under a Trump Administration. Depending on your level of anger or amount of time you’re willing to commit, you can complete several tasks in only a few minutes: sign petitions, write letters, go outside and protest, sign up to protest in the future, run for office, boycott businesses who contribute to Republicans, strike on Inauguration Day, refuse to spend money except on essentials, and on.
There are also those of us who are not yet ready to act beyond the sharing of information, and processing emotion. That’s okay, too. This feels a lot like grief; and when you’re grieving, it’s best not to ignore your feelings, because they won’t just stop existing.
When George W. Bush was president, I went to many protests against the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I wanted him to know that I did not agree with violence that was occurring in America’s name. I also wanted the rest of the world to know that not all Americans were “jingos.”
Then I was ready to delve more deeply into international relations. In college, I elected to attend a three-week course in Bolivia on international conflict. “This is ridiculous,” my white, male advisor said, when I told him of my intentions. “What do you really want to do with your life?” It wasn’t really a question — it was that statement people make when they want you to know that what you’re choosing is not valid to them.
I went, and learned a great deal from my international colleagues. The next year, I applied to grad school in Austria for an MA in Peace and Conflict Studies. I was all in.
What’s the point of my sharing my personal history? It’s to say that you can choose how to take action against this new regime of racist, sexist, xenophobic men, in the way that works for you. Every small thing you do is valuable, and it’s all valid — provided you are actually trying to learn, and act against oppression.
As Audre Lorde wrote, “your silence will not protect you.” Many people are already speaking out against the hate and fear Trump allowed to grow during his campaign. And if you are white, know that you must find a way to be outspoken and active against racism and oppression. This is not a fight for only people of color, LGBTQ folks, women, immigrants, the differently-abled, Muslims, to fight. White people and others in positions of privilege must raise their voices and show that they will not stand by and allow hate and violence to further damage this country.
If you don’t, if you stay silent and conciliatory, and decline to speak out, then you are part of the problem. You are complicit.
So, in the days ahead, please turn to social networks, to where progressive activists have already begun to act, and figure out what it is you plan to do. Then do it. And finally, turn to someone else you love, and encourage them to take action, too.
