Pat Taub
In church this Sunday the progressive minister quoted the biblical passage: “To whom much is given, much is expected.” I squirmed in my seat reflecting on my white privileged lifestyle, feeling guilty about how little I’ve done to protest the Orange Monster’s wrecking machine.
It’s not like I’m unfamiliar to activism. I was on the front lines as a Second Wave Feminist, marching over and over for abortion rights and for the ERA (Equal Rights Amendment, granting women the same pay as men). I protested the Iraq war and marched for climate justice. But since Trump got elected, except for participating in the women’s marches in DC and Las Vegas and demonstrations in support of Gaza, my daily outrage hasn’t translated into feet on the street.
Los Vegas Women’s March, Jan. 2018; one of my infrequent protest actions post Trump
If I’m full of outrage over Trump’s contempt for the poor, Blacks, women, Muslims and Hispanics and truly scared over his war cabinet, why am I not doing more?
I seem to have fallen into the despair I witness among friends. We hang our heads and wonder if there’s a future for our grandchildren. One friend has moved to Portugal.
Many experience depression and alienation following Trump’s election
The black cloud hovering over us is exponentially squeezing out hope. But wait! There’s an alternative to feeling powerless. We can look on the bright side: Trump’s regressive policies have sparked a national awakening.
Teachers are striking; students have mobilized to take on gun reform; cities are creating sanctuaries for undocumented workers to protect them from the storm-trooping ICE agents; the #metoo movement forced famous predators to step down and helped to nail Cosby; the Black Power movement is here to stay. Just last week the Peace and Freedom Museum opened in Montgomery, Alabama to honor the over 4,000 African Americans who were lynched from 1977 to 1950.
Striking Arizona teachers marching to the capital
How do we move beyond grumbling in Facebook posts and in conversations with friends to getting our feet on the street?
One effective strategy is to pick your battles: identify an organization or cause you believe in, attend their meetings, protest with them and talk up this cause among friends and at public forums.
For me, right now a critical issue is preventing a war with Iran, which looks likely with warmongers Pompeo and Bolton whispering in Trump’s ear. I plan to engage with local and national peace efforts in support of keeping the Iran agreement in place.
Protesting against US bombing of Iran
I recognize that a pacifist surge may not prevent Trump from bombing Iran, but I learned from my time protesting an Iraqi invasion that I felt better knowing I had resisted. When I was organizing with the peace and justice group Codepink I was energized through collaborating with like-minded individuals who shared my values. It’s important to keep these memories front and center to bolster my resolve.
I’ve learned to dismiss Trump’s tweets and to restrict my time following the news. I rarely watch corporate media broadcasts but I still spend way too much time following alternative sources online. Too much news exposure often leaves me anxious and angry.
Me in news overload!
I’ve never met a wise elder who didn’t pursue a life of meaning until their last breath. Resisting authoritarian policies adds meaning to one’s life. Over the years friends have commented to me, “Thank you for your activism.” While these words are well-intended they make me furious. I want to answer back, but never do, “I’m not protesting for you. We all have to find a way to resist.”
Be an agent of change. Don’t get sucked into despair. Keep hope alive. To quote Angela Davis: “Walls turned sideways are bridges.” There are more of us than there are of them. We can do together what we can’t do alone.
Let’s create memories for our grandchildren and the next generation so we can share stories of personal resistance to inspire them!
