There's a certain emptiness that I've been feeling as of late. Social tensions around the world are propelling those in the developed world, left behind by social and economic change, to attempt to turn the clock back to a time where their privileges put them in a more comfortable place. (Whew. That was a lot to say in one sentence!) In short, the "former haves" in the developed world want to go back to the 1950's where Gays/Lesbians were in the closet, Latinos hid their identity, and Blacks "knew their place". The only transgender person that people knew about was Christine Jorgensen, and she didn't elicit the fear in some people that an out-of-the-closet transgender person does today,
It is easy to want to retreat into a fantasy world. But many of us are unable to do so for the next 3 ⅔ years. They have either socially and/or medically transitioned long ago, and their legal/social identities differ from those assigned at birth. Over time, many of us will gradually lose the ability to get passport renewals due to the Orange Snowflake's hatred of transgender people. But what can we do to keep sane in a crazy world?
First, we have to partially disconnect from social media, as well as excessively biased news media. Social media platforms, such as Facebook, are geared to keep us clicking on the latest "news" whenever we hear our cell phones beep. So, find ways to turn the beep off if possible, and then skim the platform on a device other than a cell phone. Staying informed of the news while disconnecting will be harder. We have to choose local (if possible) stations that focus on community news, and not propaganda being poured down our throats. (I'm reminded here of one TV station holding corporation whose "newscasts" I'd avoid, as they require all of their newscasters to present a propaganda segment as if it were local news.)
Second, defend critical thought. The snowflake is attacking Harvard University because it rejected his son. Good riddance! The snowflake is vengefully punishing Harvard for this rejection. Now is the time to support institutions such as Harvard for standing their ground and maintaining their values. Why, you might ask, is this important? Every time that the snowflake causes us to give up a piece of our humanity, we give up parts of our freedoms. At first, we might limit what we can say in public. Next, it might be who we do business with. And then, we could be wrongfully putting people into prison camps - or worse. It happened once in Central Europe, and could happen here now. People are weak, and they would rather live in fear than to take the risks which would set them free. So, stand your ground whenever possible.
Finally, the Orange Snowflake is a bully. Bullies tend to be weaklings who have mastered an art of projecting power. Don't be afraid to challenge a bully if you have the power to fight back. If the law is on your side, use the court system to stop him and his minions. If public opinion is on your side, use it to attack him. And, if there is any form of resistance you can offer, no matter how insignificant it may seem, then offer it. The most important thing one can do to a bully is to show how weak s/he really is. Resistance and always being aware does just that.
It's so easy to be depressed. But don't be. We live in challenging times, and we overcome. It will take time, effort, and money. And we have the lessons of the past, from prior civil rights movements showing us the way. So keep calm and carry on.
