There is a hard truth to speaking out on these things - you will lose friends. But the ones who listen and stay are the real ones.
I've noticed that when I share something on social media about authoritarianism in the US, the dangers of AI, tech bros, inequity/wealth inequality, and the plight of the people in Palestine, Ukraine, and Sudan, I'm met with silence. Some people even quietly unfriend me.
But when I have in-person conversations, I've noticed something different. Most people are seeing what you're seeing but they are coping with it differently. Some have been ignoring it because they don't want the world to change. Some are paralysed by fear.
Others are experiencing the negative effects/hardship of our collapsing society but have incorrectly attributed it to something different (usually scapegoating minority groups). Those are difficult conversations and you won't always be able to cut through. But the times you can are worth it.
Ultimately, my morals won't allow me to stop talking about it - even if my social circle is shrinking as a result. I've come to view it as a positive; quality over quantity.
That's a really good point - many don't want the world to change. Their resistance can often end there if they're not equipped w outlets to vent, have agency.
So is the argument that they are incorrectly identifying the "cause"...which happens because they're not reading the news fully.
Thank you Sarah! For your bravery, your honesty, your simple spoken passion imploring the silent to be seen. It’s so interesting when friends get together and there are those of us who openly speak of their disbelief in what is evolving - yet I observe others who I know feel similarly shift awkwardly in their seats and stay silent. They are intelligent, they know how what is happening now has happened before - they know the warning signs - but something in their psyche stops them still. I think maybe they think it’s too hard. But you are 100% correct - we are now at a crossroads, and soon it will be so much harder to turn the ship around. I am going to use your call to action to start today - to do something everyday.
Write to a politician; turn up to community events and celebrate our freedom; do good things for people who could use a bit of help; ask my friends to do the same.
To all your readers and followers - stay brave, stay true and stay safe. 💕
I often worry about the "disbelief" response, too.A lot of ppl leave their resistance there, at "this is so bad" or "it's insane". It many ways it's not insane, it's where we're at, and there are heaps of reasons whey we got here...and they are meant to be repaired and healed by our resistance. Good luck with your crew of mates! Be bold!
Thank you for this post, as always. I know I could do more - and even so, I’m one of maybe 3 others in my Instagram circle who regularly post or repost about the aforementioned and other issues. I catch myself sometimes, about to post or share, and thinking ‘oo, this is too much’ and worrying others will judge me. But genuinely, who gives a fuck. Yesterday I shared a video of a Latina woman in America crying because ICE can now make arrests based on suspicion of SKIN COLOUR and speaking Spanish. And then I posted the ‘first they came’ poem and shared that, which is something I like to do regularly to hopefully remind people of our precarious situation.
So many people here in Australia think we aren’t impacted, and that we are somehow magically protected. They don’t get it, or are unwilling to open their eyes.
I am enormously privileged as a white Australian woman, but I have my own minority labels as a queer and chronically ill person, which has partly influenced my ability to be outspoken about things and share wildly. I assume my small circle of followers is used to it, or has blocked me…but I’ll keep shouting into the void until we can’t anymore
It's interesting you say you have a chronic illness. So do I...but it has backed off massively since I got even more activist. For me, I do feel that seeing what I was seeing for so long, and keeping it bottled up, led to some hectic inflammation.
This is so interesting to me too! I’ve just made big changes in my life so I now work in an environment that’s far less stressful and driven by capitalistic hustle, because I’ve known for some time that living in alignment has enormously positive effects on my health. I’m earning so much less, but connecting with others so much more and will now have more space for advocacy too. Finally recreating and redefining feels incredible after wanting it for years.
I’d love to know more about the connection you’ve made here, like Amy says - maybe a post?
I kind of cover it in the collapse book - the psychological incongruence of doing one thing when we know another creates horrible stress, which plays out physically. I really do think inflammation is our bodies telling us that something is "grating"
Have definitely felt that too, in the almost 8 years since my diagnosis. I’ve always felt grateful that my body showed me that something wasn’t right so that I could course-correct and learn more about myself and the world. The disconnect between mind and body that society celebrates and facilitates can hardly lead to anything else
How can the current zeitgeist NOT aggravate inflammation in the body ? Tending the body, tending the soul, protecting the planet, seeking human justice, are interdependent. One strengthens the other.
I too am in Australia, born and raised here, and this country has changed massively over time, it's become much more like the US, which I don't like. We've also gone downn hill over the last five years I think...and I hope we can maintain our own identity and not keep copying other countries...
To answer your question on why we don't speak more, I notice in myself that I am going against my ancient mammalian biology that tells me silence and smallness will keep me safe. I know logically this is not the case, but the only thing I have found that overrides that biological response to fear is love. Not performative religion-ized love, but actual, profound, all-consuming LOVE. The kind that says,
"I love the idea of my children growing up free to speak their minds and make a living wage doing creative, fulfilling work that I will risk possibly not seeing them grow up at all by trying to preserve their access to that future."
I'm definitely not some influencer on this stage of opinions, but I share and like and repost what I can even though it scares me because I love that future more.
Yes! It's where I landed at in my book - we face this with fierce love. A reader here - Madeleine - writes on this a lot. She'll probably join in on the comments later today when she wakes (she's in Canada)
Every single day I weigh up the loss v’s the gains of speaking my truth. As a woman, a business woman, a wife and mum, I wonder if I lose my relatives, my immediate family, my clients, my friends, is it worth it for standing up for what I believe in? Democracy, ethical humanism, fairness, compassion and empathy. A future for my children? Yes it’s worth it. Thanks Sarah for allowing me to see that it is possible to move one starfish at a time, and it does make a difference. And really, those that don’t feel the same way, would I want to be acquainted with them? It will be lonely, but being a middle aged menopausal business woman is frankly, quite lonely.
Onwards and upwards. Thanks Sarah for your brutal honesty. May you light a thousand firecrackers up the bums of all of us.
It really is a strange time, but I remind myself that these moments happen in history where the outspoken do lose friends, and do have to move forward to other groups of people and sites of service.
I get lonely, too...but it's not a depressed loneliness...it's a philosophical one that I'm settling into. I read more now, I seek joy in different things. I don't want to socialise for the sake of it so much any more...
I think this is it for me too, the losing friends, being afraid people who have a certain view of who I am will now find me ' too much'. That I will lose clients, and therefore my income.
But reading this post and the comments I can see my comfort zone isn't going to be comfortable any more. I have to start showing up whatever it costs.
Yesterday I wrote an impassioned letter to my MP about the madness of these arrests of those protesting genocide. I pointed out that the introduction of harsh protest law is having the opposite effect to their intention, far from cowing is making some of us more radical. Certainly I'll be out there on the streets next time.
Cynthea, i felt compelled to reach out. Are you based in Australia, Sydney per chance? I related so much to your sentiment of loneliness as a middle-aged business woman, who cares deeply about what's happening. Me too. I am an educator/teacher/NGO founder, and frequently feel like I'm the only one that is awake and so goddam angry about the indifference, ignorance and apathy. And then there's the menopause : 0
Building an awake and caring community is one of the only salves in these scary, surreal times.
Hi Claudette, I am in Tasmania. A reddish blue state 😂😭. It’s comforting to have allies even if they exist in an ether, but to Sarah’s point, when we have to leave social media because it’s been taken over, we will lose the thread. I’m trying to make my community now around me, but in doing so I know I’ll lose friends too. I’ve been planning it for weeks but have only had a few conversations. It’s really hard.
What you are doing is so important even though it feels relentless. If you are teaching kids, then they will remember you, and you will have made a difference to them. If you ever come to Tassie, come visit me at Marions Vineyard. We can drink wine or tea and toast to rebellion.
You and Claudette need to meet up. Or connect...There are quite a few people who have met in this comments thread and now have their own WhatsApp chat x
Amazing to kind of e-meet you Sarah. It's the first time I've commented in your community. I'm a huge fan. Have to say 'this one wild and precious life' is prob in my top 5 of all time and I'm in my mid-50s!
You write what I think in my head and your blogs make me feel sane in this scary time. It may sound trite but thank you for everything you're doing. It really helps - to keep me going, to remind me that these are insane times and that there are many of us out there screaming into the void.
Likewise!!! In Nipaluna. Toasting to the rebellion with you from across the screens 🥂🔥 I have found much hope in connecting with other folx deep in this awareness, via social media and IRL at the Palestine rallies.
I’m in Tassie too and would love to meet with you! 😊 I have kept an eye out in the comments and there is not a Tassie meet up group, so maybe we could start one?
Hi Rikki-Lea, Nice to see quite a few Hobart/Tas people here. I see that there have been a few mentions of starting a meet up -- has anything happened about that? If so, I'd love to join. If not, perhaps we could start something?
Hey Ngaire, feel free to head to the meet-up post on the home page and do a word search iin the comments for "tasmania" and "hobart" to connect with the group! x
👋🏼 I’m in Sydney if there’s any Sarah inspired catchups happening I’m in.
I’ve withdrawn a lot, since I “have opinions” and emotions plus find small talk time wasting 🤣 and I try to stay updated on global issues which seems to makes it even more “difficult” having a world view since ignorance is bliss for most Australians - I guess I’m still waiting to find my tribe.
Curious how in Australia, apparently 75% of the population favour sanctions against Israel while the politicians of all persuasions are overtly pandering to the Zionist lobby ( while ignoring the Jewish Council of Australia). The attempts by seemingly enlightened politicians to adopt antisemitism guidelines that would effectively prohibit criticism of Israel is mind boggling. History will judge these Quislings harshly. One could speculate that it is bordering on treasonous for elected representatives to be acting in the interests of a foreign power whilst be wilfully neglectful of their citizens rights and freedoms. Keep talking, arguing and thinking for yourselves. I, unfortunately, have fallen out with a number of friends who refuse to educate themselves on the history of Palestine over the past 2500 years and refuse to acknowledge that the oppression of the indigenous peoples there has been wrought by us supporting a brutal colonial regime. Sunday school history and faux theology has a lot to answer for.
Ditto in the UK where thousands of people from all walks of life (including many elderly and disabled) are being arrested simply for sitting in support of Palestine Action who have been designated a terrorist group.
It's a moment for curiosity - WHY do I stay silent. Really listening into and understanding the fears about coming out of the shadows with a like, a comment, a post, a protest sign. Is it estrangement? Judgment? Physical harm? Not feeling educated enough on the issue? A sense that it doesn't matter any way (defeat)? To me that is the start - what I am protecting myself from with this silence? And can I care for that fear another way so that I can show up for this moment. Can we get clear on what it is we are protecting through silence?
We are in a moment that requires courage, and we as individuals need clarity on what is preventing it from being embodied in ourselves. I think our conversations with each other could be compassionate and driven from genuine curiosity about what the perceived costs are of being vocal, being seen, being heard, having a voice.
Also, as one who has frequently had the target on her back for speaking up (from the family dinner table to the conference table to the PTO meeting) I am sending you a virtual hug Sarah. That shit is hard and can feel so lonely.
I totally agree that the next chapters are going to potentially be horrendous - fascism/climate collapse. I hear your urgent rally cry for other to speak up and fast!
But and most importantly, I feel just people approach resistance differently and it might not look like your more traditional activism.
For me, for example, hearing someone say 'do more fast - fascism is coming!' personally that doesn't mobilise me to do anything - to be honest. I know for some it does.
For me, what is mobilising is going back to ' what feels authentic for me and what comes from love?' for everyone that is different. For me, it's 80% local things in our local community (speaking to neighbours/ flying hope flags, tending to the community allotment, fostering wonderful in my kids live and regulating my own nervous system into safety) and 20% protests, letters to MPs, school climate initiative etc etc
Rather than getting into are we doing enough type talk? What even is 'enough'? I feel into what comes from love of life and plant.... This fuels me and also I'm a way that doesn't stripe me of my own present health.
I get your point completely and love that you are pitching alternative ways to engage with a different mindset. Often, however, I find people who say they don't respond to fearful messaging use it as an excuse to pull away instead of engaging with the idea as you are. There is soooo much room for sooooo many different approaches.
Honestly, I think my biggest block is kind of like a...reverse golden handcuffs situation? Not quite sure how to describe it.
I'm a little stuck in that I fully deleted (not just deactivated) my IG account with ~1.3k followers a few months ago in an impulsive fit of Meta rage; I hated the idea, actively felt dirty about it (and still do even with my FB and WhatsApp accounts) that every second I spent on it put more money into the pockets of the billionaires who created it and are actively helping fuel this fascist machine, as you've pointed out; and I started to wonder if I was only getting more and more confused by the contradicting shit-scramble (worst breakfast dish ever) and calling out into the void in which nobody of these supposed hundreds and thousands of "friends" I have ever responded, and therefore needed to recalibrate in (relative) silence over a mostly-Meta-free 800km hike and then return to "reality". I seriously couldn't tell which was causing more harm: pulling back entirely and trying to focus on my immediate people/surroundings (as was only possible once upon a time), or adding to the din and confusion, draining my time and attention and focus, while making malevolent rich people even richer (WHILE graciously teaching their AI models how to replicate our art and voices for no compensation — yay and thank you very much).
I still think about this a lot even since the deletion. I sorta wish I only deactivated my account and could therefore bring it back and pick up where I left off, but I didn't. I could share and repost FB content, but I swear to god, the shit that's in there is even more twisted and toxic, and it seems the only kinds of people that dwell in there for long enough are the hardcore conspiracy theorists you can't argue with anyway. Considering rebooting an IG account and not posting my own content much but just using it to just share others' stuff, which might be better overall than shelving it for good? ...But also, it's like you said in that when you pull back, it's harder to get back in, and I think the cognitive dissonance and incongruence and moral ping-pong of all this has done something to my voice and drive to speak. I'm still spread across multiple platforms and not really sharing because I feel no one's hearing me, meanwhile my precious critical thinking, focus, and dopamine stores (among other things) are being actively mined and played with for profit. I feel injured, dirty, and drained nearly 100% of the time.
But it's an excuse, of course it is. I've been thinking for months about trying to get an IRL adda(?) group going like you introduced in This One Wild and Precious Life, where people can exchange information around these sorts of heavy-hitting topics...so it's really just a matter of pulling my finger out and taking on a role of organiser/intiator that I don't normally play. And allowing myself to just ramble like this more often and sound a touch crazy, without being taken down by my ruthless, lazy perfectionism and inner critic.
Maybe I just pop in here and say that I don’t think feeling used, dirty, etc. by social media platforms is an excuse. I’ve been doing that dance for years. Taking time to listen to the life force within me, that connects me to everyone else, made me realize that I had to steward my attention towards specific ways of elevating liberation and standing up in love against facism. I’ve come to realize that I can’t be an activist on FB, Insta, etc. because they drained me of the energy I needed to be of true service elsewhere.
Sarah, I often wonder how someone as sensitive as you can hold the moral injury that social media and this growing darkness inflict upon you in tension with your call to give words to it all. It makes me think of how you once described recognizing your place within it all as not just a rising to nobility, but something that had a majestic intensity to it -- like a call from Deep Time that connected you to your future self in the here and now. That held the simple gloriousness of your own life WITH you and within you, sheltering you as a mountain does even while confronting you with a big picture perspective of a hurting world as you look out from your perch. I hope I'm not putting words in your mouth, as I'm going from what I felt when I read it more than the words you used. So, I pray that the ache you feel is something that, as it sits so heavy in you, doesn't crush or auger down to remove your humanity, or calcifies your ability to be of service. I pray that this ache gently eases open places within you, allowing your love for the world to be absorbed deep within your bones, in your marrow, to oxygenate the good work that you do. Your capitalization of attention and the breadth of your platform is an extraordinary act of love. The fact that it comes as a cost to you is something that I think readers here grieve but also reverence this sacrifice that has allowed seeds of possibility, connection, and truth telling to sink deep within the soil of our collective experience. Personally, my own response is intense gratitude. I would say that you are not just being a source for good as you do this work, and as you use your platform here to magnify and amplify, but that this magnification and amplification are underwritten by the love that drives you -- you are a source of a justice that is holy, true, and calls goodness towards it. May you have a hundredfold of the kind of love that leaves no room or time for fear.
I think this is the most beautiful comment I have read from a stranger. As someone who has loved and "mothered" Sarah for more than 30 years, I can feel your care in every word. I agree she calls goodness towards her and I think she was put on this planet to provide an important service. She certainly keeps me going some days. x
Thank you, Emma. It's a heartfelt prayer. Sarah seems like someone whose moral and spiritual center shimmers and glistens with light and longing -- that it hallows what is good, merciful, and just, even as it valiantly bears sorrow for what is lost. I think many of us here are personally impacted by her devotion to humanity. And how she offers her life in service of us all, so that we all may be invited into what is good and just, and in service of what makes being human at once so exquisitely painful and yet so beautiful. May your friendship continue to be a place of deep nurturing and a safe container where your hearts expand, rest, and receive food for the journey together ❤️
Madeleine, it's taken a few days to respond. I couldn't do so when I first read the above because I got quite emotional. The intense feeling of being recognised so care-fully punctured (i think this is the word) the bubble I put around my deep ache. And the ache oozed out fully all weekend. I have so much to say on this, but I might put time into answering it properly and as care-fully as you did in your enquiry. I might turn it into a post. I'll reflect a little more.
But, meantime, I wanted to thank you for putting a pin in my ache bubble and, no doubt, articulating a bunch of responses, questions, thoughts many here have for life, themselves and each other. x
Oh my. I truly hope that the release has meant that feeling the ache was ultimately a healing experience for you. I reflect on what it means to be human and to feel pain and beauty in what I do for a living, and people fascinate me, so it is a filter through which I see much of the world. And to be open to the moral and spiritual guidance of that deep love in how I live and move. Lately, I have been grieving the truth that we are not kept safe in this life. This often hits me in the solar plexus. Why is life so beautiful, and also so unsafe? What is the point of loving so deeply and wholly, only to have things ripped away? And worse, to be complicit in the ripping (for example, in the case of the climate crisis)? Grieving the truth that life is not safe brought me to an existential place of having to confront my own deep loneliness, and how to be alive is to be lonely. But the weird gift in all of that pain was a realization that the same love that holds me in joy is the same love that holds me in loneliness. That the risk of being alive and the gift of being alive are the same. I think that in these times we are becoming more intimately acquainted with the risk, the loneliness, the fragility of how we are all connected. So noticing what beautiful things are also born from that pain becomes a way to know risk as a companion in this journey, and not a threat. This is a precious thing indeed.
I, too, ask these questions. I howl them. What is the point...? I caught some cheesy meme which I think was an AI voice pretending to be Alan Watts reading his own words...The point of life is to be alive...to be alive to these questions, to experience the shadow and light of our selves and ultimately to discover ourselves.
Thanks for the kick up the bum, Sarah. I have been trying to do more - I recently hosted an online co-working session where a group of us wrote to our MPs re Gaza. It was such a soul-nourishing 40 minutes but I was definitely way too timid when it came to inviting friends to join.
I hereby pledge to do more, be braver, risk whatever it is I’m scared of losing….!
For me, I think I’m afraid of getting it wrong?? Being challenged and not being able to respond effectively? And maybe a fear of being seen as difficult? Friends sighing dramatically when they see my name in the Sender box? Definitely need to reflect more on this.
Hi Sarah, I used to be really worried about that too but then someone wise said to me just share your opinion and how you feel about the situation. That cant be disputed by anyone. It was great advice, from then on I never worried about having to be an authority on anything.
I agree with this...radical honesty is best. Everyone really is feeling the same. So you can say "I'm uncomfortable about xxxx" or "I feel xxx" or simply target one thing that you really do know to be true eg "Killing children is always wrong" or even repost someone else's comment and say "This has really jolted me and I'm looking into it further"
I agree it’s like your taste in art, no one can tell you that what you like or dislike is wrong. Having said that, political “opinions” often come down to education and ethics and unfortunately that’s a broad spectrum these days.
A co-working letter writing session is such a wonderful idea, Sarah. The few times I've tried to write to my MP I've found myself lost for words - collaborating would help so much.
And there’s a lot of pre-written letters out there drafted by different NGOs or activist groups that can act as inspiration and/or copy + paste material. It’s so much easier than you think!!!
Feel free to message me if you have questions or want to co-host a session.
That's a great idea Sarah and my fears mirror yours, as someone who has never believed that I am good enough. I also live in a small, conservative regional community. In my work as a Librarian I'm trying projects reconnect people in a bid to overcome prejudice and ignorance, but it can be like preaching to the converted. I like and share and repost, but have been too scared to engage face-to-face with friends, apart from swearing at the TV with my partner.
This post prompted me to download Instagram to my phone with the express purpose of sharing something important a friend sent to me earlier today regarding the authoritarian takeover in the US. I took Instagram off my phone for several reasons - doomscrolling, pushback I had received, fear over US customs grabbing my phone at airports. I'll be honest, I had a few minutes of fierce anxiety about sharing that post to my stories. BUT, as you say - it's too important. And we may not have much more time to protest in this (very impassive) way. Thank you for being the one to prod us into further action. Over here in the US, it's getting more real every day. Yet the masses remain sleepwalking.
I’ve not spoken up due to lack of education, a sense of overwhelm, and lacking confidence on what I was speaking about. But I’ve been educating myself steadily and I’m looking to how I can use my voice and Literature degree to affect change in the world.
Thank you Sarah. I feel nicely chided, and I appreciate it. I have young adult children am I am really fearful for their future. I am one who too often praises those who are doing the work, but don't do enough with my own voice. The last few years have felt so overwhelming! I appreciate the simple actions you suggest. I was just wondering how I could do more here in Australia. I feel sometimes that all these issues are so far away from what is happening here, but then I realise that I cannot sit in my comfort zone thinking that we will not be effected. The tide is slowing changing here too. So if anyone Aus based has ideas and suggestions I would appreciate it.
Thx James, well the thing is, all this IS affecting Australians. Academics are being detained by ICE when trying to go to a conference in the US...the Israeli lobby is having massive effects on politics, media and the arts...Australians have a wonderful opporunity here - to flag even the smallest incursions and point to the US to show what will happen if we don't fight now.
Join a march, join a group, talk to your friends , plant some trees. There are so many groups in Australia fighting for all manner of causes. Whatever you feel the most passionate about get in a group that is advocating for those issues. There you will find like minded people and your life will change for the better. Guaranteed!
I largely agree with all you have stated here except that I will double down that your silence comes from privilege, not from captivity, because the silent are largely white people, and non-white people have never, ever, in the past 600 years, had the privilege to stay silent, because their bodies are first in line for attack, they have never stopped being attacked, and their survival depends on fighting back and always has. For those of us who prioritise listening to Black and Indigenous people over white people, many Black and Indigenous leaders have been signalling this to us not just recently, not for years, but for decades. Aimé Césaire is as relevant now as he was when he was alive. So is Thomas Sankara. So is the recently-deceased Assata Shakur. And Nelson Mandela said that until Palestine is free, none of us are free. I would urge everyone reading this comment to prioritise listening to non-white people, they not just have the knowledge of what is happening, they have the maps to fight it because they have been doing so for centuries. We are waaaaaay beyond the 'I'm afraid I will lose friends and family' stage. The reason it is only coming to light for many people now is because it's beginning to affect white people. Put down your privilege and act, not just on social media. Gil Scott Heron said that the revolution will not be televised, and he meant that the real revolution happens in your head. We white people hold the power. We always have. When the masses of white people stop prioritising their own individual comfort over the needs of our collective humanity we will get somewhere. That is the revolution we need to make. And my favourite quote ever, always there as a reminder, from Ashtin Berry, @thecollectress on Instagram - 'Comfort is a function of white supremacy'. We are all on this Earth at this time for a reason. I hope to god the majority of those reasons are not 'stay silent and comfortable'.
Absolutely we “whites” plus non- minorities (LGBTIQA) need to listen, learn and advocate for the ones being targeted “first” - and why I feel strange to try hold my line between compassion and appreciation for the suffering being wreaked onto USA white peoples eg increasing cost to Medicaid, groceries but never the withholding of SNAP.
Far out the number of kids going hungry, the distress of caregivers must be so high and heartbreaking.
There’s a huge difference between our voting systems (Aust Vs USA) and I hope they make it compulsory and/or a shared hardship energizes voters because US citizens need to understand the power they’re “giving away”. I find it bizarre the lack of education and empowerment-
So if DJT says “smart people don’t like me “ then education is the key.
“When the masses of white people stop prioritising their own individual comfort over the needs of our collective humanity we will get somewhere.” Yes. Thank you.
Every word of your post is absolutely true. I am constantly reminded of Ursula Hegi's book Stones From the River. We are going down stream exceedingly fast and not even noticing the rapids. I will share your post widely and wildly. thank you
There is a hard truth to speaking out on these things - you will lose friends. But the ones who listen and stay are the real ones.
I've noticed that when I share something on social media about authoritarianism in the US, the dangers of AI, tech bros, inequity/wealth inequality, and the plight of the people in Palestine, Ukraine, and Sudan, I'm met with silence. Some people even quietly unfriend me.
But when I have in-person conversations, I've noticed something different. Most people are seeing what you're seeing but they are coping with it differently. Some have been ignoring it because they don't want the world to change. Some are paralysed by fear.
Others are experiencing the negative effects/hardship of our collapsing society but have incorrectly attributed it to something different (usually scapegoating minority groups). Those are difficult conversations and you won't always be able to cut through. But the times you can are worth it.
Ultimately, my morals won't allow me to stop talking about it - even if my social circle is shrinking as a result. I've come to view it as a positive; quality over quantity.
That's a really good point - many don't want the world to change. Their resistance can often end there if they're not equipped w outlets to vent, have agency.
So is the argument that they are incorrectly identifying the "cause"...which happens because they're not reading the news fully.
So grateful you've written this.
Thank you Sarah! For your bravery, your honesty, your simple spoken passion imploring the silent to be seen. It’s so interesting when friends get together and there are those of us who openly speak of their disbelief in what is evolving - yet I observe others who I know feel similarly shift awkwardly in their seats and stay silent. They are intelligent, they know how what is happening now has happened before - they know the warning signs - but something in their psyche stops them still. I think maybe they think it’s too hard. But you are 100% correct - we are now at a crossroads, and soon it will be so much harder to turn the ship around. I am going to use your call to action to start today - to do something everyday.
Write to a politician; turn up to community events and celebrate our freedom; do good things for people who could use a bit of help; ask my friends to do the same.
To all your readers and followers - stay brave, stay true and stay safe. 💕
I often worry about the "disbelief" response, too.A lot of ppl leave their resistance there, at "this is so bad" or "it's insane". It many ways it's not insane, it's where we're at, and there are heaps of reasons whey we got here...and they are meant to be repaired and healed by our resistance. Good luck with your crew of mates! Be bold!
Thank you for this post, as always. I know I could do more - and even so, I’m one of maybe 3 others in my Instagram circle who regularly post or repost about the aforementioned and other issues. I catch myself sometimes, about to post or share, and thinking ‘oo, this is too much’ and worrying others will judge me. But genuinely, who gives a fuck. Yesterday I shared a video of a Latina woman in America crying because ICE can now make arrests based on suspicion of SKIN COLOUR and speaking Spanish. And then I posted the ‘first they came’ poem and shared that, which is something I like to do regularly to hopefully remind people of our precarious situation.
So many people here in Australia think we aren’t impacted, and that we are somehow magically protected. They don’t get it, or are unwilling to open their eyes.
I am enormously privileged as a white Australian woman, but I have my own minority labels as a queer and chronically ill person, which has partly influenced my ability to be outspoken about things and share wildly. I assume my small circle of followers is used to it, or has blocked me…but I’ll keep shouting into the void until we can’t anymore
It's interesting you say you have a chronic illness. So do I...but it has backed off massively since I got even more activist. For me, I do feel that seeing what I was seeing for so long, and keeping it bottled up, led to some hectic inflammation.
This is so interesting to me too! I’ve just made big changes in my life so I now work in an environment that’s far less stressful and driven by capitalistic hustle, because I’ve known for some time that living in alignment has enormously positive effects on my health. I’m earning so much less, but connecting with others so much more and will now have more space for advocacy too. Finally recreating and redefining feels incredible after wanting it for years.
I’d love to know more about the connection you’ve made here, like Amy says - maybe a post?
I kind of cover it in the collapse book - the psychological incongruence of doing one thing when we know another creates horrible stress, which plays out physically. I really do think inflammation is our bodies telling us that something is "grating"
Have definitely felt that too, in the almost 8 years since my diagnosis. I’ve always felt grateful that my body showed me that something wasn’t right so that I could course-correct and learn more about myself and the world. The disconnect between mind and body that society celebrates and facilitates can hardly lead to anything else
How can the current zeitgeist NOT aggravate inflammation in the body ? Tending the body, tending the soul, protecting the planet, seeking human justice, are interdependent. One strengthens the other.
Thank you, Sarah.
Intriguing… Maybe one for a post?
Good for you Laura!
I too am in Australia, born and raised here, and this country has changed massively over time, it's become much more like the US, which I don't like. We've also gone downn hill over the last five years I think...and I hope we can maintain our own identity and not keep copying other countries...
This post is so timely and needed. Thank you.
To answer your question on why we don't speak more, I notice in myself that I am going against my ancient mammalian biology that tells me silence and smallness will keep me safe. I know logically this is not the case, but the only thing I have found that overrides that biological response to fear is love. Not performative religion-ized love, but actual, profound, all-consuming LOVE. The kind that says,
"I love the idea of my children growing up free to speak their minds and make a living wage doing creative, fulfilling work that I will risk possibly not seeing them grow up at all by trying to preserve their access to that future."
I'm definitely not some influencer on this stage of opinions, but I share and like and repost what I can even though it scares me because I love that future more.
Yes! It's where I landed at in my book - we face this with fierce love. A reader here - Madeleine - writes on this a lot. She'll probably join in on the comments later today when she wakes (she's in Canada)
I love that about all your books!! 💖🙏
Every single day I weigh up the loss v’s the gains of speaking my truth. As a woman, a business woman, a wife and mum, I wonder if I lose my relatives, my immediate family, my clients, my friends, is it worth it for standing up for what I believe in? Democracy, ethical humanism, fairness, compassion and empathy. A future for my children? Yes it’s worth it. Thanks Sarah for allowing me to see that it is possible to move one starfish at a time, and it does make a difference. And really, those that don’t feel the same way, would I want to be acquainted with them? It will be lonely, but being a middle aged menopausal business woman is frankly, quite lonely.
Onwards and upwards. Thanks Sarah for your brutal honesty. May you light a thousand firecrackers up the bums of all of us.
It really is a strange time, but I remind myself that these moments happen in history where the outspoken do lose friends, and do have to move forward to other groups of people and sites of service.
I get lonely, too...but it's not a depressed loneliness...it's a philosophical one that I'm settling into. I read more now, I seek joy in different things. I don't want to socialise for the sake of it so much any more...
I think this is it for me too, the losing friends, being afraid people who have a certain view of who I am will now find me ' too much'. That I will lose clients, and therefore my income.
But reading this post and the comments I can see my comfort zone isn't going to be comfortable any more. I have to start showing up whatever it costs.
Yesterday I wrote an impassioned letter to my MP about the madness of these arrests of those protesting genocide. I pointed out that the introduction of harsh protest law is having the opposite effect to their intention, far from cowing is making some of us more radical. Certainly I'll be out there on the streets next time.
Cynthea, i felt compelled to reach out. Are you based in Australia, Sydney per chance? I related so much to your sentiment of loneliness as a middle-aged business woman, who cares deeply about what's happening. Me too. I am an educator/teacher/NGO founder, and frequently feel like I'm the only one that is awake and so goddam angry about the indifference, ignorance and apathy. And then there's the menopause : 0
Building an awake and caring community is one of the only salves in these scary, surreal times.
Hi Claudette, I am in Tasmania. A reddish blue state 😂😭. It’s comforting to have allies even if they exist in an ether, but to Sarah’s point, when we have to leave social media because it’s been taken over, we will lose the thread. I’m trying to make my community now around me, but in doing so I know I’ll lose friends too. I’ve been planning it for weeks but have only had a few conversations. It’s really hard.
What you are doing is so important even though it feels relentless. If you are teaching kids, then they will remember you, and you will have made a difference to them. If you ever come to Tassie, come visit me at Marions Vineyard. We can drink wine or tea and toast to rebellion.
You and Claudette need to meet up. Or connect...There are quite a few people who have met in this comments thread and now have their own WhatsApp chat x
Amazing to kind of e-meet you Sarah. It's the first time I've commented in your community. I'm a huge fan. Have to say 'this one wild and precious life' is prob in my top 5 of all time and I'm in my mid-50s!
You write what I think in my head and your blogs make me feel sane in this scary time. It may sound trite but thank you for everything you're doing. It really helps - to keep me going, to remind me that these are insane times and that there are many of us out there screaming into the void.
thank you for taking the time to share that with me Claudette x
Hi Cynthea. I'm in Tassie too, so I just thought I'd say hi! So nice to know there are others down here fighting the good fight 💪
Awesome...I'm not sure if there is a meet up group in Tassie...might be worth doing a word search here https://sarahwilson.substack.com/p/community-thread-creating-islands
Likewise!!! In Nipaluna. Toasting to the rebellion with you from across the screens 🥂🔥 I have found much hope in connecting with other folx deep in this awareness, via social media and IRL at the Palestine rallies.
I’m in Tassie too and would love to meet with you! 😊 I have kept an eye out in the comments and there is not a Tassie meet up group, so maybe we could start one?
Hi Erin! It's so nice to meet you. I'd love to help start a meet up - it looks like there's quite a few of us here.
Are you also in Hobart/southern Tas?
Hi Rikki-Lea, Nice to see quite a few Hobart/Tas people here. I see that there have been a few mentions of starting a meet up -- has anything happened about that? If so, I'd love to join. If not, perhaps we could start something?
https://sarahwilson.substack.com/p/community-thread-creating-islands
Hey Ngaire, feel free to head to the meet-up post on the home page and do a word search iin the comments for "tasmania" and "hobart" to connect with the group! x
Hi Ngaire. I don't think a group has started up yet, and I'd love to get something going. Here is the discussion on the thread Sarah mentioned in her comment earlier. Perhaps we could chat there? - https://open.substack.com/pub/sarahwilson/p/community-thread-creating-islands?utm_campaign=comment-list-share-cta&utm_medium=web&comments=true&commentId=121829707
So do we just need mobile phone numbers to start a WhatsApp group for Tassie Wild?
I'm in Tassie too.
Hobart and east coast. In in. I dont care what it looks like but I need sane voices!
👋🏼 I’m in Sydney if there’s any Sarah inspired catchups happening I’m in.
I’ve withdrawn a lot, since I “have opinions” and emotions plus find small talk time wasting 🤣 and I try to stay updated on global issues which seems to makes it even more “difficult” having a world view since ignorance is bliss for most Australians - I guess I’m still waiting to find my tribe.
With you Cynthea. What we lose in quantity of connections we gain in quality and integrity ❤️🔥.
Curious how in Australia, apparently 75% of the population favour sanctions against Israel while the politicians of all persuasions are overtly pandering to the Zionist lobby ( while ignoring the Jewish Council of Australia). The attempts by seemingly enlightened politicians to adopt antisemitism guidelines that would effectively prohibit criticism of Israel is mind boggling. History will judge these Quislings harshly. One could speculate that it is bordering on treasonous for elected representatives to be acting in the interests of a foreign power whilst be wilfully neglectful of their citizens rights and freedoms. Keep talking, arguing and thinking for yourselves. I, unfortunately, have fallen out with a number of friends who refuse to educate themselves on the history of Palestine over the past 2500 years and refuse to acknowledge that the oppression of the indigenous peoples there has been wrought by us supporting a brutal colonial regime. Sunday school history and faux theology has a lot to answer for.
I think it is VERY close to treasonous.
Ditto in the UK where thousands of people from all walks of life (including many elderly and disabled) are being arrested simply for sitting in support of Palestine Action who have been designated a terrorist group.
It's a moment for curiosity - WHY do I stay silent. Really listening into and understanding the fears about coming out of the shadows with a like, a comment, a post, a protest sign. Is it estrangement? Judgment? Physical harm? Not feeling educated enough on the issue? A sense that it doesn't matter any way (defeat)? To me that is the start - what I am protecting myself from with this silence? And can I care for that fear another way so that I can show up for this moment. Can we get clear on what it is we are protecting through silence?
We are in a moment that requires courage, and we as individuals need clarity on what is preventing it from being embodied in ourselves. I think our conversations with each other could be compassionate and driven from genuine curiosity about what the perceived costs are of being vocal, being seen, being heard, having a voice.
Also, as one who has frequently had the target on her back for speaking up (from the family dinner table to the conference table to the PTO meeting) I am sending you a virtual hug Sarah. That shit is hard and can feel so lonely.
hug received x
Good questions...thank you
All of this. Thank you.
If in the US, help make this the largest demonstration in history this October 18th: https://www.nokings.org
Yeah I'll share on this in coming days
I totally agree that the next chapters are going to potentially be horrendous - fascism/climate collapse. I hear your urgent rally cry for other to speak up and fast!
But and most importantly, I feel just people approach resistance differently and it might not look like your more traditional activism.
For me, for example, hearing someone say 'do more fast - fascism is coming!' personally that doesn't mobilise me to do anything - to be honest. I know for some it does.
For me, what is mobilising is going back to ' what feels authentic for me and what comes from love?' for everyone that is different. For me, it's 80% local things in our local community (speaking to neighbours/ flying hope flags, tending to the community allotment, fostering wonderful in my kids live and regulating my own nervous system into safety) and 20% protests, letters to MPs, school climate initiative etc etc
Rather than getting into are we doing enough type talk? What even is 'enough'? I feel into what comes from love of life and plant.... This fuels me and also I'm a way that doesn't stripe me of my own present health.
I get your point completely and love that you are pitching alternative ways to engage with a different mindset. Often, however, I find people who say they don't respond to fearful messaging use it as an excuse to pull away instead of engaging with the idea as you are. There is soooo much room for sooooo many different approaches.
With you there. Just imagine every third person would do that and influence their comunity - how things would look differently already.
Build longer tables, not higher walls.
Honestly, I think my biggest block is kind of like a...reverse golden handcuffs situation? Not quite sure how to describe it.
I'm a little stuck in that I fully deleted (not just deactivated) my IG account with ~1.3k followers a few months ago in an impulsive fit of Meta rage; I hated the idea, actively felt dirty about it (and still do even with my FB and WhatsApp accounts) that every second I spent on it put more money into the pockets of the billionaires who created it and are actively helping fuel this fascist machine, as you've pointed out; and I started to wonder if I was only getting more and more confused by the contradicting shit-scramble (worst breakfast dish ever) and calling out into the void in which nobody of these supposed hundreds and thousands of "friends" I have ever responded, and therefore needed to recalibrate in (relative) silence over a mostly-Meta-free 800km hike and then return to "reality". I seriously couldn't tell which was causing more harm: pulling back entirely and trying to focus on my immediate people/surroundings (as was only possible once upon a time), or adding to the din and confusion, draining my time and attention and focus, while making malevolent rich people even richer (WHILE graciously teaching their AI models how to replicate our art and voices for no compensation — yay and thank you very much).
I still think about this a lot even since the deletion. I sorta wish I only deactivated my account and could therefore bring it back and pick up where I left off, but I didn't. I could share and repost FB content, but I swear to god, the shit that's in there is even more twisted and toxic, and it seems the only kinds of people that dwell in there for long enough are the hardcore conspiracy theorists you can't argue with anyway. Considering rebooting an IG account and not posting my own content much but just using it to just share others' stuff, which might be better overall than shelving it for good? ...But also, it's like you said in that when you pull back, it's harder to get back in, and I think the cognitive dissonance and incongruence and moral ping-pong of all this has done something to my voice and drive to speak. I'm still spread across multiple platforms and not really sharing because I feel no one's hearing me, meanwhile my precious critical thinking, focus, and dopamine stores (among other things) are being actively mined and played with for profit. I feel injured, dirty, and drained nearly 100% of the time.
But it's an excuse, of course it is. I've been thinking for months about trying to get an IRL adda(?) group going like you introduced in This One Wild and Precious Life, where people can exchange information around these sorts of heavy-hitting topics...so it's really just a matter of pulling my finger out and taking on a role of organiser/intiator that I don't normally play. And allowing myself to just ramble like this more often and sound a touch crazy, without being taken down by my ruthless, lazy perfectionism and inner critic.
Thanks for the kick up the ass.
Maybe I just pop in here and say that I don’t think feeling used, dirty, etc. by social media platforms is an excuse. I’ve been doing that dance for years. Taking time to listen to the life force within me, that connects me to everyone else, made me realize that I had to steward my attention towards specific ways of elevating liberation and standing up in love against facism. I’ve come to realize that I can’t be an activist on FB, Insta, etc. because they drained me of the energy I needed to be of true service elsewhere.
I'm aching to do the same but for now I'm choosing to capitalise on the situation while I can, use the forum for good.
Sarah, I often wonder how someone as sensitive as you can hold the moral injury that social media and this growing darkness inflict upon you in tension with your call to give words to it all. It makes me think of how you once described recognizing your place within it all as not just a rising to nobility, but something that had a majestic intensity to it -- like a call from Deep Time that connected you to your future self in the here and now. That held the simple gloriousness of your own life WITH you and within you, sheltering you as a mountain does even while confronting you with a big picture perspective of a hurting world as you look out from your perch. I hope I'm not putting words in your mouth, as I'm going from what I felt when I read it more than the words you used. So, I pray that the ache you feel is something that, as it sits so heavy in you, doesn't crush or auger down to remove your humanity, or calcifies your ability to be of service. I pray that this ache gently eases open places within you, allowing your love for the world to be absorbed deep within your bones, in your marrow, to oxygenate the good work that you do. Your capitalization of attention and the breadth of your platform is an extraordinary act of love. The fact that it comes as a cost to you is something that I think readers here grieve but also reverence this sacrifice that has allowed seeds of possibility, connection, and truth telling to sink deep within the soil of our collective experience. Personally, my own response is intense gratitude. I would say that you are not just being a source for good as you do this work, and as you use your platform here to magnify and amplify, but that this magnification and amplification are underwritten by the love that drives you -- you are a source of a justice that is holy, true, and calls goodness towards it. May you have a hundredfold of the kind of love that leaves no room or time for fear.
I think this is the most beautiful comment I have read from a stranger. As someone who has loved and "mothered" Sarah for more than 30 years, I can feel your care in every word. I agree she calls goodness towards her and I think she was put on this planet to provide an important service. She certainly keeps me going some days. x
Thank you, Emma. It's a heartfelt prayer. Sarah seems like someone whose moral and spiritual center shimmers and glistens with light and longing -- that it hallows what is good, merciful, and just, even as it valiantly bears sorrow for what is lost. I think many of us here are personally impacted by her devotion to humanity. And how she offers her life in service of us all, so that we all may be invited into what is good and just, and in service of what makes being human at once so exquisitely painful and yet so beautiful. May your friendship continue to be a place of deep nurturing and a safe container where your hearts expand, rest, and receive food for the journey together ❤️
Thank you my dear, dear "mother hen". x
Madeleine, it's taken a few days to respond. I couldn't do so when I first read the above because I got quite emotional. The intense feeling of being recognised so care-fully punctured (i think this is the word) the bubble I put around my deep ache. And the ache oozed out fully all weekend. I have so much to say on this, but I might put time into answering it properly and as care-fully as you did in your enquiry. I might turn it into a post. I'll reflect a little more.
But, meantime, I wanted to thank you for putting a pin in my ache bubble and, no doubt, articulating a bunch of responses, questions, thoughts many here have for life, themselves and each other. x
Oh my. I truly hope that the release has meant that feeling the ache was ultimately a healing experience for you. I reflect on what it means to be human and to feel pain and beauty in what I do for a living, and people fascinate me, so it is a filter through which I see much of the world. And to be open to the moral and spiritual guidance of that deep love in how I live and move. Lately, I have been grieving the truth that we are not kept safe in this life. This often hits me in the solar plexus. Why is life so beautiful, and also so unsafe? What is the point of loving so deeply and wholly, only to have things ripped away? And worse, to be complicit in the ripping (for example, in the case of the climate crisis)? Grieving the truth that life is not safe brought me to an existential place of having to confront my own deep loneliness, and how to be alive is to be lonely. But the weird gift in all of that pain was a realization that the same love that holds me in joy is the same love that holds me in loneliness. That the risk of being alive and the gift of being alive are the same. I think that in these times we are becoming more intimately acquainted with the risk, the loneliness, the fragility of how we are all connected. So noticing what beautiful things are also born from that pain becomes a way to know risk as a companion in this journey, and not a threat. This is a precious thing indeed.
I, too, ask these questions. I howl them. What is the point...? I caught some cheesy meme which I think was an AI voice pretending to be Alan Watts reading his own words...The point of life is to be alive...to be alive to these questions, to experience the shadow and light of our selves and ultimately to discover ourselves.
You are a legend. I can tell.
Aww, shucks *blushes*...I'll gladly wear that badge today, thank you!
Thanks for the kick up the bum, Sarah. I have been trying to do more - I recently hosted an online co-working session where a group of us wrote to our MPs re Gaza. It was such a soul-nourishing 40 minutes but I was definitely way too timid when it came to inviting friends to join.
I hereby pledge to do more, be braver, risk whatever it is I’m scared of losing….!
For me, I think I’m afraid of getting it wrong?? Being challenged and not being able to respond effectively? And maybe a fear of being seen as difficult? Friends sighing dramatically when they see my name in the Sender box? Definitely need to reflect more on this.
Thanks again for your leadership in this space.
Re the "difficult" thing...we can perhaps get comfort from Jane Goodall's, line
"It actually doesn't take much to be considered a difficult woman. That's why there are so many of us."
Strength in numbers 💪🏼
Hi Sarah, I used to be really worried about that too but then someone wise said to me just share your opinion and how you feel about the situation. That cant be disputed by anyone. It was great advice, from then on I never worried about having to be an authority on anything.
I agree with this...radical honesty is best. Everyone really is feeling the same. So you can say "I'm uncomfortable about xxxx" or "I feel xxx" or simply target one thing that you really do know to be true eg "Killing children is always wrong" or even repost someone else's comment and say "This has really jolted me and I'm looking into it further"
Thanks, this really helped.
I agree it’s like your taste in art, no one can tell you that what you like or dislike is wrong. Having said that, political “opinions” often come down to education and ethics and unfortunately that’s a broad spectrum these days.
A co-working letter writing session is such a wonderful idea, Sarah. The few times I've tried to write to my MP I've found myself lost for words - collaborating would help so much.
And there’s a lot of pre-written letters out there drafted by different NGOs or activist groups that can act as inspiration and/or copy + paste material. It’s so much easier than you think!!!
Feel free to message me if you have questions or want to co-host a session.
That's a great idea Sarah and my fears mirror yours, as someone who has never believed that I am good enough. I also live in a small, conservative regional community. In my work as a Librarian I'm trying projects reconnect people in a bid to overcome prejudice and ignorance, but it can be like preaching to the converted. I like and share and repost, but have been too scared to engage face-to-face with friends, apart from swearing at the TV with my partner.
This post prompted me to download Instagram to my phone with the express purpose of sharing something important a friend sent to me earlier today regarding the authoritarian takeover in the US. I took Instagram off my phone for several reasons - doomscrolling, pushback I had received, fear over US customs grabbing my phone at airports. I'll be honest, I had a few minutes of fierce anxiety about sharing that post to my stories. BUT, as you say - it's too important. And we may not have much more time to protest in this (very impassive) way. Thank you for being the one to prod us into further action. Over here in the US, it's getting more real every day. Yet the masses remain sleepwalking.
Any blowback from the post?
Whit, above, has suggested everyone share this..https://www.nokings.org
No blowback actually, just crickets. I think I received 2 likes. The silence, as you mention here, is quite loud.
I'll be sharing the No King's Day protest information!
I’ve not spoken up due to lack of education, a sense of overwhelm, and lacking confidence on what I was speaking about. But I’ve been educating myself steadily and I’m looking to how I can use my voice and Literature degree to affect change in the world.
I love this. Literature teaches many many lessons
This post was my introduction to your work. I watched your TED talk and absolutely loved it. It’s what I think I needed to hear right now.
Ah, welcome, then.
Thank you Sarah. I feel nicely chided, and I appreciate it. I have young adult children am I am really fearful for their future. I am one who too often praises those who are doing the work, but don't do enough with my own voice. The last few years have felt so overwhelming! I appreciate the simple actions you suggest. I was just wondering how I could do more here in Australia. I feel sometimes that all these issues are so far away from what is happening here, but then I realise that I cannot sit in my comfort zone thinking that we will not be effected. The tide is slowing changing here too. So if anyone Aus based has ideas and suggestions I would appreciate it.
Thx James, well the thing is, all this IS affecting Australians. Academics are being detained by ICE when trying to go to a conference in the US...the Israeli lobby is having massive effects on politics, media and the arts...Australians have a wonderful opporunity here - to flag even the smallest incursions and point to the US to show what will happen if we don't fight now.
Join a march, join a group, talk to your friends , plant some trees. There are so many groups in Australia fighting for all manner of causes. Whatever you feel the most passionate about get in a group that is advocating for those issues. There you will find like minded people and your life will change for the better. Guaranteed!
I largely agree with all you have stated here except that I will double down that your silence comes from privilege, not from captivity, because the silent are largely white people, and non-white people have never, ever, in the past 600 years, had the privilege to stay silent, because their bodies are first in line for attack, they have never stopped being attacked, and their survival depends on fighting back and always has. For those of us who prioritise listening to Black and Indigenous people over white people, many Black and Indigenous leaders have been signalling this to us not just recently, not for years, but for decades. Aimé Césaire is as relevant now as he was when he was alive. So is Thomas Sankara. So is the recently-deceased Assata Shakur. And Nelson Mandela said that until Palestine is free, none of us are free. I would urge everyone reading this comment to prioritise listening to non-white people, they not just have the knowledge of what is happening, they have the maps to fight it because they have been doing so for centuries. We are waaaaaay beyond the 'I'm afraid I will lose friends and family' stage. The reason it is only coming to light for many people now is because it's beginning to affect white people. Put down your privilege and act, not just on social media. Gil Scott Heron said that the revolution will not be televised, and he meant that the real revolution happens in your head. We white people hold the power. We always have. When the masses of white people stop prioritising their own individual comfort over the needs of our collective humanity we will get somewhere. That is the revolution we need to make. And my favourite quote ever, always there as a reminder, from Ashtin Berry, @thecollectress on Instagram - 'Comfort is a function of white supremacy'. We are all on this Earth at this time for a reason. I hope to god the majority of those reasons are not 'stay silent and comfortable'.
Absolutely we “whites” plus non- minorities (LGBTIQA) need to listen, learn and advocate for the ones being targeted “first” - and why I feel strange to try hold my line between compassion and appreciation for the suffering being wreaked onto USA white peoples eg increasing cost to Medicaid, groceries but never the withholding of SNAP.
Far out the number of kids going hungry, the distress of caregivers must be so high and heartbreaking.
There’s a huge difference between our voting systems (Aust Vs USA) and I hope they make it compulsory and/or a shared hardship energizes voters because US citizens need to understand the power they’re “giving away”. I find it bizarre the lack of education and empowerment-
So if DJT says “smart people don’t like me “ then education is the key.
That Trump quote is one of my favourites...it's almost sweetly naive
Amen to this.
Yes, this. Tragic because the comfort is going to be so short-lived at this point.
“When the masses of white people stop prioritising their own individual comfort over the needs of our collective humanity we will get somewhere.” Yes. Thank you.
Well, said.
Every word of your post is absolutely true. I am constantly reminded of Ursula Hegi's book Stones From the River. We are going down stream exceedingly fast and not even noticing the rapids. I will share your post widely and wildly. thank you