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I’m sure it happens in every movement in which a progressive cause is challenged and throngs of people gather up, arms linked, standing in solidarity for that moment — and eventually get tired and fall back into privilege where it’s safe and comfortable. Meanwhile, those who have to continue fighting for their own rights have little choice and push forward without those who consider themselves “allies”
Instant Activism Recipe
After Trump was elected into the presidency due to the Electoral College’s help, and after an intensely racist, islamophobic, and sexist campaign, the Women’s March all over the country/world stood up to show a solidarity against Trump’s tropes. The iconic pink pussy hats were their symbols and some even resorted to wearing safety pins to show others they were a “safe place” to be if confronted with attacks. Telecast all over the world, there were millions revolting against Donald Trump’s nonsense. In fact, there were many marches that year in 2017 after the November elections. March for Science and March for Taxes are two off the head.
Barely Activists
Of course, safety pin-wearing was the most minimal amount of activism someone could do to stand for the rights of another demographic. The other is writing how irate you are on social media before logging off and going back to your “Real Housewives of Orange County” reruns sipping homemade margaritas. Meanwhile, Black men are still being shot in the streets by police at an alarming rate, Black trans people are being hunted down, Latinos are being caged and separated for months, and our “allies” have exhausted themselves too much to consider doing any more. They’ve hit their limit and realize fighting other White people on their level is too much to deal with in their lifetimes.
Less numbers but still solid
Now, when you go to a march or protest that was as polarizing as the Women’s March, you will see fewer people involved. The numbers are dwindling as people are becoming used to Trump’s inept political reign and considering it as the norm these days. Fighting seems to be easier to do behind a keyboard than showing up to show your anger. Although showing up in incredible numbers, these people who consider themselves “allies” are rarely seen outside of their immediate circles. And instead of confronting members of their families who have differing opinions, they’ve simply cut them off — not something you can do with racism or sexism.
So, let’s chat on people who find activism to be too exhausting. It’s not all pink pussy hats. NFL boycotters couldn’t help themselves from watching the most boring game of the year — especially when their team wasn’t even playing. But hey…they figure Colin Kaepernick is compensated so why fight any more? There’s so much to be taught and learned. Let’s chat about this.
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