Collective Liberation is a Long Game
I look at the state of the world sometimes, and I seriously question if it is even possible to fix all that is wrong. I question whether or not I am wasting my time in fighting for a more humane and just existence for all. Perhaps I should become an apathetic American, content with my comforts and privilege.
Maybe I would be happier. Perhaps social interactions would be easier because most people don’t want to discuss politics, religion, or anything controversial. It’s annoying to most. If only I could stick to water-cooler conversations about how well the Detroit Lions are doing or Taylor Swift’s latest album. And I do try because I realize that my opinions can be offensive and divisive.
Yet, why is calling out injustice so controversial in today’s world? Why is speaking out about harmful ideologies in religion and politics so taboo? It is becoming more acceptable to speak on these things online due to the rise of social media. Yet, in person, in real life, it’s best to quietly simmer and mask your outrage for the sake of societal expectations.
This feels wrong though. It seems we have been collectively trained to suppress our cries for injustice. Capitalism is tied so tightly into this as well. Many people in America live in fear of being fired or losing customers if they take a certain stand on certain issues. So, I understand their silence and need to disassociate. Everyone is trying to survive and may have others depending on them.
It takes incredible courage to risk financial security in today’s world, which is why the status quo remains. How can we expect politicians to do the right thing when lobbyists are paying their bills? Money has to be taken out of politics for the system to seriously change in a way that benefits regular Americans. Until then, we are beholden to corporate interests. Until the right and left unite against corporate greed, nothing will change.
I am encouraged lately that I have been agreeing with people on the right and disagreeing with people on the left regarding Gaza. People on the right are noticing the same absurdity. They’re finding themselves in agreement with people on the left and disagreeing with people on the right.
It’s such an odd observation. People I thought would stand for Palestine are not, while people I thought would be apathetic about genocide are loudly condemning it.
Is this a sign of a shift? Is this situation causing us to get out of our echo chambers? It is said that the radical left is much more closely aligned to the radical right than each is to the center. Currently, I am witnessing this, the horseshoe theory come to life. It’s odd but hopeful.
The status quo will remain until we can talk to one another. I have been unable to find any common ground with the right until this horror in Gaza, so perhaps this is a starting point. At the very least, I have gained some respect for people willing to fight for Palestine.
We have to start somewhere as a nation. It is clear that the issues facing regular Americans are common, yet the powerful need us to be at each other’s throats with wedge issues so the corporations can keep profiting, democracy keeps fading, and those complicit are enriching themselves, not the American people.
In conclusion, we may not see the changes we want to see in our lifetime. I highly doubt we will. It might be 500-1000 years before humanity figures out how to create and live in a just world. If we accept this reality, I believe it will enhance our work and stamina.
Achieving collective liberation is a process that requires patience and persistence, and I am committed to continuing this journey. Despite the inner voice of doubt that sometimes makes me question the value of resistance, I will persevere and seek out fellow travelers, even in unexpected places.
