Literature for the Resistance | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Literature for the Resistance

How do you fight when you can't donate, volunteer, or protest? You read.

29
Literature for the Resistance
Vice

Here's the reality about resisting Trump--many of us will be unable to participate in major events. Many of us will be unable to participate in the Women's March on Washington (even locally), and the protests to come. Protests are one of many fantastic methods of bringing attention to an issue and increasing public pressure towards authority. But they don't bring attention about drastic change. That's where you come in.

The most effective way to achieve any goal is to work hard. And that means donating to and volunteering with organizations protecting those who are vulnerable. That means calling your senators and representatives to vote against unfit appointees to important cabinet positions. That means staying informed. Trump and his administration pose threats to civil rights, the arts, healthcare, climate change (and science in general), education and democracy. We all have something to lose.

And here's another reality, one that may be hard to admit--even before his electoral win; Trump and all he brings with him is overwhelming. Wellbeing is hard to maintain when the people in power want you stripped of your rights, dignity and life. It's even harder when the people around you are repeating those sentiments. So how do you take care of yourself and still be part of a revolution? How do you fight when you can't donate, volunteer, or protest?

You read.

First, you're going to want to stay informed. All media outlets are deeply flawed, so remember to remain critical regardless of whether your preferred sources are mainstream or not. Be wary of fake news and outlets that promote fake news. Pay attention to sources that do not necessarily align with your political viewpoints along with those that do. Reading a variety of intellectual and truthful material will not only help you stay up-to-date, but allow you to think critically about current events.

In an era of fake news, knowledge is truly power.

Second, the gravity of Trump's election has to be realized. At a certain point, being numb and turning off the news will only harm you. Your lack of action will also hurt society. You must realize what is at stake in order to resist. I highly recommend reading these three op-eds to help you come back to terms with reality:

1. An American Tragedy by David Remnick

2. Our kids may never get the chance to know America by Sarah Kendzior

3. Now Is the Time to Talk About What We are Actually Talking About by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Third, read books. Read books by diverse authors. Read books heavy with political messages. Read books that force you to step outside of your comfort zone. Read books that make you think. Read books that you normally wouldn't look at twice. Read until your heart is overflowing with empathy and understanding.

Here's an incomplete reading list for the resistance (you're going to need it):

1. 1984 by George Orwell

2. The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander

3. It Can't Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis

4. The Road by Cormac McCarthy

5. The Giver by Lois Lowry

(Photo credit: Vanity Fair)

6. This Bridge Called My Back edited by Cherríe Moraga and Gloria Anzadúa

7. Sex and World Peace by Valerie M. Hudson

8. Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center by bell hooks

9. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison

10. Persepolis by Marjane Strapi

(Photo credit: Tumblr)

11. The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead

12. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez

13. The Fire This Time edited by Jesmyn Ward

14. Women, Race, and Class by Angela Y. Davis

15. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

(Photo credit: Bustle)

16. Gender Trouble by Judith Butler

17. Bad Feminist Essays by Roxanne Gay

18. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

19. Does My Head Look Big In This? by Randa Abdel-fattah

20. Sex Object by Jessica Valenti

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
how to adult
Twitter

It is the time of our lives that we are beginning to enter the adult world and most of us, if not all of us, have no idea what we are doing. It's like starting a video game, but skipping the tutorial. We're all just running around aimlessly hoping we accidentally do something right that moves us along the right path. Now that graduation has just happened, or is right around the corner for some of us, it's time to start thinking about how we are going to take care of ourselves once we are on our own.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

7 Signs You're A Starbucks Addict

I'll be the first one to admit I'm addicted to Starbucks.

424
drinking coffee
Tumblr

If you’re anything like me, you love a good cup of coffee. My coffee always comes from Starbucks; I refuse to drink it from anywhere else. Over the years, it’s become one of my biggest addictions. So, if you are aware that you’re a Starbucks addict as well, or maybe you need to check to see if you’re an addict, here are seven ways to tell.

Keep Reading...Show less
people  in library
Photo by redcharlie on Unsplash

College involves a whirlwind of emotions, whether it’s from the stress of an assignment (or twenty), or from fighting with your roommate. It can be overwhelming at times and it’s important to take a step a back and calmly think things over. Maybe gain some perspective. The following aren’t foolproof tips and may not apply to you, but I was able to find success with them (hope you do too!)

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

How The Holidays Have Changed

It all started when we learned the truth about Santa.

3490
best wishes for Christmas
Pinterest

It is no secret that many American traditions have changed over time. As we grow older we change in so many ways that it only makes sense that we also change the way we celebrate special occasions. Of course when it comes to the holidays there are some family traditions that many of us still excitedly look forward to, whether it is eating your favorite dish or seeing favorite cousin. However, we all know that the holidays have overall changed a little from what they used to be.

Keep Reading...Show less
theatre cast

Everyone who has done musicals knows that once you go there you can never go back. It's like a virus. It never leaves and you find yourself attracted to all types of theater things. You're drawn to it like a moth to a flame. There are certain things you know to be true, whether you did a musical once or have done them your entire life.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments