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
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
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
