With the midterm elections coming up on November 6, 2018, it seems that people are motivated more than ever to head to the polls. With Brett Kavanaugh's damning confirmation to the Supreme Court to the Trump administration considering rolling back federal protections against trans people, perhaps it may seem obvious why people, primarily younger people, are so fired up for change in government. This newfound charisma among those typically apolitical is great, becoming more educated on the issues such as gun control, criminal justice reform, and so on.
But while it's great that a new wave of momentum is growing, it's important that we mobilize people to do more than just vote and mindlessly scream into the social media void. What do I mean by mobilize?
It means educating people on some of the underlying causes of the issues we face. It means organizing in the streets to reflect our tenacity against the Trump administration. It means destroying the narrative of "civility" that is meant to shame progressive movements.
Before I go on, I will clarify that this does NOT mean DO NOT vote. While voting seems ineffective and adds more power to the corrupt two-party system, we should use our power to critically elect candidates that uphold progressive values. When we mindfully choose to abstain from voting, we are utilizing a privilege that many marginalized folks cannot afford. When we don't vote, we let the other side win, which means more crackdowns from ICE, more attacks on healthcare, LGBTQ rights, and so on. With the exception of those who are unable to vote because of unfair voter ID laws (like in Georgia), choosing not to vote equals complacency.
But back to the point. The right continually uses antagonization in order to distract the base on the left. Their scolding of "civility" as if we are dogs implies that we should get used to a world where many of us are considered second-class citizens. Are we going to let the egocentric maniacs of the Republican Party tantalize us, or are we going to not only vote them out, but fight fire with fire? As their constituents, it is our duty to hold our leaders accountable. Because contrary to popular belief, politicians exist in order to serve the people, not their own inner circle.
The year 2018 has demonstrated the power of humongous movements, whether it be the 2nd Women's March, the March for Our Lives, and even the #MeToo movement. All of these movements succeeded because they were fueled by the tenacity that you can never get in "civility."
So, the bottom line is this: vote, but go the extra mile. Keep a watchful eye and get involved in local advocacy groups with whatever time you have. Do not get bullied into silence, because after all, history does not remember those who stay on the sidelines.
