I have to constantly remind myself that even this moment in history is just a blip in the grand scheme of things. Eventually, the man-child and his soulless cronies that are leading this country into its demise will be gone. It’s unfortunate that we are living through it and are having to watch stupidity reign supreme, but this too shall pass. For us who are watching it all unfold, it is going to seem like a very long road. The question now is, how do we get through the damages, the outlandish new laws, the hypocrisy and double standards, the elimination of basic human rights?
I don’t know. But I have some examples of how hope can still prevail even in the midst of deplorability.
- There is hope in community with those who see the injustices, see through the facade of lies and propaganda, know the history of what is occurring and will not succumb to the bullying. I have seen examples of this online, on social media, and in the news. Those of us who see it can stand up for what we believe in and fight back. We can have conversations about it openly in a safe environment. We can foster a supportive community amongst the chaos. We can share the facts with anyone who is open enough to listen whether in our words out loud or on the page and maybe, just maybe, make an impact. That is hope.
- There is hope in our thoughts and feelings about circumstances around us. We know what is going on is wrong. We know we are not crazy. But it can be difficult to convince ourselves of that when our thoughts seem so far removed from the “new norm.” We question whether we are the sane ones, the brave ones, the bold ones who won’t tolerate oppression. But we are. We have to remember by going back to number one: surround yourself with a community of like-minded individuals who will validate your feelings and what you know to be true. Let them be your anchor in this time of turmoil and strife. That is hope.
- There is hope in the future generations who are innocent to the world in which we live right now, who will spend the first few years of their lives in peace and we can smile at their unconditional bliss. They remind us that we live in a world where the new born baby who struggled with health conditions at birth has a right to life-saving medical care, vaccinations, and food in their belly. Children remind us that they have the right to free and unbiased education based in fact and not false whitewashed versions. They have the right to play outside and go to school without fearing they will be shot by some maniac with a gun. They have the right to read whatever they want in and out of school without fear of being persecuted. They have the right to identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or whatever identification suits them best. They have the right to make decisions about their own bodies. By the time the new generation is old enough to understand, there is the possibility that our country will once again be sane. That is hope.
Hope allowed our fellow human kind to survive the most insurmountable obstacles over the course of history. It was because they chose hope that they made it out of their situation alive. History is littered with ups and downs and conflict and war, but there are also times of peace, camaraderie, and united goals to do what’s right. Talk to an older generation and they will tell you all the tumultuous times in the country’s history they witnessed. They will also tell you that somehow, we got through it. That is hope.
Yes, this time in our history will probably be looked back as one of the biggest mistakes our country has made, but it will also serve as a lesson for those who ignorantly claim, “It can never happen here.” News Flash: Yes, authoritarianism, fascism, and elimination of freedoms can actually happen in America, because it is.
I don’t have solutions to the problems of the world. I only have my thoughts and words that I can share here with whomever will listen. And so can others. It might not be enough to save the world, but maybe it’s enough to inspire a little bit of hope for anyone in earshot.
