NOTES FROM AN OCCUPATION

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

I keep coming across social media posts (from friends) that say (in effect):

"If you don't realize you will be in a concentration camp soon, you're not paying attention."

These cheerful missives from the land of the eternal bummer are usually accompanied by a political cartoon that reiterates the point. But there is never any context, or advice, or call to action, or anything that might buoy the grim sucker punch of the 'message.'

And there's also the implication, sometimes stated — sometimes not — that since I'm apparently just sitting on my ass over here in Highland Park (as opposed to what? Throwing bombs at passing cop cars?) I will most likely deserve what I get.

This "I told you so" mentality, though probably well-intentioned, is doing absolutely nothing for the conversation except implying that no matter how scared we are right now, we're certainly not scared enough.

Gee, thanks.

Perhaps this apocalypse-posting helps the poster feel better about the state of the world; that by sharing their own inner misery with all of us, they are lessening its severity to them on a personal level. And if this is the case, I guess I get it. Thanks, and I hope you feel better.

But screaming "the building's on fire, the building's on fire!" again and again, while we're all stuck in the building without the water to battle the flames, or any way out, is not helpful.

We all want to know what to do. That's why I'm keeping my ear to the ground, joining groups like "Choose Democracy" (link is in comments), and spreading the word that though things are grim and likely about to become grimmer, there are ways to alleviate our feelings of helplessness.

It is important to stay sane in insane times. And this means not allowing ourselves to get swamped with overwhelming despair. Yes, it's important to face the reality of our current situation. But it's far more important to find ways to keep from becoming immobilized with fear.

Because fear is not actually a great motivator. So hug your kitties, kiss your significant others. See friends more than you usually do.

And get involved. Right now.