Every few years, we find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of political campaigns, headlines, think pieces, and debates. We must decide between candidates whose policies and voting histories often leave much to be desired. The same arguments resurface, leading to endless and difficult discussions with friends, family, and strangers as we try to defend or challenge various political stances. Despite our efforts, these conversations often lead to no clear resolution, and the cycle begins anew.
This recurring political theater can be so exhausting and stressful, that it distracts us from an often overlooked truth: politics is how we collectively decide to organize human society. Politics isn't just about policies and candidates; it's about the ongoing, Sisyphean responsibility of advancing civil rights and social justice—an intergenerational duty passed down for us to shoulder and push forward.
When the weight of this responsibility feels overwhelming, the cure often lies within our communities. As another election season inundates our feeds, we must prioritize ways to incorporate joy and reconnect with each other. Community can rekindle the fire that fuels the vital work of shaping a better world.
Electoral Politics: Tedious but necessary
Participating in electoral politics is one way to influence the direction of our society. This can involve anything from voting in local and national elections, and attending city council meetings, to running for office, such as school board positions. The political process helps us shape the policies and decisions that affect our lives and communities. However, it is important to recognize that electoral politics is just one piece of the puzzle. Voting alone will not solve every one of our problems, but it is a critical tool in the larger struggle for justice.
Direct Action: Say it with me now WHOSE STREETS?
On March 12, 1990, more than 1,000 disability rights activists and allies participated in the Capitol Crawl, a protest in Washington, D.C. to bring attention to the obstacles faced by people with disabilities. The activists left their wheelchairs, crutches, and walkers behind and crawled or dragged themselves up the 83 stone steps of the U.S. Capitol's west side, which are inaccessible. The protest also included chanting, "What do we want?" "ADA!" "When do we want it?" "NOW!"
The Capitol Crawl was a critical event that helped lead to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July 1990.
Disrupting the status quo and forcing those in power to confront the unheard demands of the people is the purpose of direct action. This can take many forms, through protests, strikes, tax resistance, picketing, and more. Recently, nationwide student protests participated in direct action on university campuses. Students created encampments in solidarity with Palestine, where students and activists demanded the divestment of tuition dollars utilized for war. Direct action is a reminder that we have the power to challenge oppressive systems and that sometimes, the only way to make our voices heard is to take to the streets.
Advocacy and Education
By teaching yourself and others about the strategies of the past, building power, and political literacy we can inspire the next generation to take up the mantle of activism and continue the fight for a better world. By raising awareness about issues that matter to us and educating others, we can build a broader understanding of our causes. Advocacy can take many forms, from lobbying lawmakers to organizing community workshops.
Mutual Aid
Unlike charity, mutual aid is about solidarity. It involves communities coming together to support each other through food drives, housing assistance, fundraising, or other forms of support. Mutual aid recognizes that our fates are intertwined and that by helping each other, we help ourselves. Mutual Aid answers the question “What do we owe to each other?”, it is a practice rooted in the belief that everyone deserves to have their basic needs met and that we can build stronger, more resilient communities by working together.
Imagination and Something About a Coconut Tree
Our imagination may be the most important element of all. There’s a reason why artists time and again work parallel to activists by either illustrating the truth of our suffering or envisioning the possibilities of liberation. Participating in play, joy, creativity, and art allows our minds to expand what is possible. In a world where we’re always told no under the guise of what's “realistic”, imagination is crucial.
The role of the artist is to make the revolution irresistible. - Toni Cade Bambara
Current systems of power and oppression were created by people, meaning they can be dismantled and replaced with something better. At one time the idea of the divine right of kings seemed absolute, the abolition of chattel slavery was seen as impossible, and yet, through the collective imagination and determination of countless individuals, these systems were eventually overturned. Our realities today were shaped by those who came before us, just as our dreams and actions will shape the future.
Editor: Ren Koo
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