Overcoming Adversity in Today's Political Climate

December 15, 2017

Overcoming Adversity in Today's Political Climate

Most creatives know the pain of writers block, a loss of inspiration, or even a lack of motivation. Getting inspired again can be an uphill challenge. It could take weeks, months, and in my case…years. I went through a rough patch and lost sight of myself. It was a dark time, and I ended up failing a semester in school. I decided to take a semester off — but that set me back even further. I tried to keep working on creative projects, but sadness overcame…and the projects I would attempt would remain unfinished. This let further let myself, and others, down. I lost my passion and I didn’t know how to get it back. I was caught up in toxic relationships, fleeting highs, a negative community, a party scene, and working a self-destructive job. Looking back, I would now define all those things as “noise”.

The noise rang in my hears every day. I drowned it with alcohol, fake friends, and “fun”. The next day I was hungover from running backwards, further straying from my path. I started getting involved with community organizations and became an ally to underserved groups. I don’t know if I’m “liberal” or “conservative” — but I do fight for equality. For the first time in months, I felt like I was doing something that mattered. I quickly realized that…it didn’t. When Trump got elected I saw how this would divide the country. I planned a disgust rally — which was not right or left…it was just “Are you disgusted? Come tell us why, and connect with likeminded individuals.” Over the next few days the event got over 5,000 people saying they were going to attend, and thousands more interested. BLM called me, the Chicago Tribune Called me. I had speakers, musicians, artists, dancers, activists, all lined up to turn this into a proactive event where likeminded people could come together, and talk solutions!

In the early hours of the day of the event, my phone started to buzz. “Hey I’m sorry I won’t be able to make it” “I’m feeling sick” “I can’t get a ride” — one after another, people started saying they weren’t coming. I got there a few hours early…but it was pointless. Ten people showed up. Eight muslim students drove four hours to come to Chicago from a neighboring city, a talented musician I met in the train, and an internet troll. That’s it. No one else. I guess everyone was to busy to organize and put in a minor bit of effort to try and make this country a better place.

That was the day I lost faith in humanity.

Everyone is quick to jump to anger, but too lazy to actually give a f*ck and do something about it.

I can’t tell you how many events I’ve been to supporting my so called “friends”…volunteering at their events, supporting their music, their art, donating my time and energy. I didn’t create that rally for me. I’m a little white girl from Brentwood, Tennessee who lives a life of privilege. I don’t think that that’s fair — and if I could use my privilege to end supremacy, I would in a heartbeat…but it doesn’t work like that. I can’t empathize with knowing what it’s like to be discriminated against, or targeted, but… I can see that its wrong and do I can to change it without making assumptions and keeping an open mind. But…it wasn’t enough.

I guess people would rather run around the streets shouting in a mob than getting involved with local organizations and government. I shut down…and gave up. I borrowed money from my family to be able to afford getting city permits so we could legally be there…and out of 5,000…10 people came. Every collaboration I made in in college felt worthless. I did so many favors for so many people — and yeah…it was a really cold day…but, seriously? I’ve stood in the cold for my friends, and I guess they couldn’t stand in the cold for themselves.

The next few months got darker and darker. The DAPL protests didn't make a difference. That pipeline spilled. We pulled out of the Paris agreement. Trump said the US will recognize Jerusalem as capital of Israel - sparking international outrage. DACA participants will no longer be protected. There was a huge KKK rally in Charlottesville!! I could go on…but it’s heartbreaking!

How do you overcome all of this political crap — and stay positive?

In simple terms, I had to let it go. I think that deep down people are good, and will always find solutions outside of the political spectrum. I do what I can, when I can. Net neutrality was taken away yesterday, so I emailed and petitioned congress. I called a lot of my close friends and explained what that meant and what they could do. This policy doesn’t affect me, because Net Neutrality is federally protected under the EU…but it effects people I love and care about.

No matter what side you stand on — it’s easy to feel heated about political issues, and I tend to easily loose focus, my temper, or my grip on reality. You almost have to compartmentalize the overwhelming feelings. Know that you did what you could and keep focusing on your goals to build yourself into a spiritually and mentally strong individual who will be able do more in the future. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither were you. Do what you can, when you can…but doing nothing at this point, is unacceptable. A British man I met on a bus once said:

“Americans watch their politics like they watch sports.”

Don’t play that game. If someone has a different opinion than you, try to understand that in their reality, its truth. Yours is different. We could be angry with each other…or we could listen. I don’t like seeing America this divided…I don’t think any of us do. Our consciousness needs to rise, but that can only start with the individual. We have to be kinder to each other, or else we are going to burn in our own hatred.