Fighting the Good Fight

 

I often find myself in a cycle when it comes to sharing political content online. Initially, I feel strongly compelled to post about issues I care deeply about and engage in the discussions. However, after a while, my own posts can become overwhelming and a source of anxiety due to the often divisive and upsetting nature of online political discourse. 

This leads me to eventually delete those very posts. It's crucial to understand that this isn't because my convictions have weakened or because I'm afraid to express my political views – quite the opposite. My desire to share comes from a genuine place of wanting to make my voice heard. However, I've also made a conscious decision to curate my social media into a space that offers a counter-narrative to the negativity and anger that can easily dominate online interactions. 

The world can feel saturated with hurtful news and conflict, and my hope is that my corner of the internet can be a place where light, hope, refreshment, and love can prevail. I firmly believe in 'fighting the good fight' and staying engaged with important issues, but for me, that fight looks less like constant public debate on my personal feed and more like actively nurturing a positive environment, both for my own well-being and for those who connect with me here. It's about contributing to the good in a different way, by offering a space for respite and encouragement amidst the often turbulent online landscape.

Crucially, I want to emphasize that I hold absolutely no judgment for those who choose to engage with political issues online in a more direct or consistent manner. I understand and respect that there are many valid and necessary ways to advocate for change and make one's voice heard. My approach is simply what feels most sustainable and beneficial for my own mental well-being and the kind of online space I personally wish to cultivate. We are all navigating this complex world and the digital landscape in our own ways, and I believe that diverse approaches to engagement are ultimately valuable.

Love,

+Brian

More Equal than Others

"All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others."

- George Orwell, Animal Farm

A friend of mine recently made a post on Facebook that referenced a quote from George Orwell's satirical novel Animal Farm. (Thanks Kate!)  It was a picture from an ATM she visited of a note posted on the machine itself:  

"The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which."

Honestly, I had all but forgotten about that book and its relevance today.  Another quote surfaced in my mind as I began to remember:

"All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others."

This seemingly contradictory statement serves as a powerful critique of totalitarianism and the abuse of power. It highlights the dangers of hierarchical societies where certain individuals or groups are granted privileges and advantages over others, despite the rhetoric of equality.

Orwell's quote remains eerily relevant in today's world, where we see similar power dynamics playing out in various social and political contexts. The gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen, with the top 1% of the population accumulating a disproportionate share of wealth and resources. This economic inequality translates into political influence, as the wealthy elite often have greater access to lawmakers and can shape policies in their favor.

Furthermore, the quote can be applied to the concept of systemic racism and discrimination. While laws may guarantee equal rights for all citizens, the reality is that certain groups, such as racial or ethnic minorities, often face systemic barriers that limit their opportunities and perpetuate inequality.

Orwell's quote serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of vigilance against any form of inequality. In a society that truly values equality, all individuals should have equal opportunities and access to resources, regardless of their background or social status, politics or religion.

I invite you to reread the book and think about it. We're all on the farm.

Stand Up

"Each time a man stands up for an ideal or acts to improve the lot of others or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope and, crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance." -Robert Kennedy