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(tw: discussions of racism, misogyny, transphobia)
I normally avoid talking about politics outside of areas I feel like I have a strong enough understanding, and I usually don't feel comfortable expressing strong opinions on day-to-day politics. I'm uncomfortable with the political system in general and with both major US parties, and I'm ashamed of some of my past bad takes. I'm also really bad at expressing a lot of this kind of thing.
However.
Things in the US are not good right now, and they are rapidly worsening. Discriminatory laws and rhetoric harm women, people of color, queer people, and trans people. Open demonization and incitement to violence is occurring against all of these groups. For a lot of people, this is the most terrifying time in their life. This demonization and incitement is almost entirely coming from the Republican Party.
I realize there is room for disagreement on many issues. I have my own takes, many of which are rooted in degrowth, but I accept that there is room for disagreement. This post is not about things I consider to have room for disagreement. I ask those currently siding with the MAGA wing of American discourse if they're really comfortable with their party's openly menacing posture toward women, people of color, and gender and sexual minorities.
Is this who you want to be?
Do you really want to be hurting people in the name of owning the libs? Do you really want to be complicit in attacking parents and families, demonizing trans women as sexual predators, casting black men as criminals, and keeping women from reproductive healthcare? When Michael Knowles spoke of "eradicating transgenderism", did you feel happy and energized? Did you smile when former President Donald Trump referred to Elaine Chow as "Coco Chow", or claimed to be persecuted by the judicial system because he is white?
I know for some of you, the answer is "yeah, absolutely! Fuck 'em!" If that's the case, I have nothing more to say to you. I humbly advise that you spend some time reflecting on who you are and who you want to be.
I know some of you are on the fence, though. And for those who are willing to listen, I'm asking you: please don't be part of this. Please choose not to stain your hands with the blood and tears of your neighbors or of people you'll never meet. We can argue about policy specifics all day long - but choose to prioritize the dignity of the people around you, including their self-determination, personal medical care, and basic right to be treated with respect. Right now, that is incompatible with the Republican Party. Please be the kind of person who can say "yeah, no, I'm not going to be a part of that" - who can look in the mirror and see someone who chose not to be complicit.
I humbly ask you: please - please - don't vote for the Republican Party, and please speak out against bigotry and discrimination when you see it. And even if you've been on the wrong side of this stuff, know it's not too late to do better. All I am asking (and I ask this as someone who has been very wrong about things before, and who regrets it) is that you respect the basic humanity of your fellow human beings - even over other aspects of policy.
And finally, to those who are scared right now - especially those who are being attacked in places like Florida and Texas - I'm with you, and so are millions of others. I understand these are tough times. I'm scared too. You aren't alone.
Questions/comments/concerns/just want to talk? Email me and I'll get back to you. sunset@arcanesciences.com