The Privilege to Be Unbothered
Dust Explosion Elevator, c. 1900-1920, Via National Gallery of Art
You, who are staying silent. Going about your daily lives as if nothing has changed. Who do you think you are? We are way beyond “let this radicalize you, baby,” because the content has been shared, the violence has been witnessed, the murders and genocides have taken place, the rights have been taken away.
How about you just give a shit that people’s rights and ability to stay alive are being taken away in a frenzy of executive orders by gloating politicians and their rich counterparts.
You think you are so far removed from what’s going on? That you’re untouchable? That your shit doesn’t stink, too?
I hate to break it to you, but that Supreme Court decision to make it harder to limit water pollution? That’s going to affect YOUR water. The dismantling of the Department of Education? That’s going to affect YOUR schools, children, and people living in your area. The dismantling of DEI programs? Guess what, babe, they FOOLED YOU—know any white woman? They were the primary beneficiaries. These government “efficiency” cuts including Social Security? That’s going to be YOUR future stability when it comes to retirement. The FAA layoffs and union busting? That could be YOUR plane that crashes or sets on fire. Those ICE raids and round-ups? Looks like they’re already getting to you.
And oh I get it, babes—you have the money, the privilege, and a sense of security that you’re going to be fine. Or just a shitload of ignorance and denial. Or that sweet combination of the two. You’re like that frog in the boiling water from that fable. While all of us tried to flee and got cooked instead, you think you’re chilling in a bubble bath, but it’s really a pot of death. They’ve fooled you into thinking that you already have everything, but they’re going to move the marker of what power and privilege look like. They lie to you and tell you if you side with the oppressor you’ll be safer and less vulnerable, when in reality you are used as a tool and discarded when no longer useful.
Oh, and don’t get me started on those of you who seem to be aware there are problems but you’re planning on fleeing “if it gets bad enough”. That’s somehow worse: you know exactly what’s going on, but instead of using your influence, power, money, and access to help us fight back, to create a better space for YOU and for us; you’re going to use your privilege to get the fuck out of here. How DARE you. Especially when many of you are the reasons we’re in this mess to begin with…