I don’t mean to bring politics into this space, but as I’ve been coming to terms with a second Trump administration, a part of me looked back at his first term and remembered who I became. I was a very, very angry and anxious person. It came out in bursts on Facebook and on people I love who were less concerned about the issues that were the main focus at the time.

I really do not like that version of me.

When the dust settled a bit under Biden, I learned how to cool down and be more gracious (I think to myself, “what would Mr. Rogers do?”). My relationships are much better now and I’m more levelheaded in my conversations.

I still want to be able to do my part in helping my community and to have brave conversations, but as I’m seeing his cabinet picks it has become clear that this will be an administration of rage.

He has been choosing every personality from Congress to television to twitter to lead the country, and he has been picking the most vocal and unhinged personalities.

With that as the backdrop, I want to still maintain some semblance of who I am and not fall into the pit of rage.

Has anyone else been thinking about this?

  • MajorHavoc@programming.dev
    6·
    9 days ago

    A couple thoughts:

    • What would Mr Rogers do is terrific. He was calm and patient, but worked tirelessly to make life better for who he could.
    • I’ve substituted “fuck this asshole” with - “I’m going to focus on outliving this asshole and having more impact on the world.”

    Also, let’s not forget that a lot of this is in response to the United States having it’s first black president, and in that context…the people mobilized by it…they’re pathetic and pitiable. They’re still harmful! But like mosquitoes, ticks and leaches.

    They need to be countered, and we can all do our best to do our part. Those who can, should learn just enough about them to isolate, counter, and clean up after them.

    But other than useful tips for containment, all we need to know about them is that they are small, sad and disgusting.