Starting to resist
Having just finished “Strongmen” by Ruth Ben-Ghiat and currently taking on “Cultural Theory and Popular Culture: An Introduction” by John Storey in the current political and cultural climate is certainly an experience that’s leaving me with a complicated sense of hope and hopelessness. Hope as I see a way out of this fascist-ridden road we are on and hopelessness as I realize it’s going to take a while before we’re out on the other side.
Ben-Ghiat positions resistance as the main concept to get on that other side. But what does resistance look like in a fragmented cultural landscape? Where conspiracy theories and any type of -ism remarks run rampant on social media, and where the tech giants are quickly falling in line to the new administration (i.e. Zuckerberg’s removal of fact checkers on Facebook and his opinion that companies need more “masculine energy”).
The resistance will not have the same reach as in previous fascist regimes, even if we are more mediated than ever today. The set algorithms will make sure that you only see what confirms your already held political views. The stakes are also higher. Because of the internet and the toxicity of social media, it’s easy to dox, have someone lose their job, and/or get ostracized. This is how society has always worked – we condemn behavior that isn’t socially accepted and there are consequences. But it has never been on this scale.
But, it does provide hope. Even if the side that is against diversity and inclusivity is gaining numbers, so is the other side. It’s never been easier to find your people – the ones that want to see a world where everyone is welcome and can contribute in their own way. The resistance will continue by doing what it’s always done – keeping the hope alive and speaking out when we can. We can’t comply in advance. Let’s find our people and a way forward, together.