Only Basic B*tches Burn the Flag
Yesterday, everything kinda sucked. The hangover was real, both in a literal and figurative sense. Not going to lie, I shed some tears.
… “But he doesn’t even go here!”
What now?
Most importantly, as well intentioned as you all are, please stop protesting the results of the election. You can totally be pissed, sad, absolutely terrified… but seriously cease the burning of the American flag. It’s messed up and straight out of the Basic Bitch’s Guide to Counterproductive Political Activism.
Plus, doing anything even vaguely violent runs the danger of letting Trump supporters off the hook for the heinous vandalism and threats that have been happening in their candidate’s name.
The people have spoken and what’s done is done. Yes, maybe what most of they said was actually pretty despicable and vom-inducing, but this is a dysfunctional-functioning democracy and we have to respect and trust the process – for better or really fucking worse.
You may be thinking at this point, “Betch, that was really unconstructive. At least we’re doing something.” To that, I say hear me out. It’s beautiful and inspiring to see everyone taking to the streets. Yes, the feeling of unity is powerful, but blanket statement protesting is misguided in this moment. The fight for equality, respect, the environment, choice, and — let’s get real — simple, basic human decency is not over. The potential for progress isn’t dead and buried. We are not down for the fucking count. As the Mexican proverb goes, “They thought they buried us. They didn’t know we were seeds.”
So knock that self-pitying, end-of-the-world BS off, because despair is a lame exercise in futility.
Save your anger and direct it appropriately towards targeted activism, because I have a gut feeling – heavily endorsed by actual things Trump and his creepy-running-mate-of-biblical-proportions (otherwise known as Mike Pence) said on the campaign trail – that shit will hit the fan sooner than later.
Roe v. Wade, the Affordable Care Act, the battle against climate change – everything is on the fucking chopping block right now. Trump has apparently already chosen the leader of his EPA transition team, Myron Ebell, a.k.a. the Climate Denier-in-Chief. Sarah Palin, Chris Christie, and Giuliani are all up for some serious Cabinet positions in Trump’s America. SO much ew.
Like I said, the time will come to stand up. And stand up we will. We will raise hell like the nasty women that we are.
For now, you can donate to the ACLU, stay informed on what the crazies are up to, breathe, be gentle with one another, and just be grateful Obama is still running the show for another month and a half. Keep the fire in your hearts, and remember that cooler heads will prevail.
