We can resist from our strengths

I got into a conversation with silveradept in a comment thread about quieter smaller ways of resisting. I like what they said about "making the strategic decision to fight them on the front(s) you are strongest on and trusting that others will fight them on their strongest ground."

I struggled with this a lot 8 years ago. Protests really aren't my thing, and I'm very awkward at calling Congresscritters too. Last time, I realized clearly that I'm a healer, not a warrior. I was offering bodywork for trauma and helping people get through those years.

Now, I'm doing programming work. While it's contributing to the public good (for a state government, fortunately, since working for the federal government is very unstable right now), it's not directly helping people in the same way.

Apparently I'm not the only one thinking about this, because Danielle Foré posted on mastodon:

Easy and meaningful ways you can protest:

• Get vaccinated, wear a mask
  
• Walk, bike, take public transit
  
• Do something gender non-conforming (especially if you’re a cis man)
  
• Reduce time spent on corporate controlled social media (build a puzzle, go to the pub, park, etc)
  
• Do something creative with no regard for productivity or monetization, especially if it’s a social activity

I am up to date on my vaccinations, including Covid vaccine and boosters. I walk or bike most places. I'm mildly gender non-conforming in that I don't wear makeup or heels, and I don't shave my legs. I don't participate in most mainstream social media - I'm here and on mastodon, https://ruby.social/@sonia. I sing and I'm learning to play the piano.

I resist the mainstream corporate takeover of our lives in a lot of ways. I deleted my barely-used Facebook account, I've never used Siri, and I don't have any always-on listening devices in my house. None of my appliances are "smart" or networked, except I very reluctantly have my printer on wifi. The computers & phones are on wifi, but apps aren't allowed to update in the background. As best I can I've opted out of privacy-invading tracking and ads.

I'm resisting all the time, and I'm aware of the consequences of being less connected with people because of it. I could at least give myself credit rather than telling myself I'm not doing enough to resist the current political catastrophe.