I was sitting at lunch today doing my usual thing: watching "Democracy Now" on YouTube, patching MajorsHouse servers, and occasionally people watching.
Today was a bit different, though. As a video was ending, I happened to overhear a bunch of interns at a table a few feet from me. They all looked like the young corporate professionals of tomorrow ready to climb the corporate ladder. They, too, were enjoying lunch, chumming it up with each other.
I marveled at the diversity of the group. A "rainbow coalition" of "corpo babies". I'm sure every demographic was represented. But something I thought they said caught my ear.
I thought I heard someone say "Palestine". Now, I had my headphones on, so external sounds were a bit muffled. I took them off and started to eavesdrop. I was curious. Did I hear what I thought I heard?
As their conversation went on, I wasn't really able to make heads or tails if they had said it or what they were actually talking about. At a certain point, I just went back to minding my own business, but a thought came into my head.
Do these kids actually care?
Now, this isn't a dig at them. I'm not trying to, as the youth say, throw shade. If anything, it caused me to reflect on my perception of reality. It made me think about my perspective of the world and the people in it. It led me to a bigger question:
Do the people actually care?
If you've read this far, you may be doing some of the same stuff that I do in my "free time". If that's the case, you already know how demoralizing that question can be. I can probably bet money that you've asked yourself that question at least once a month.
How does one reckon with that? I feel that that question makes or breaks organizers everyday. I also feel that it doesn't get easier with time. The more things you organize to change, the more things appear to stay the same.
Exhaustion is real. Physical fatigue is real. You can only do so much. There are protests, town halls, outreaching, canvassing, other direct actions, and so many meetings. Some people are even put into situation they are not prepared to be in and jump in anyway.
All of that can not only take a physical toll, but a mental one. That's when burnout sets in. Imposter syndrome sneaks through a back door. Anxiety crawls through a window. Next thing you know, "revolutionary depression" just takes hold.
So many things are happening that it could leave you feeling trapped and paralyzed. You don't know what to do next. Nothing doesn't seem to work and the next thing probably won't either. So, why bother?
BECAUSE THEY'LL WIN IF WE GIVE UP!
I'm not here to tell you that all you're feeling isn't real. It very much is. It is valid.
What I am saying is that what you are feeling is the chains breaking free! You are putting in the work to liberate the people and you are tired. You need rest. And you need to remember...
THE WORK YOU ARE DOING MATTERS!
When you look out and it seems that you aren't doing enough, you're looking at it with tired eyes. The cracks in the foundation are there. You just can't see them because you've been busy working.
We can't apply the ruling elite's measuring stick for success to dictate our progress. We can't compare our progress to others. We shouldn't be in competition with each other. This isn't to say we shouldn't pull our own weight and hold each other accountable. But trying to "outshine" others is a quick way to cause division.
Essentially, we shouldn't get discouraged if things still look bleak. The ruling class wants it that way so you'll want to give up and fall back in line. We have got to hold are heads high and keep marching forward. Take a rest if you need to, but, as soon as you are able, continue with the struggle.
And remember, you are not alone. This is why we organize. We are only strong and more resilient together. If you need it, ask for help. Lean on someone. If they are in the struggle with you, they'll see you through as you would for them.
Who's got your back?!
We've got your back!!