Creative Resistance: 7 (Other) Ways to Spend Inauguration Day

Last updated on: January 20, 2017 at 9:53 am by Erin Wathen

Creative Resistance: 7 (Other) Ways to Spend Inauguration Day 2017-01-20T09:53:49-07:00 Erin Wathen

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Despite the American flag shaped fireworks lighting up the sky, it is a dark day. There’s no denying it.

But it’s important to remember that the incoming President, whatever hatred, aggression and ugliness he represents, is only one person. And he is a symptom of the larger disease, not the disease itself. America’s larger chronic illness is rooted in systemic racism, subjugation of women, greed, and fear of the other. These are the conditions that got this man elected President, and these are the realities that we will continue struggling against, long after his (hopefully very short) term in office.

I know. That doesn’t make it easier to watch.

So don’t watch. It’s fine. Let the trolls call you a precious liberal snowflake (an image I find especially confounding, coming from those who cry when people say “happy holidays,” but whatever). Let your more conservative friends shame you for your lack of patriotism. We know that this is more than that. This is a refusal to accept that this age of nationalism and intimidation is the new normal. Let them say what they will, and just remember–dissent is patriotic. And lament is biblical. Whichever thing you are doing today is your right as both a Christian and an American.

That said, I don’t know that hiding in our homes or our progressive echo chambers is the way to go. Here are some things you can do today that will keep you far away from the TV, without resorting to outright escapism:

Pray. Not because we are defeated and there’s nothing else left to do… But because prayer is the first act of resistance. Pray in a posture of waiting and listening, remembering that this is what the prophets do. And this is how Jesus began his own active ministry. For my part, I’ll be praying that this unqualified and unfit leader will be surrounded and influenced by measured, experienced and compassionate voices. And that some literal angels might keep his tiny hand away from the big red button.
Read. Donald Trump does not read. He’s told us as much, and he seems proud of it. Which is even more concerning than the fact that he doesn’t read. Doesn’t he realize that he’s exposing his biggest weakness, his kryptonite, the chink in his great orange armor? Everyone knows that the nerds will inherit the earth. Knowledge is power. So get yourself to the library. Take a kid with you. Arm yourself with history, literature and science; and trust in the power of those who truly know all the best words.
Support the arts. In case you missed it, we heard yesterday that Trump has big plans to eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts–even though arts programs represent less than one-tenth of one percent of the Federal budget. Whatever the future of government support of the arts, you can do your part at home. Buy tickets to the symphony or the ballet; volunteer for an organization that provides cultural experiences for under-privileged youth; or explore a venue that promotes local artists.
Get outside. Quick, while you can still breathe some clean air! No, really, I’m just kidding (mostly). Being outside will remind you that you are still a part of a big old world, and God’s beautiful creation that is still ticking, regardless of what some of God’s created children are doing to bring the whole thing down. Surround yourself with beauty and appreciate, enjoy, reflect… And think about what you are going to do to be a good steward of all this, when the oil and industry people come knocking.
Serve. Find a local organization that serves a vulnerable population–immigrants, women, children, the poor–and give them some of your time and/or money today. No matter who is in that fancy-pants office in D.C., we still have tremendous power to shape the story of our local communities.
Gather. Share a meal with friends or neighbors. You don’t have to talk about anything especially significant. Just be together and remind yourselves of the importance of our extended village. Focus energy and attention on your tangible relationships, and strengthen them for the journey ahead.
Call your Representatives. Sure, they might be busy today. Leave them a voicemail. Tell them… well, what do you want to tell them? Ask them not to repeal the ACA without having a replacement plan in place. Tell them you oppose the Cabinet pick for (pick a position… almost any of them, really). Tell them that you appreciate their work for (find something that’s not terrible). Ask them to please consider the needs of (vulnerable population of your choice) as they make important decisions in the year ahead. Or pick an issue that’s important to you and your family and tell them why it’s important to you. Too few people engage their leaders in this way, and our democracy is weaker because of it. Use the channels available to you, however imperfect they may be, and let your voice be heard.

Most of all, take heart in the fact that a very, very small segment of the population actually wants this particular future for our country. He lost the popular vote, and voter turn-out was abysmal to begin with (which is a whole other issue for another day). Then account for all those who, for whatever reason, voted this way because they felt they had no other choice, and you’ll find it’s a very small base that’s truly excited about today. Of course, all 14 of those happy people will be front and center and on camera. But just remember, they are not a great representation of “We, the people.” We, who are all still here, together, and hoping for better days ahead. Maybe sooner than we think.

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