I have something very important to tell you.

Loose Leaf Queer

I have something very important to tell you.
I won't be the first, nor the last, but it bears repeating.

You cannot win progress out of fear.
You can, and must, fight, whether afraid or no.
But steeping yourself in fear, wrapping dread around you and giving in to freeze responses will not serve us.

The reason rage and dread move algorithms is because that's what serves power.

You must dance, or sing, or paint, or smell dandelions in unseasonable cement cracks.
Your heart needs fuel.

Loose Leaf Queer

In every time, but especially right now, you need to ask yourself what emotion and quick responses news (especially videos and memes etc) incite in you.

Is it rage? Fear? Horrible fascination?
It's bait.

This is *not* to say horrific things aren't happening. They are.
But you can't eat dogshit.

Loose Leaf Queer

If you're on this platform and thinking that an algorithm isn't in control of what you see, or what news gets reposted, or any of that...
All digital information is powered by algorithms.
And rage sells papes, and keeps populations afraid.

You are not serving anyone but power by marinating in it.

Loose Leaf Queer

You're not betraying anyone by not just allowing yourself to experience love and joy, but seeking it out.

The human body and the human heart cannot hold up under absolute pain and terror without relief.

Step away. Breathe deep. Do something kind for yourself.
Community is not built on rage.

Loose Leaf Queer

There are lots of people on here who are Very Online, and post lots of stuff about fun and humor and life and also taking a specific tangible action.
And thank goodness, because life needs more all of the above.
You need all of the above.

You will do more for your community by getting to know your neighbors by name, than you will by watching violent videos or sharing political speeches.