I’m Opting Out of the American Crisis
Is it possible to completely detach yourself from the society you live in
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I’d love to be able to check out of everything going on in the United States, put my hands up and say, “Hey, don’t look at me.”
Because I tried having a voice, I tried listening with an open mind, I tried standing up for others, and what I thought was right.
But, to be honest, I just couldn’t handle taking what I was dishing out (especially on social media).
I’d write something thoughtful, helpful, and polarizing, and minutes later I’d remove my post for fear of getting torn apart by the loudest people on social media.
Because it’s happened a time or two and I’m pretty sure I’ve got a little PTSD going on from past posts.
You see, I wanted to help, I wanted to make a change for the better, but something critical is happening to our country, and at this point, all I want to do is say, “count me out.”
The thing is, I don’t know what to feel or believe anymore. And to me, no one is making any sense.
Two wrongs still don’t make a right, right? Or did I miss something here?
It seems like rationalizing has gone out the window, and we don’t see each other as human anymore, or see each other at all.
We’re never really face-to-face…first, because of social media, and now due to the pandemic.
It makes ya think “well no wonder we’re losing it.”
Especially since our country has been teetering on a war with ourselves for centuries.
So what do you do when you just want to quietly duck out of the USA’s political climate like it’s a staticky sweater-filled company Christmas party?
Slowly back out hoping no one saw you saunter off?
Move to Canada? Wait, they won’t let us in anymore.
Crap, as a Wisconsinite, that was always my go-to backup plan whenever shit hit the fan.
What do you do when you don’t want to participate in the madness that is the United States of America…because, let’s be honest, there is very little unity in our country right now.
And there seems to be a lot wrong, and very little right.
I used to enjoy “staying in my lane” because it meant less conflict…something that I avoid at all costs.
And to be honest, a lot of what’s going on doesn’t directly affect me because I live in a rural area.
Now, I know what that might imply: ignorance and privilege, for example. Because, of course, it affects me…and even if it doesn’t directly impact my life, I do live in this society.
So what are my responsibilities?
Honestly?
My responsibility, right now, is to myself, and the people directly around me.
You see, I’m no good to anyone if my mental health is down the crapper…and friends, I don’t think it could get any stinkier, these days.
I just want to crawl back into bed, get into the fetal position, pop some pm’s and sleep through all of this.
I know, I know, it sounds like the perfect pharmaceutical commercial for depression. But that’s really how I feel these days.
Just. Leave. Me. Out. Of. It
Right?
So that’s what I’m doing…as best as I can.
No, not the pm poppin’ fetal position.
I’m staying out of it…I’m opting out.
I’ll take-in the bare minimum and read the headlines so I know what’s happening but I refuse to let “the crazy” consume me.
I’ll continue to be kind to others, do my best to acknowledge my biases, and reject stereotypes.
And most importantly, I’ll stay safe and take care of my family.
Yes, I’ll help others when I can and I’ll speak up, thoughtfully, when the opportunity arises…hopefully, it’ll be the perfect teaching moment and (just maybe) I can make a positive impact on others.
If not, I’ll stay the course.
But other than that, in order to protect my sanity, I’m going to stay in my lane and wait for the storm to pass.
Sorry, not sorry…I don’t want to participate and I’m checking out.
