Nearly a decade ago, Timothy Snyder, a scholar of authoritarianism, warned us never to obey in advance. That was the first of his twenty lessons on how to resist tyranny. Unfortunately, most American institutions, captains of industry, and billionaires decided to bend both knees to Donald Trump, falsely assuming they’d be spared his inexhaustible grievance and rage.
Now, America is a backsliding democracy with a decaying President who is openly using the White House as his personal ATM, unleashing the government against his enemies, and plunging the world into chaos and war. Even though the majority is now waking up and resisting his regime, the damage is done and will last for generations.
One of the most damaging aspects of fascism is learned helplessness, exhaustion, and apathy. People tap out and become selfish. The world is going to hell, so might as well take care of myself and abandon the rest. Survival of the fittest and the luckiest. Win the lottery, get rich with Crypto, invest in sports gambling, make it as a social media influencer, or make it in the ring as a UFC fighter. It’s modern-day Hunger Games.
However, there’s another, more compelling narrative that is taking shape around the world. The masses are organizing and becoming radicalized against institutions, individuals, and systems that have long oppressed them. Ordinary people are taking to the streets against ICE, participating in rallies, and running for office. As we saw in Hungary, Kings and tyrants aren’t inevitable. Orban fell even though it took 16 years, but when it was time, his downfall was swift.
Why can’t the same happen here in America with Trump, the broligarchy, and enablers of fascism and greed?
Gal Beckerman believes that Americans are ready to be dissidents. He has written a new book, praised by Timothy Snyder, that advises individuals on how they can use pessimism, humor, community, and righteous indignation to create a movement that topples seemingly insurmountable forces of oppression.
Using historical analogies and consulting experts, Beckerman presents his research in a fast-paced, easy-to-read book, How to Be a Dissident, and joins The Left Hook to share his advice.
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Thank you Elaine Cimino, Cathy R. Payne, Skutt Hope, Lori Modafferi, Kiera Stroup, and many others for tuning into my live video with Gal Beckerman! Join me for my next live video in the app.
