America is already at war with itself. Trump crudely executes measures that he signaled during the campaign, people march, and then Facebook melts down as deep personal animosity is expressed between sides. Trump’s base quietly smiles and everyone else boils.
This is difficult to watch. Some people that I had formerly characterized as gentle or tolerant are slipping first into exasperation, and then into barely guarded hateful speech. Some of the more wise are simply tuning out. We’re in a season where the lack of learning in history is beginning to take its toll. Neither side seems to have much grasp on where we fit into the broader context of national experience.
Little that is happening now is truly new or unique in historical context. That doesn’t preclude us from plunging into the same mistakes as the past. We do have a buffer as we have not yet verged into systematic violence but we’re not far from that point. It only takes one bullet to change the world as we know it. The said bullet does not come out of a vacuum, it will almost always have a context and that is where we are now as a people, escalating hateful context that could lead to violence.
So how must one manage the escalating hate? First and foremost, disengage from dialogue on social media that crosses the line – your line. In this emergency situation, you first have to get your emotional heart rate and blood pressure down. In many cases, that will entail a wholesale, at least temporary change of habit. Facebook once a day instead of 12 times a day. Put a 10-minute limit on yourself.
Suppose you care about certain issues and want to be actively engaged with information or even protest? There are two measures you should consider. First, find multiple and diverse sources of news that frequently address your concerns. Vow to not get your news from Facebook, period. Second, make a promise to yourself that you will address your issue through your elected officials and any ancillary activities that may support that tactic.
What happens if and when others turn violent? In spite of your own responsible actions, others may erupt in violence. Be street smart, on the street and at home. Your goal is to not be a part of it as a victim or participant. If you observe someone about to escalate their ire to violence, move away from them as quickly as possible, figuratively and literally. Encourage other to do the same. Run. Error loves company, don’t provide it.
This may all sound over the top and alarmist to most. Surely we’re not at this point are we? We don’t know. This is where history comes in handy. Some wars start by long considered and planned grievances and some by simple accident. Some, like a boiling pot are fine one moment and when you turn your eye a moment, it’s boiled over. Better to be safe than in the middle of a conflict.
