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Rafael Olivas's avatar

The now ancient, but-still-relevant quote from cartoon character Pogo put it this way: "We have met the enemy and he is us." When that was published in 1971 for Earth Day the immediate theme was pollution. But it applies so well to so much else.

Indeed, we have met the system, and it is us. But that also means that individual actions do matter (recognizing and acting the "us" part).

The challenge is always time. Aggregate and cumulative individual actions can and do change systems... eventually. The problem with climate change is that "eventually" may not be soon enough. Still, if we don't try to remedy our own systems, then the systems will continue to be the enemy that is us. There's little to lose and much to gain by remembering that.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pogo_(comic_strip)#%22We_have_met_the_enemy_and_he_is_us.%22

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David Poznansky's avatar

Great essay, Rosana!

Your piece resonated deeply with me—I'm also a firm believer in the both/and approach. People tend to be far too reductionist and black-and-white these days.

We can make meaningful impacts at the micro level while simultaneously critiquing and reshaping the systems driving macro-level changes. With so many components to these systems, dismissing all possibility for change is simply shortsighted.

I have friends who believe elected officials have completely failed us. My response is always: what do you do with that perspective? Give up? Despair? I say hell no. And that's not the only lever for change! I also have a friend who is literally an elected official making tangible, positive change. Is he perfect? No. But he's making a difference where he can.

Some underrated avenues for impact that deserve more attention:

-Building community support networks

-Participating in mutual aid

-Giving public comment at meetings

-Getting to know your neighbors and their concerns

-Creating and sharing meaningful art

-Supporting artists and their work

-Voting with your dollars (to the extent financially feasible)

Thanks for keeping this important conversation alive about finding balance between individual action and systemic change.

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