I logged into my social media today, and let me tell you, my timeline felt like a trip down memory lane, but not the fun kind. It was more like a nostalgia-induced depression spiral. The “On This Day” feature reminded me of all the delightful exchanges with friends who have mysteriously vanished from my feed—and, frankly, my life.
I get it; the fallout began during the last election season. Sure, we’d had our share of political banter before, but those light-hearted debates turned sour in 2016. As Election Day approached, I was stunned to see people I once held dear fully backing a man who boasted about his sexual misconduct. It was like being slapped in the face. They dismissed it as “locker-room talk.” As a survivor of sexual assault, I struggled to wrap my head around how I was surrounded by people who could brush off such horrific behavior.
And it wasn’t just that; it was the blatant racism, nationalism, and all sorts of other ugly ideologies that made up his platform. They didn’t just accept it; they endorsed it. They voted for him. It felt like a deep betrayal, and honestly, that’s when something in me broke.
I used to be a carefree, cat video-loving person, the type to share random memes and laugh through life. But these days, it’s tough to enjoy a good cat video when my feed is filled with topics like nuclear threats and mass shootings. I’ve woken up, and now I’m just angry.
These were friends from my childhood, people I shared roller-skating parties with and bonded over banana pudding and binge-watching shows. They were all in until I expressed my frustration. Suddenly, I was too much for them.
Sure, I could take the easy route and stop being “so political,” as many of my friends suggest—perhaps they’re already edging away. The thought of returning to cat videos is tempting. I miss those carefree moments when politics didn’t invade my posts and I didn’t feel my blood pressure rising with every news check. But then I think about my LGBTQ+ friends, my immigrant friends, my friends of color, and my Muslim friends. I wonder if they ever had the luxury of feeling lighthearted about life. Spoiler alert: they haven’t.
I realize how privileged I was to enjoy a carefree existence. So, no, I can’t revert back to cat videos. I can’t silence myself to appease others. I’ve seen the depths of what our society can sink to, and that knowledge has shifted me forever. I won’t go quiet just to keep the peace—not until everyone feels safe and comfortable.
I can’t wait for that day. Until then, I’ll keep speaking out for what I believe in and calling out injustices. If it means losing some relationships, that’s unfortunate, but I’m okay with it.
Further Reading
For those interested in more on this topic, check out this insightful post on home insemination kits. You can also learn more about the subject through CryoBaby’s at-home insemination kit, which is a fantastic resource. For even more information, visit Mount Sinai’s infertility resources.
In summary, I’ve lost friends over my political beliefs, but I refuse to go back to a time of ignorance. I’ll keep advocating for what’s right, no matter the cost.