What’s the Difference Between Living in a Bubble and Safeguarding Your Space?

My partner often tells me that I live in a bubble; personally, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that perspective. Well, I did take offense to the label—implying I’m somehow too fragile for the outside world. However, it’s important to note that I believe I have every right to safeguard my environment against bigotry and negativity. (Spoiler alert: those issues still seep in because I’m a woman and a person of color.)

My partner insists they are the same, echoing the same tired lines about how I’m contributing to society’s increasing divide. He claims I’m part of the problem, stifling meaningful dialogue. But is that really true?

Understanding Societal Polarization

There’s a lot of discourse about the “polarization of society” and its negative implications. But what does it mean? Essentially, it refers to the growing divide among people due to differing opinions, which is intensified by social media algorithms. This division has become so extreme that finding common ground seems nearly impossible.

While many attribute this trend to the divisive rhetoric popularized by former President Trump, the roots of this schism have long existed. It’s an inevitable outcome when a nation is founded on stolen land, the labor of oppressed individuals, and then reacts fiercely against taxation without representation.

It’s Not a Bubble; It’s a Protected Space

I recognize that differing opinions are part of life, and our world is filled with diverse perspectives. I understand that insular communities can become echo chambers, leading to their own form of intolerance. Any ideology can morph into dogma, creating additional avenues for oppression.

Labeling my experience as a bubble implies that I can’t handle the complexities of the world and have withdrawn into a fabricated existence devoid of opposition. It suggests a scenario where thoughts are controlled, reminiscent of a dystopian narrative. But that’s not an accurate representation.

What I—and many others from marginalized backgrounds—have done is deliberately curate my social environment. I choose to surround myself with individuals who are either willing to learn and grow or who demonstrate supportive behaviors that align with my values.

Yet, instead of being celebrated like a heroic figure defending his home, people of color often face ridicule and scorn. I’m not advocating for a lack of good-faith conversations where we can wrestle with difficult ideas and confront our feelings. I don’t expect everyone in my circle to share my exact beliefs; that would be impossible since my views are constantly evolving.

No, I am deliberately shrinking my social network. The larger world communicates to me that my existence doesn’t matter—that my friends and I don’t deserve to occupy space or even breathe. Consequently, I’ve drawn boundaries against those who challenge my right to exist, as if that were ever debatable. The inherent value of marginalized individuals and their right to a fulfilling life should not be questioned.

I believe most people can understand this distinction. Yet, some continue to construct straw man arguments about fostering “open” dialogue and “free-flowing ideas” as a means to cling to abusive ideologies, spouting poorly thought-out opinions online.

A Final Note

What frustrates me most about the so-called polarization of society is that those lamenting it act as if it’s a new phenomenon. The oppressed have always voiced their struggles, often at great personal cost. It’s typically the oppressors who complain about the audacity of those who refuse to accept their subjugation—who dare to demand recognition as equals.

Being welcomed into my space is a privilege; trust must be built and confirmed. After all, if I don’t prioritize my own well-being, who will?

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Summary:

This article explores the difference between living in a “bubble” and actively safeguarding one’s personal space, particularly against societal negativity and bigotry. The author argues that it’s crucial to protect one’s environment from harmful ideologies, emphasizing that marginalized individuals have the right to curate their social circles. The piece critiques the idea that such protection contributes to societal polarization, reinforcing the need for self-care and the importance of valuing one’s own existence.