so, heading into the era of a Trump presidency...
I'll be posting a limited amount of current news, specifically stuff that I think is high value.
but I also want to say, perhaps controversially, that I am a big champion of paying less attention. (big disclaimer please read!!!!!: that doesn't mean no attention. also I'm talking to the tumblr folks who are above-average in political awareness.)
there is an issue with getting bogged down in every terrible micro-action, possibility, or even outright conspiracy theory.
so and so said such and such transphobic thing on a podcast? that sucks, but do you need to read the whole thing word for word? following that kind of stuff (especially if we already knew they were shitty) multiplied by every shitty person out there--look, it doesn't ALL need to be on your radar.
then there's the despairing predictions: "well, trans suicide rates are going to go up" or "welcome to facist america". some are somewhat true, or at least could become true, and it's worth considering potential consequences. but reading/watching too many anxious vents will damage your mental health.
like I want to speak really carefully here, I'm not saying these things don't MATTER on some level, but is it important for you, specifically, to know all of them? do you personally need to be consuming warnings and fear-mongering? Maybe try asking yourself what content is adding to your understanding and what is just making you upset. look for stuff framed as "here's how you can offer a helping hand to trans people right now" or "if this facist thing happens, this is how we can try to mitigate it."
I try to find things that are some combination of: is not widely known already, provides actionable advice, has novel analysis of a situation, inspires hope rather than despair, and/or adds nuance to the discussion. I also try to limit where and when I might encounter upsetting news--like avoiding it when i first wake up. I think it's better to have places you go to, consciously, for news updates, rather than having them appear randomly on your feed--maybe try having multiple accounts, or blocking news on some sites but not others, or at least taking breaks.
my social justice, news, current events etc. tag is #sj. I'll never be offended by someone blocking this tag. if you post/reblog similar topics, I recommend you also have a tag, though of course, it's your blog to do with as you wish.
long story short, you need to be able to, from time to time, forget about the bullshit that's happening right now. free yourself from the trap that is the idea that knowing about something, in and of itself, gives you control over it. pace yourself, engage thoughtfully, and take care of each other.
