What troubles me most is the phenomenon of individuals—many of whom have previously shown no interest in politics—suddenly coming to realize that every aspect of life is inherently political, simply by virtue of being part of a society, the polis. Some are only now engaging because the privileges they once passively enjoyed have eroded, compelling them to confront a reality they could previously afford to ignore.
Yet instead of critically examining the systems that led to this shift, many break from their prior political nihilism or cynicism only to adopt a centrist, “third-way” neoliberal perspective. This stance, typical of post-postmodern white liberalism, reflects a detachment rooted in both ideological comfort and historical disengagement.
It is, at its core, an escapist response—a refusal to confront the consequences of their previous apathy and inaction. They enter the political arena not as informed participants, but as confused actors in a game they never bothered to learn. And when they do engage, they often align with the very forces that perpetuate harm, lacking the critical knowledge necessary to make ethical or informed decisions.
Angela Davis, Freedom is a Constant Struggle
…we will have to do something quite extraordinary: We will have to go to great lengths. We cannot go on as usual. We cannot pivot the center. We cannot be moderate. We will have to be willing to stand up and say no with our combined spirits, our collective intellects, and our many bodies.