Suzanne Wertheim, Ph.D.’s Post

Are you in the US? Consider taking some time this week to pause from doing business as usual — because it sure as heck isn't business as usual out there. We are at a crisis point when it comes to state-sponsored violence and intimidation. Unless you have been cut off from all communications, you are probably already aware that ICE has been executing, maiming, sexually assaulting, kidnapping, unlawfully deporting, and disappearing US civilians. It is a grotesque, unlawful, and unconstitutional overreach of ICE's scope of duties. Targets include small children and other minors, immigrants who have followed all the rules, and US citizens behaving peacefully. If unchecked, the next steps are likely to be more militarized force and violence. Pretending and talking like it is business as usual will not make this go away. _____ So what can you do? There is always something you can do. 1. Write to or call your representatives and give them a call to action as your constituent. Today I am writing to mine with a call for impeachment. I send a separate email for every call to action. If you're not sure what to write, other people have done research for you. Different legislators are motivated in different ways. Someone out there is a political nerd and has posted suggestions on social media about your state and representatives. 5 Calls also has scripts (they are long, you can cut down to main points). 2. Find mutual aid and support systems and donate. Right now Minnesota is an area of need. Even a $5 donation adds up if enough people give. Link to a directory is in the comments. 3. Talk to friends and family about what is going on. As an anthropologist, let me tell you that social judgment, social shaming, and ostracism are powerful tools. Genuinely powerful! Talking openly about what you think is and isn't acceptable can be part of a tide that turns. A note of caution: If you aren't Black or Native American/Indigenous, be careful with how you talk about the present-day violence. This kind of state-run violence might be new to you, but it has been the ongoing reality for Black and Native people for more than 400 and more than 500 years respectively. Good luck out there! It is a very strange time to be working on regular office things, doing professional development, trying to sell things, and doing business development.