Normalization is the Enemy

Dictatorship doesn’t always look like tanks and troops in your city. It’s the everyday lawlessness and looting spree in the White House, the draconian persecution of activists exercising their Constitutionally protected rights in Republican-hostage states like Texas and Tennessee. It’s routine executions by the police.

None of this is normal, which is why we must reject it, and learn how we resist succumbing to a freeze or fawning response, and instead take action, keeping ourselves and our communities safe.

For more insights on ways to resist, listen to our summer 2025 interview with Jamila Raqib of the Albert Einstein Institute founded by Gene Sharp, author of From Dictatorship to Democracy: A Guide to Nonviolent Resistance. Listen here to her advice on concrete steps to take for non-violent resistance, including how to prepare to be brave.

ICE is ramping up kidnappings again. So be sure to stay grounded in the concrete steps you can take to protect against ICE and know your rights. Join a community self-defense. If you don’t have one, start one. More here:

ICE Watch Programs Can Protect Immigrants in Your Neighborhood — Here’s What to Know https://www.teenvogue.com/story/ice-watch-programs-immigrants-how-to-start
Know Your Rights: If You Encounter ICE https://immigrantjustice.org/for-immigrants/know-your-rights/ice-encounter/
What to do if you see ICE in your neighborhood https://pix11.com/news/local-news/what-to-do-if-you-see-ice-in-your-neighborhood/
A Group of Organizers Is Building an Anti-ICE Movement Rooted in Jewish Values https://truthout.org/articles/a-group-of-organizers-is-building-an-anti-ice-movement-rooted-in-jewish-values/

Millions of small decisions become sand in their gears. We are not powerless. We are the leaders we’ve been waiting for.

Never forget the power of your voice.

We’re publishing now on Thursdays an excerpt from Monday’s salon, and our full recording of the salon for our Patreon donors at the $10/month tier and higher (anyone who was receiving this perk before will continue to receive it at any tier, as long as your membership is currently active). Not yet signed up? Become a member on Patreon.com/Gaslit, GaslitNation.Substack.com, or as a YouTube member; discounted annual memberships are available, and you can give the gift of membership. Thank you to everyone who supports the show–we could not make Gaslit Nation without you!

Dictatorship doesn't always look like tanks and troops in your city. It's the everyday lawlessness and looting spree in the White House, the draconian persecution of activists exercising their Constitutionally protected rights in Republican-hostage states like Texas and Tennessee. It's routine executions by the police.

None of this is normal, which is why we must reject it, and learn how we resist succumbing to a freeze or fawning response, and instead take action, keeping ourselves and our communities safe.

ICE Watch Programs Can Protect Immigrants in Your Neighborhood — Here's What to Know https://www.teenvogue.com/story/ice-watch-programs-immigrants-how-to-start
Know Your Rights: If You Encounter ICE https://immigrantjustice.org/for-immigrants/know-your-rights/ice-encounter/
What to do if you see ICE in your neighborhood https://pix11.com/news/local-news/what-to-do-if-you-see-ice-in-your-neighborhood/
A Group of Organizers Is Building an Anti-ICE Movement Rooted in Jewish Values https://truthout.org/articles/a-group-of-organizers-is-building-an-anti-ice-movement-rooted-in-jewish-values/

Millions of small decisions become sand in their gears. We are not powerless. We are the leaders we've been waiting for.

Never forget the power of your voice.

We're publishing now on Thursdays an excerpt from Monday's salon, and our full recording of the salon for our Patreon donors at the $10/month tier and higher (anyone who was receiving this perk before will continue to receive it at any tier, as long as your membership is currently active). Not yet signed up? Become a member on Patreon.com/Gaslit, GaslitNation.Substack.com, or as a YouTube member; discounted annual memberships are available, and you can give the gift of membership. Thank you to everyone who supports the show–we could not make Gaslit Nation without you!

This content originally appeared on Gaslit Nation and was authored by Andrea Chalupa.

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