On Becoming a Living Antidote For Self-Preservation
Earlier this week, we saw a chilling image of power consolidated.
President Trump surrounded himself with his billionaire allies—men who control algorithms and the narratives shaping the decisions of millions. These are not just men of influence; they are architects of the very systems that perpetuate inequality and fear. Their vision of the world is one where only the powerful thrive, while the rest of us struggle to survive.
One of them, emboldened by this gathering, gave a fascist salute—not once, but twice. This moment is not an isolated gesture; it’s a signal of allegiance to ideologies that have caused untold suffering in the past. Standing in front of them was a twice-impeached felon, a man who manipulates reality to serve his ambitions, embodying the characteristics of autocrats and dictators throughout history.
The implications are staggering. Our nation is beginning to resemble a mangled oligarchy—ruled not by the people, but by a select few who wield disproportionate power. For those who are not white, male, heterosexual, Christian, wealthy, or aligned with socially accepted domestic or global terrorism, the future feels increasingly unsafe and unwelcoming. Women are rapidly losing their reproductive rights, forced into parenthood or death by a system that denies their humanity. Marginalized communities face heightened threats, their existence politicized and devalued. Previously protected spaces, including churches, schools, and hospitals, are no longer havens.
But amidst this bleakness, I want to speak to you, my clients and community: there is a way forward, and it begins with understanding the threat and transforming ourselves into what I call living antidotes.
A living antidote neutralizes harm through presence, resilience, and intention. It’s about fortifying ourselves—not to escalate conflict but to safeguard our existence, rights, and humanity. A living antidote is not meant to harm but to protect. It’s a force of resistance, resilience, and self-preservation. It’s about learning to fight back—not to escalate violence or conflict, but to safeguard our existence, our rights, and our humanity. How we transform ourselves into living antidotes depends on the specific threats we face. Each of us faces different adversities, but to know the opponent and how it operates provides an advantage.
Here’s what that might look like:
Stay Informed, but Discerning: Understand who controls the narrative and seek out reliable sources that reflect the truth, not manufactured realities. Knowledge is power, but only when it’s grounded in facts.
Build Communities of Care: Isolation weakens us; connection strengthens us. Create or join networks of mutual support where you can share resources, skills, and solidarity.
Protect Your Mental and Emotional Energy: The weight of this fight can be overwhelming. Prioritize your well-being. Rest is resistance. Joy is resistance.
Learn Self-Defense, Physically and Legally: Equip yourself with the tools to navigate hostile environments safely and assert your rights. This might mean learning physical self-defense, understanding your legal protections, or advocating for systemic change.
Be the Light in Dark Times: Fear thrives in darkness, but when we show up with courage, we weaken its grip. Visibility and authenticity, even in small acts, challenge the narratives that seek to erase us.
The road ahead will not be easy, but we are not powerless. By becoming living antidotes, we embody resilience, care, and defiance against those who seek to diminish us. We don’t engage in their cruelty and we refuse to be defeated by it.
To all of you who feel the weight of this moment: you are not alone. We stand together, and together, we will resist.
With you always,
Rashida
