Embracing Rebellion in a Harsh World: A Call for Change
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Chapter 1: The Role of the Rebel
In a recent talk at Digital Void Media’s Meme In the Moment Festival held at Caveat in New York City on October 26, 2022, I shared some insights on what it means to be a rebel in today’s coarse society. A full video of this discussion is available for viewing as well.
"I want to propose three actions for you to consider. If these resonate with you, take action—commit to them wholeheartedly. Try them for just one hour and observe what unfolds…
"What is the function of a rebel amidst a climate of rudeness and hostility? It's not what you might expect:
- Distance yourself from unkind individuals.
- Respond to negativity with silence.
- Avoid shaming others. By doing so, you'll find yourself standing taller than you ever thought possible.
"We often overlook the issue of personal cruelty in our society…
"When faced with an insult, the reason you may struggle to respond isn't due to a lack of intelligence or the need for a guide on handling rude people. It’s because emotions often outpace rational thought…
"The hardest step, though, is completely cutting ties with those who are cruel…
"I find great value in being nobly alone. Loneliness often gets a bad reputation, yet I believe it’s far preferable to being in the company of those who degrade us. You are not obliged to attend any gathering if it causes you distress…
"It is absolutely acceptable to decline invitations to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday if those gatherings bring you pain. Why subject yourself to that?…
"Bullies often manipulate us into believing that we must engage with life on their terms. The truth is, you have the right to define your own terms…
"Social media has ushered in an era where sarcasm, rhetorical jabs, and mockery have become the dominant forms of communication. Yet, I question whether this was ever meant to be the common language we used daily…
"I fear that as a society, we will struggle to thrive unless we confront the twisted satisfaction we find in humiliating others online…
"Participating in the shaming of another person does not free us from our own shame. This cycle impacts our self-esteem and overall well-being…
"Many people I encounter seem to grapple with a negative self-image. We often seek answers through therapy, conversations with friends, or self-help resources—some beneficial, others not. Yet, we seldom consider the reflection in the mirror as part of the problem. We overlook the troubling pleasure we derive from witnessing others' humiliation, even while considering ourselves to be empathetic and progressive…
"It’s easy to dismiss those who engage in this behavior as 'bad people'… and while I understand that perspective, I choose not to partake in it…
"If you feel discomfort in your own skin or lack a sense of identity, reflect on whether you contribute to this discomfort by engaging in the relentless online shaming of others…
"We all experience suffering—it's a universal human condition. However, we rarely examine the inclination to seek external sources of adversity instead of looking inward.
"I'm not advocating against humor or the occasional sarcastic remark; rather, when it becomes a relentless routine, we end up perpetuating our own shame and the ultimate casualty is our own sense of self, preventing us from feeling at ease in our own skin."
The first video, What Does It Mean to be a Rebel in a Coarse Era? by Mitch Horowitz, discusses the nature of rebellion in a world filled with negativity and the importance of self-respect.
Chapter 2: The Historical Context of Rebellion
In this chapter, we will explore the historical significance of rebellion, particularly through the lens of the Stono Rebellion, a pivotal moment in Black American history.
The second video, The Stono Rebellion: Crash Course Black American History #6, provides an in-depth look at the Stono Rebellion, highlighting its impact and legacy in the fight for freedom.