When I wrote this for SciAm, the thing that genuinely surprised me most was the number of emails I got (mostly from men) telling me that prior generations of women in science would be ashamed of me for my weakness in writing it.

www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-...

But does Joe on the Couch know this?

I don't know. Just thinking out loud here. The state has done a lot of damage to the image of protesting, and propaganda towards peaceful protest. But they've simultaneously designed a strong punishment for anyone stepping out of that box. (Done)

How do we overcome both the activation energy to get people out of their comfort zone, AND resist the carceral system that stands ready to punish anyone that pushes against the norms.

It CAN be done. Black bloc, bail funds, incredible advocacy lawyers are here and already doing it (6/ )

But maybe also acknowledging that living in a police state DOES make things harder. Nobody wants to catch a fucking gun charge for throwing a rock. Or perhaps a sandwich. (5/ )

So I don't know. I don't want to "there is no ethical consumption under capitalism" excuse not acting while this country falls apart under fascism. And the condition of media and comfort does provide an easy fall guy for why people don't act.

And this is just speaking for this group of 4 cis white men I was sitting with at the time. Black, indigenous, trans, any non het non white folks don't even have to be actively protesting for their lives to be ruined for not passing the state sponsored vibe check (3/ )

And "committing crimes" can straight up ruin your life. Lose your job, your right to vote, ability to support your family.

Shit, this like sandwich guy and soup for my family demonstrate this in real time. They're reminders that they can and will take our lives away for made up BS. (2/ )