What’s Your Why?
During Rage Against the Regime, people turned a backdrop of vines into a blooming montage of answers to the question: “Why do you resist?” I read through all of them, and certain themes emerged.
The largest group of reasons are around future generations and family:
For my children
For my grandkids ♥️
For my nieces and nephews
For our future
Some also reference their ancestors: “My great-grandfather was an illegal immigrant in 1931.”
Love of family is not the only love that inspires folks to resistance. Patriotism is also clear: with “I love my country” and “Fascism is anti-American.” Love for America’s ideals like democracy, due process, and equal rights comes up repeatedly. Protective love is expressed for art and science, for people and planet, for learning and freedom.
The second emotion that rings most clearly is anger, from one flower simply saying “ANGER,” to “Because this shit is WHACK.” And why are people angry: “Because this regime is CRUEL.”
And the third emotion is hope:
We can do better
For peace, compassion, love, hope
Decency will prevail
“Everyone” and “All” show up again and again:
Everyone deserves rights
Dignity and respect for all humans
We only thrive when everyone thrives!
Because ALL are Children of God
And at the same time, people see clearly that immigrants and trans people are being targeted:
For our Beautiful & Brilliant Immigrants
For trans rights
And the importance of survival and saving lives:
Existence is Resistance
Because fascism kills
Many messages combine these themes
My ancestors would be ashamed of what is happening AND I AM PISSED!!
So my trans kid can play too.
Some express obligation “To honor my oath and moral duty” or “Can’t Do Nothing,” while one simply said “Because Why Not?”
While the individual reasons have different handwriting, emotions, and details, the overwhelming message of community comes through. The visual combination of flowers, leaves, and expressions of our shared humanity demonstrates our core values. “Why Do You Resist?” serves as a reminder that we are not alone in this fight.
Join us in Discord to strengthen our community. If you feel ready, read our previous post for tips about broaching politics in conversation with those in your social circles. And if you’re looking for a statement art piece, there is still time to bid on “Why Do You Resist?”
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