Life Hacks from 6th Grade English Class

2/21/2025

Surviving the trump administration, A Daily Thread. Episode 30: Life Hacks from 6th Grade English Class

When I learned about active vs. passive voice in English class in - when was that? Middle school, I think - I just blindly followed the rules. I was unfortunately really good at doing that: it has taken me until very recently to realize and actually start implementing the idea that not all rules are fair or “right,” and that just because someone is “in charge” doesn’t mean they deserve to be followed.

But I digress. My English teachers were generally strong and moral leaders who had no hidden agenda when they told me that to write “We’re getting fucked by the trump administration” was not as effective as “The trump administration is fucking us.”

I just followed the rules they set.

It occurred to me today, though, that active is more effective than passive in so many more ways than just sentence structure!

For example: social media usage. If I scroll passively, this leads to existential dread at best, and unmitigated rage or abject depression at worst. But if I engage actively either by leaving thoughtful or supportive comments, or by creating content of my own, then I’m encouraging connection, using my voice, and engaging in a little creativity. Active: better.

It applies to how I engage with my worldview, too. If I believe my situation is controlled by other people, or that I’m a helpless victim in whatever bad things happen to me, this keeps me stuck and stagnant. But if I see myself as the empowered conductor of my own choices and life, I get to wake up each day and work to create the life I want. Active: better.

Thank you, English teachers, for laying the foundation for me to become a more effective communicator and a healthier human being.

#survivingthetrumpadministration #fightfascism #notmypresident #standupspeakout#strongertogether