Sometimes you just have to laugh.
Reading Trump’s ‘proclamation’ boldly suggesting that he has invented Black History Month was one of those times. I was in fits of laughter as I sent it to friends and family. Oh, I said, this is very "on brand" isn't it? How embarrassing for him. Truly.
I feel even better knowing that this kind of response to these kinds of leaders is actually helpful.
Historical evidence shows that humour & satire are very powerful strings in the bow of civil resistance to defeat authoritarian rule. (see ‘Pranskters vs Autocrats’ by Srdja Popovic & Sophia A. McClennen)
Why?
Because making fun of these powerful and dangerous people undermines their legitimacy. It highlights their inconsistencies. It makes it harder for people to stand behind them. AND it helps people want to join the movement against them. All of which is the KEY for taking down this kind of oppressive power.
It also means you feel less scared, and less powerless. And scared and powerless is how they want you to feel. So it's a big middle finger up to that.
And as a glorious side note, it is actually a bloody amazing tool in the "resilience" toolkit. Laughter, lightness, silliness helps regulate your nervous system, it helps your body and mind feel safe. So it means your energy isn't drained. Your immune system isn't depleted. Your mental health is bolstered.
I often forget about laughter as a tool, in between all the rest, the nervous system regulation, the vagus nerve toning, the mindfulness, the nature walks, the yoga, etc. So it's a double whammy of greatness.
It's not that these bahviours and actions from leaders aren't serious, it's that we don't have to take them seriously. The more seriously we take them, the more power we give to people who abuse it. And the more tight, scared and powerless we feel.
So we need to find lightness and humour and silliness in the actions of those with power.
Not just to decrease their legitimacy as leaders. And not just because it means they have less power over us. But because it helps us stay well, stay regulated, stay energised.
It's not "instead of" feeling anger, taking action, staying engaged, its "as well as".
Maybe it's creating satire about our more destructive leaders. Or maybe it's finding laughter from other sources, movies, tv shows, comedians, books, articles, your friend who has you doubled over in the giggles.
But find it, it will be a saving grace. And it may just change the world.
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