A new campaign of inflicting intentional trauma and cultivating fear by the far right is occurring. Text messages are being sent to black and brown people that say the following (note the typos and such are reproduced as received):
These racist and terroristic messages are deeply harmful and part of a broader pattern of fearmongering, intended to incite anxiety and divisiveness. Responding to this trauma, especially in a context of heightened political tensions, requires both personal resilience strategies and collective action. I want to assist people in constructive ways to deal with this should they experience it. Here are some ways people can address and minimize the impact of such politically motivated trauma:
1. Acknowledge the Trauma
The first step in dealing with politically motivated trauma is acknowledging the emotional toll these threats take. It's important for folks to recognize that this kind of psychological violence is real and can deeply affect one's mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
- Validate feelings: It’s okay to feel fear, anger, and sadness. These emotions are natural responses to terrorizing messages.
- Find community: Trauma can be mitigated when it’s shared in a supportive environment. Talk to trusted friends, family, or support groups who understand your experience.
2. Limit Exposure
While it's important to stay informed, constant exposure to these kinds of terrorizing messages can exacerbate trauma. Practicing media mindfulness is essential.
- Control consumption: Limit social media time or follow accounts that promote positive, empowering content. Avoid sensationalized or alarmist headlines.
- Block or report harmful content: Most social media platforms have reporting tools for harassment. Blocking individuals or accounts spreading hateful messages can help prevent exposure.
3. Grounding and Protection Practices
For those who experience political trauma, grounding and spiritual protection can help. Many people find that ritualistic practices or simple grounding techniques offer comfort and clarity.
- Grounding rituals: Practice daily grounding techniques like deep breathing, meditation, walking barefoot in nature, or writing out feelings in a journal.
- Spiritual protection: In many spiritual traditions, people turn to protection rituals. For example, wearing protective talismans or creating sacred spaces in their home can invoke a sense of safety and control.
- Magical practices: For some, casting protection spells, performing ritual cleansings, or using herbs such as sage, lavender, or rosemary can help clear negative energy.
- Invoke spirits who are protective in nature: Marie Laveau can assist in political resistance and the marginalized; Ogun can help fight justice; Erzulie Dantor will protect the LGBTQ+ community.
4. Create Safety Networks
Organizing and building support networks is a powerful way to reduce feelings of isolation and fear.
- Community support: Get involved with groups or initiatives focused on mutual aid, racial justice, and collective healing. Knowing that there is strength in numbers and that you have allies can lessen feelings of vulnerability.
- Know your rights: Educate yourself on your legal rights in the event of harassment or threats. Seek support from local advocacy organizations or legal professionals who specialize in civil rights.
5. Empowerment through Action
One of the most effective ways to deal with trauma is to channel feelings of powerlessness into action. This can be done both individually and collectively.
- Political engagement: Vote, participate in peaceful protests, write letters, or engage in activism focused on racial justice and equality. Knowing that your actions contribute to creating change can provide a sense of purpose and control.
- Support others: Be an ally by supporting communities targeted by hate. Whether through donations, volunteering, or raising awareness, community-building work can be an antidote to the fear instilled by such messages.
6. Seek Professional Support
For those whose emotional or mental health is significantly impacted, professional help is critical. Therapists, counselors, and mental health professionals who specialize in trauma can provide support in managing anxiety, fear, or feelings of powerlessness.
- Trauma-informed therapy: Therapy modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can help process the trauma associated with these threats.
- Community healing: Support groups or collective healing spaces, especially for those who share similar experiences, can provide solidarity and validation.
7. Maintain Cultural and Spiritual Practices
Many individuals in marginalized communities draw strength from their cultural or spiritual practices. These practices can serve as sources of resilience in times of trauma.
- Cultural empowerment: Engage in rituals, music, art, or family traditions that empower you and celebrate your identity.
- Spiritual support: Prayer, meditation, and other spiritual practices provide a sense of connection to the divine, the ancestors, and the broader community.
8. Advocate for Policy and Systemic Change
On a larger scale, political trauma often stems from systemic issues of racism, inequality, and disenfranchisement. Working toward societal change can help heal the collective wounds of racism and political violence.
- Advocacy and legislation: Support policies and leaders who address racial justice and work toward dismantling white supremacy and hate-based ideologies.
- Education: Support educational initiatives that foster anti-racism and unity, and challenge harmful narratives.
Final Thought
The messages being sent with the intention of causing fear and trauma are designed to break down communities, foster isolation, and suppress people’s inherent power. By taking care of your emotional and physical well-being, building supportive networks, and using your voice in political and social spaces, you contribute to dismantling that power. Transformation happens when individuals and communities take action, protect each other, and assert their right to live free from fear.