In the face of a second Trump term, the left must cultivate a politics of everyday life that goes beyond voting, says columnist Natasha Lennard. With the 2020 election looming, many on the left are focused on the urgent task of defeating Donald Trump at the ballot box. And while this is certainly a crucial goal, it is not enough. As Lennard argues, the left must also focus on cultivating a politics of everyday life that can sustain us through a potential second term of Trump’s presidency.
The reality is that even if Trump is defeated in November, the damage he has done to our country and our society will not simply disappear. The deep divisions and inequalities that have been exposed and exacerbated under his administration will continue to exist. And if he is re-elected, we can expect even more attacks on marginalized communities, the environment, and our democratic institutions.
So what can we do in the face of this daunting reality? Lennard suggests that we must turn to the politics of everyday life – the small, mundane actions and interactions that make up our daily existence. This may seem insignificant in the face of the larger political landscape, but Lennard argues that it is precisely these small acts that can have a powerful impact.
One example of this is the rise of mutual aid networks during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the federal government has failed to provide adequate support for those in need, communities have come together to support each other through grassroots efforts. From delivering groceries to elderly neighbors to organizing rent strikes, these acts of mutual aid demonstrate the power of collective action in the face of government neglect.
But beyond these immediate acts of solidarity, Lennard also calls for a deeper reimagining of our everyday lives. This means challenging the dominant narratives and systems that have normalized inequality and oppression. It means questioning the ways in which we consume, work, and interact with each other. And it means actively creating alternative ways of being and living that are rooted in justice and equity.
This may seem like a daunting task, but Lennard reminds us that we are not alone in this struggle. The left has a long history of organizing and resistance, and we can draw on this legacy to guide us in our current moment. We can also look to the many communities and movements that have been fighting for justice and liberation for years, and learn from their strategies and tactics.
But perhaps most importantly, Lennard emphasizes the need for radical imagination. In a time when the status quo seems unchangeable, we must dare to dream of a different world. We must envision and create new possibilities for ourselves and our communities. And we must do so with a sense of urgency, knowing that the stakes are high and the time is now.
Of course, none of this is to say that voting is not important. It is crucial that we use our voices and our votes to push for change at the ballot box. But as Lennard argues, we cannot rely solely on electoral politics to bring about the transformation we need. We must also engage in the daily work of building a more just and equitable world.
In the face of a potential second Trump term, it may be tempting to give in to despair or apathy. But as Lennard reminds us, we cannot afford to do so. We must continue to fight for a better future, and we must do so with a politics of everyday life that is rooted in solidarity, imagination, and collective action. Let us not be defeated by the challenges ahead, but rather let us be inspired to create a world that is truly just and equitable for all.
