Apathy is The Enemy

It’s been one day. Just one day since Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, and already the cracks are showing. The apathy that had been slowly seeping in seems more defined than even before. The embers of in-fighting are spreading. And while these reactions may feel inevitable, even justified, they are dangerous. Let me be blunt: this is not the time for indifference, cynicism, or despair.

This moment, and the years ahead, are deadly serious. Pretending otherwise—or worse, allowing yourself to disengage because you feel powerless—plays directly into the hands of those who thrive on division and complacency. This is the how fascism roots itself and never goes away. Apathy is the enemy of progress, and progress, as Octavia Butler taught us in The Parable of the Sower, demands constant work:

"All that you touch, you change. All that you change, changes you. The only lasting truth is change. God is Change."

This is a time of rapid and chaotic change. But change without intention, without action, without a shared vision for something better?

That’s destruction. That’s collapse. And if we don’t take our own apathy seriously, that collapse will consume us.

The Trap of Apathy

Apathy creeps in when the fight feels too big, when we’re overwhelmed by constant bad news, or when others around us fail to meet our expectations. It’s easy to look at the factionalism already springing up and think, What’s the point? They’ll never get it together. It’s even easier to let that hopelessness justify doing nothing.

But that’s the trap. Apathy whispers that your actions don’t matter. That it’s not worth trying because you’re too small, too insignificant to make a difference. Apathy tells you the system is too broken, the people around you too stubborn, the opposition too powerful. And when you believe it, you’ve already lost.

Octavia Butler warned us about this in The Parable of the Talents. The world Lauren Olamina tries to rebuild is full of people who would rather retreat into fear and complacency than confront the brutal reality of their lives. And that apathy, that surrender, is what enables oppression to flourish.

"Choose your leaders with wisdom and forethought. To be led by a coward is to be controlled by all that the coward fears. To be led by a fool is to be led by the opportunists who control the fool."

This is what we’re up against now: a leader who thrives on chaos and a political climate that rewards fear, division, and disengagement.

Actionable Steps to Fight Apathy

Fighting apathy starts with intention, and intention needs action to make a difference. Here are expanded, practical ways to get started:

1. Start Small, Build Local

You don’t have to be an organizer or a seasoned activist to make a difference. Building stronger communities starts with small, consistent actions:

• Organize Mutual Aid Networks: Mutual aid is about neighbors helping neighbors. Start by connecting with people in your area to identify shared needs and resources. You could organize a food exchange, offer transportation for those who need it, or create a community fund to help neighbors with urgent expenses. Use tools like neighborhood Facebook groups, WhatsApp chats, and other apps to coordinate efforts. Churches, libraries, or local community centers can often serve as hubs for organizing.

• Build Trust Through Skill-Sharing: Mutual aid isn’t just about goods—it’s also about skills. Teach others what you know and invite them to share their expertise in return. Whether it’s gardening, first aid, home repairs, or cooking, sharing knowledge builds relationships while making your community more resilient.

• Join or Start a Book Club: Reading and discussing transformative works, like The Parable of the Sower or other thought-provoking books, is a fantastic way to build shared understanding and deepen connections with others. If you’re starting one, pick books that address social issues, self-sufficiency, or resistance. Use the discussions as an opportunity to brainstorm ways to turn ideas into actions.

• Host Community Events: Even simple things, like a weekly coffee meetup or potluck, can create spaces where people feel supported and connected. Relationships are the foundation of any movement, and community starts with showing up.

2. Commit to Staying Informed

Ignorance fuels apathy. Commit to staying informed in ways that encourage action, not despair:

• Curate your media intake by following reputable, independent outlets and fact-checked sources.
• Limit doom-scrolling by setting specific times to check the news. This prevents burnout while keeping you engaged.
• Share reliable information with your network and encourage conversations around solutions rather than just problems.

3. Practice Active Resistance

Resistance can take many forms, and it’s vital to approach it intentionally and strategically:

• Redirect Your Money: Every dollar spent is a vote for the world you want to live in. Research companies and corporations that support harmful policies, exploit workers, or harm the environment, and make an effort to cut ties with them. Instead, support local businesses, cooperatives, or ethical brands whenever possible. Apps like Buycott or DoneGood can help identify companies that align with your values.

• Challenge Hateful or Apathetic Rhetoric Safely: Calling out harmful behavior or apathetic mindsets can be uncomfortable, but it’s necessary. Start by asking questions rather than attacking:

  • “Why do you think that?”
  • “Have you considered how that impacts others?”
  • “Do you think there might be another way to look at this?”
    This approach avoids escalating conflict and invites dialogue instead of defensiveness. However, prioritize your safety. If someone’s response turns aggressive, disengage. It’s not your job to risk your well-being for a conversation. Online, you can share resources, fact-check misinformation, and amplify voices that promote justice without directly engaging trolls or bad-faith actors.

• Stand in Allyship: Active resistance also means showing up for marginalized communities. Support their causes, amplify their voices, and use your privilege—whether it’s time, money, or connections—to help further their work.

4. Prepare, Don’t Panic

Uncertainty can feel paralyzing, but preparation empowers you to face what’s coming with clarity and focus.

• Create an Emergency Go Bag: In The Parable of the Sower, Lauren Olamina always had a “go bag” ready, filled with essential supplies for survival. Take inspiration from this. Your bag might include:

  • Non-perishable food and water.
  • A first aid kit.
  • Flashlights, batteries, and a solar-powered phone charger.
  • Cash in small denominations.
  • Identification, copies of important documents, and any medications you or your family need.
  • Basic tools, like a multipurpose knife.

• Build Community Preparedness: Preparation isn’t just an individual effort. Work with your community to create a shared plan for emergencies. Identify safe gathering spots, roles for different members, and ways to stay connected in case of power or communication outages.

• Educate Yourself: Learn basic survival skills like gardening, water purification, and first aid. These skills aren’t just for disasters—they’re valuable tools for building confidence and self-reliance.

5. Prioritize Solidarity

Coalition-building is messy, but it’s also essential. The world doesn’t change because one group gets it right—it changes when many groups work together toward a shared vision.

• Embrace the Messiness: Coalitions bring together people with different experiences, perspectives, and priorities. There will be disagreements, misunderstandings, and conflicts. Expect it, and don’t let it derail the bigger picture. Approach coalition-building with humility and a willingness to learn from others.

• Start with Shared Goals: Instead of trying to get everyone to agree on everything, focus on specific, actionable goals that multiple groups can rally around. For example, a coalition might work on a voter registration drive, push for local policy changes, or coordinate a community event.

• Connect Across Differences: Building solidarity means reaching out to groups or individuals who might not see the world exactly as you do. Find common ground—whether it’s shared values, experiences, or concerns—and work from there. Even small connections can build bridges.

• Host Listening Sessions: Create spaces where people can voice their concerns, experiences, and ideas. These sessions aren’t about debating—they’re about understanding. Listening builds trust and helps uncover opportunities for collaboration.

• Celebrate Progress: Coalitions thrive on momentum. Celebrate the wins, no matter how small, and use them to fuel the next steps. Acknowledging progress reminds people that their efforts are making a difference and encourages continued participation.

The Time to Act Is Now

This is a time for intentionality and action. Start where you are, with what you have, and don’t wait for someone else to step in. Apathy might be the easier path, but it’s also the deadliest. Remember, as Octavia Butler wrote:

"In order to rise from its own ashes, a phoenix first must burn."

It’s our job to ensure that what comes after the fire is something worth rising for.