Technically speaking American society is still considered the New World. We have evolved through time of thought, protest, action and eventually civil/ human rights were on the table. Many of these rights became law but now one man thinks he has the power to over rule laws that are put in place for America to thrive. This man is succeeding at ripping apart the fundamental aspects of what it means to be an American citizen. Humanity is the basic foundation of society and with the amount humanitarian rollbacks mental health will surely decline even further.
It’s no secret that America has an incredibly high percentage of mental illnesses. This topic was researched in the 1980s and by the early 2000s more and more people started to get help, speak out and help to reduce the stigma. This was revolutionary for someone like me who has dysthymia. I learned how to be empowered speaking without embarrassment and have space to help others know they aren’t alone. We were making great progress but some massive road blocks have been forcefully placed in front of us.
Creativity helps
What many forget is that being creative helps release the mind from its pain into another type of communication that is more abstract, silent and rewarding. Many of the famous artists like Van Gogh, Pollock, Pablo and many others struggled through conventional methods of life but found purpose and peace through their works of art. It’s inspiring, open for interpretation and many times someone else invents something from their creations. Children and adults need areas in our communities and schools to freely express themselves. These spaces are disappearing at a rapid rate under Trump and his administration.
Safe spaces are needed
America in the present day is faced with massive federal cuts shutting down our art, cultural, pride and women centres. These respites are for those who need to find a safe space to create, talk, learn, share, connect and ultimately learn about peace with freedom. Freedom is a value that America was founded on and those freedoms are threatened. Individualism is also an important part of American culture that leads to self-acceptance and acceptance of others. These centres facilitated human interaction that you cannot find in a grocery store, gas station, coffee shop or on the radio. When these basic human conversations, music lessons, or art workshops happen mental illness doesn’t feel as present. When there isn’t a place to go isolation happens and therefore mental health takes its toll.
The path a lot of Americans want to walk down
With the federal cuts towards the National Endowment for the Humanities, the dismantling of the National Educational system, the fundamental altering of the Office of Civil Rights, Universities are forced to shut down cultural centres, and the worst of all is Trump overtaking the Kennedy Center for the Arts. How are we going to find solutions to the problems we face within our borders? Slash and burn should no longer exist. We are a first world country that is supposed to continue to enhance our nation based on our evolution for the future. That’s the path a lot of Americans want to walk down.
I’m not sure what it’s going to take in order to put a halt on Trump’s dictatorship but what I do know is this, it takes healthy, aware, curious, motivated, encouraged and loving people to be of service to each other. We are not led in that direction by this administration. That’s a fact. Those who do walk alongside each other supporting, resisting and growing will eventually show that democracy will not die and it is possible to stay united without division.
