💬 Thursday Thread: How do you view defiance?
Are you a defiant person?
This week I shared with you the podcast conversation I had with Dr. Sunita Sah. During our conversation we talked about the difference between compliance and defiance and why learning to be defiant isn’t a bad thing—in fact, it’s incredibly important.
“My definition of defiance is being able to act in alignment with your values, especially when there's pressure to do otherwise. It's not just for the brave people, extraordinary people, superheroes. It's available and it's necessary for all of us to really learn this skill," Dr. Sunita Sah
I agree with Dr. Sah and, as an activist, have seen what happens when people who once sat on the sidelines get involved and push back; it is possible for each of us to learn to speak out when we know that something or someone is wrong or unethical or even immoral. Thankfully, we’re seeing that outrage and resistance happening in real time right now via protests and rallies, calls and emails to lawmakers, and push back on our current administration’s policies.
👉 For today’s Thursday Thread, here’s what I want to know:
Does the word “defiant” have a negative connotation in your mind? Does it resonate with you?
What’s an act of defiance your most proud of participating in?
Welcome to the Thursday Threads, a weekly chance for us to connect with one another in the comments. Join me and other readers as we navigate important discussions. And a note: a difference of opinion is always okay, being unkind to one another is not. Let’s keep these conversations respectful.
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I'm old and I think my generation of women, or at least most of us, has learned that to be complacent with government when things are good leads to what we have now. What we are living through today has been in the Republican game plan since Reagan. It will ALWAYS be in their game plan. Remember that while you're living your life they are trying to take away your rights. Vote. Run for Something. Call your representatives. Demonstrate.
To me, being defiant means sticking up to your convictions even if it's unpopular among like-minded friends and advocates. "Let me tell you why I won't support this policy fad, this trendy politician, this well-known activist." I believe you can compromise on policy without compromising on principle. But convictions are drawing a line in the sand and saying, "No, no more." To quote Sorcerer's Stone, "It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends."