As I thought about the last for years as someone living in the United States, I asked myself, "how did we all make it?" But of course not all of us did. There has been so much tragedy and hardship for so many. With the rise of hatred and racism. It was always there bubbling under the surface but certain political enablers had emboldened it. With banning certain people from the country, and the terrible separations at the border. Nothing has really felt alright for empaths for the past four years. And then the pandemic hit and everyone was forced to make a choice. To stay home and take precautions or to do whatever they wanted. But for most of us, we were faced with true disaster for the first time. So for those of us still hanging on and getting by, what has got us through four years of repeated chaos and then several months of heightened trauma?
Artists, it has been, I know for me the fact that we weren't alone. I'm not talking about some celebrities giving tone-deaf, even if well-meaning flat words of encouragement. I'm talking about the ones who have shared their real pain and anger. I'm talking about Jim Carrey who has made art since this administration (tr*mp) took office. He used comedy to release his own frustrations. Eminem let out a slew of anger filled words towards the hatred and anger. Television shows made episodes making jokes. And it wasn't just the famous artists, people flocked to tiktok and other social media to share their feelings. Real people who really were being affected by these things, either sharing their pain or making something positive to ease ours. I can't name them all because the amount of people who have personally kept my mental health in tact is innumerable. Average everyday people and famous artists and comedians alike, at least some of them, looked at these things and said, "I have a responsibility". People can say that these things are meaningless, or that they don't really help anyone. But mental health is just as important as any other kind of health. And as a writer myself I felt the burden of responsibility to try and keep our collective sanity in tact.
The people who wrote songs honoring the victims of police brutality, the people painting graffiti to show solidarity. The thing is these things do matter. Because if we didn't have this, we would all feel so alone. As I watch conspiracy theories and wild accusations abound, I think to myself, "am I crazy? Am I the only one to sees how terrible and ridiculous things things are?" And then I see a video by Trevor Noah or Cody Johnston repeating my own thoughts back to me and I think, "at least someone else sees what I see." It's really important that all these people are doing all they can to keep truth, real truth in the forefront. They wield the truth like a weapon to cut through and try to reach people. And even if they can't reach those who have already succumbed to the conspiracies and the alternate reality. They are there to remind us that we aren't alone and the real truth is still there.
That is something I am thankful for, the fact that people faced with the worst of circumstances doing what they can to make other people feel happy, to bring them news, to make them laugh, to make them feel less alone. To educate people even when it’s dangerous to do so, in order to make the world better. That is the real purpose of being an artist and they have come through in the darkest of times.
About the Creator
Raine Fielder
Raine has been writing poetry since she was in seventh grade. She has written several poems, song lyrics, short stories and eight books. Writing is her main purpose.
https://linktr.ee/RaineFielder
I will NEVER use AI for anything I create.
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Girly =/= Stupid
If a teenage girl would enjoy it, it must be shallow, stupid and bad. That’s what everyone is supposed to believe right? I am even guilty of this myself, when I tell a male to watch a “girly” show I’ll say, “I know it seems girly but it’s actually good”. Yeah, just think about that statement for a moment, read it again and really think about it. How horrible is that?
By Raine Fielder6 years ago in Viva
Le Pen Hopeful Appeal Will Allow Her to Run for French President
Marine Le Pen, one of France’s most polarizing political figures, is once again at the center of national attention as she places her hopes on an appeal that could determine her political future. The long-time leader of France’s far-right movement believes that a successful legal challenge may clear the path for her to run in the next French presidential election, a race she has contested multiple times but never won. The appeal comes at a critical moment not only for Le Pen personally, but also for the broader direction of French politics, which has been increasingly shaped by debates over immigration, national identity, economic insecurity, and relations with the European Union. The Legal Hurdle Facing Le Pen Le Pen’s presidential ambitions were thrown into uncertainty after a court ruling linked to allegations involving the misuse of European Parliament funds. Prosecutors have argued that party funds were improperly used to pay staff who were allegedly working for her political movement in France rather than for the European Parliament. If upheld, the ruling could result in penalties that would bar her from holding public office for a period of time—effectively ending her chances of contesting the presidency. Le Pen has strongly denied wrongdoing, describing the case as politically motivated and designed to sideline her ahead of a high-stakes election. Her appeal, now moving through the judicial system, is seen by supporters as a final opportunity to keep her presidential bid alive. A Familiar Face in French Politics Marine Le Pen is no stranger to the presidential race. She reached the second round in both the 2017 and 2022 elections, losing each time to Emmanuel Macron. Despite those defeats, her share of the vote has steadily increased, signaling growing support for her nationalist platform. Over the years, Le Pen has worked to soften the image of her party—rebranded from the National Front to the National Rally—seeking to distance it from its extremist roots while broadening its appeal to working-class voters, young people, and those disillusioned with mainstream parties. Her political messaging now focuses heavily on cost-of-living pressures, opposition to immigration, criticism of globalization, and skepticism toward the European Union. Why the Appeal Matters Beyond Le Pen The outcome of Le Pen’s appeal carries implications far beyond one individual. If she is allowed to run, the next presidential election could once again become a referendum on France’s political divide between liberal centrism and nationalist populism. Polls consistently show Le Pen as one of the most popular opposition figures in the country. Her exclusion from the race could reshape the political landscape, leaving a vacuum on the far right and potentially benefiting other populist or conservative contenders. Critics argue that barring her would undermine democratic choice, while supporters of the ruling insist that no politician should be above the law. The case has reignited debates about judicial independence, political accountability, and the fine line between justice and political interference. Supporters Cry Foul, Opponents Demand Accountability Le Pen’s supporters have rallied behind her, framing the legal battle as an attempt by the political establishment to silence opposition voices. They argue that similar cases involving mainstream politicians have not resulted in such severe consequences. On the other hand, her opponents say the case underscores the importance of transparency and ethical standards in public office. They insist that the rule of law must apply equally to all, regardless of popularity or political power. The sharply divided reactions reflect France’s broader political polarization, which has intensified amid economic challenges, social unrest, and shifting global alliances. The Stakes for France’s Future If Le Pen’s appeal succeeds and she enters the presidential race, France could face one of its most consequential elections in decades. Issues such as immigration policy, relations with NATO, support for Ukraine, and France’s role in the European Union would likely dominate the campaign. Le Pen has previously called for stricter border controls, reduced EU influence over national policy, and a more inward-looking economic strategy. While she has softened some positions in recent years, critics remain concerned about how her leadership could reshape France’s democratic institutions and international standing. What Happens Next? The timing of the court’s decision will be crucial. A favorable ruling would allow Le Pen to begin campaigning in earnest, while an unfavorable outcome could force her party to quickly identify an alternative candidate. Regardless of the outcome, the case has already energized her base and ensured that she remains a central figure in public debate. Whether she appears on the ballot or not, Marine Le Pen’s influence over French politics is unlikely to fade anytime soon. Conclusion Marine Le Pen’s hope that an appeal will allow her to run for French president represents a defining moment for both her career and the French political system. At stake are not only her personal ambitions but also broader questions about democracy, justice, and the future direction of France. As the legal process unfolds, the nation—and much of Europe—will be watching closely. The decision could shape the next chapter of French politics and determine whether one of its most controversial figures gets another shot at the country’s highest office.
By Fiazahmedbrohi about 4 hours ago in The Swamp
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