Introducing our two newest items. Furious but Dealing and Read Banned Books, both available in t-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, and mugs.
It’s hard to ignore the relentless assault on the values we hold dear as liberals and progressives—human rights, equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and women's rights, to name a few. The constant frustration, anger, and despair can be overwhelming, but somehow, we manage to keep going, determined to resist the encroachment of regressive forces.
We're furious about the relentless assault on human rights happening right here in the United States. It's disheartening to witness the suppression of democratic movements and the erosion of civil liberties. It feels like the very principles that underpin our democracy, such as the separation of church and state and free speech (thanks to legislation flowing in red states that prohibit discussions of LGBTQ+ topics or even girls’ periods), are being undermined.
Every single American deserves to live in a society that respects their basic rights and freedoms. When we see efforts to suppress voting rights, discriminate against marginalized communities, or stomp all over what healthcare decisions we can make, we're outraged because it directly challenges the democratic ideals our nation was founded upon.
Over the past few decades, we’ve progressed and made significant strides in addressing systemic inequalities based on race, gender, and economic status, but now we’re watching in horror as these gains are slipping away. The rise of right-wing extremism often comes with divisive rhetoric that fosters discrimination, perpetuates disparities, and stokes the fires of hate and “othering” anyone who isn’t a straight, white, Christian man.
Every single American, no matter who they are, has inherent worth and dignity. We dream of a society where everyone has not just equality, but equity. When we see the surging waves of white supremacy, xenophobia, and misogyny in our own country, we're outraged.
And it doesn’t stop there. The fight for LGBTQ+ rights has been a long, hard road, and we’ve taken many steps back just in the last few years. Discrimination, violence, and exclusion continue to be serious issues. LGBTQ+ rights are human rights. Love is love, and no American should face discrimination or be denied basic rights because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The persistence of bigotry and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals is horrific.
Women's rights are under siege in the United States as well. The right to make decisions about one's body, access to reproductive healthcare, and protection from gender-based violence are all being attacked. It’s a literal war on women, girls, and anyone who has a uterus. Women’s rights are fundamental human rights. The fight to ensure that women have control over their own bodies and have the same opportunities men have is STILL ongoing.
Fascism is a looming specter. The rise of far-right extremism and authoritarianism poses a unique and frightening threat to our values. Fascist ideologies are built on hatred, intolerance, and the suppression of dissent. Fascism isn't just a difference of opinion; it's a direct assault on the very foundations of our democracy. It undermines the institutions that protect equality and human rights and creates a homogenous society dominated by a single authoritarian ideology.
Our fury and determination in the face of fascism are fueled by history. The lessons of the 1930s and ‘40s, with the Holocaust and the fight against fascism, serve as stark reminders of what can happen when extremist ideologies take hold. Maintaining hope can be tough. The scale of domestic issues like political polarization, climate change, economic inequality, and the erosion of democratic norms can be overwhelming. Often, we find ourselves grappling with feelings of helplessness and frustration as we confront these problems.
However, hope is not extinguished. We find inspiration in the resilience and bravery of activists, organizers, and ordinary Americans who are working tirelessly to create a more just and equitable nation. We draw strength from the progress we've made in the past, understanding that social change is often a long and arduous process.
In the face of attacks on human rights, equality, LGBTQ+ rights, women's rights, and the looming specter of fascism in the United States, we're furious, but we're still managing to hold it together. A better America is possible—one where human rights are upheld, equality is cherished, and fascism is vanquished. It's this unwavering commitment to progress that fuels our resilience in the face of adversity on American soil.