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The idea that you have no power is a lie. (piefed.social)
submitted 2 weeks ago by Limerance@piefed.social to c/unpopularopinion@lemmy.world
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It is an idea imposed on you by people who want you to believe something that is incontrovertibly opposed to reality. You have power. You have power to build a family for yourself. You have power to build a career. You have power to read what you want, to listen to the music you want. You have the power to build the community you want. And if you so choose, you have the power to help build the country that could ensure a rich and exciting future.

You can choose not to use that power, but you have it.

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[-] yesman@lemmy.world 25 points 2 weeks ago

The problem with this sentiment isn't what it tries to pay attention to, but what it ignores. Systemic power structures aren't going to go away just because we ignore them. Half of the things you describe as personal freedom actually uphold unjust systems.

build a family

Do you know that the idea of a nuclear family is modern? Before wwII, most people lived in extended households with multiple generations. The idea of a daddy moving to a new city for his job, getting married and having 2.4 kids all directly serves capital. And is only possible with things like cars and interstates, but people act like it's ordained by god. This idea of "building a family" isn't the pioneer spirit, but mid 20th century marketing.

[-] Cyrus@lemmy.world 5 points 2 weeks ago

Well said. Enough with this “you’re capable of doing anything 🌸” and toxic positivity bullshit.

[-] Limerance@piefed.social -2 points 2 weeks ago

nuclear family is modern? Before wwII, most people lived in extended households with multiple generations

I meant you can build exactly the type of family you want, nuclear or extended.

[-] cerebralhawks@lemmy.dbzer0.com 4 points 2 weeks ago

You also have the power to show kindness, even if people are giving you a hard time. Positivity being contagious is sort of a lie — you really have to work to spread kindness. Vitriol, on the other hand, absolutely is contagious. If you put it out there, somebody will take it and spread it around. But kindness can inspire others, and it’s worth it when it does.

This is much easier said than done, but if you can do it… it’s absolutely worth doing.

[-] Dyskolos@lemmy.zip 3 points 2 weeks ago

Be the change you want to see in this world. But that shit only goes so far and capital goes further to invalidate your efforts.

Doesn't mean you shouldn't, but...to lower expectations.

[-] HubertManne@piefed.social 2 points 2 weeks ago

Everyone has some power and working together we have more. Working at odds we have less.

[-] pineapplelover@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 2 weeks ago

For better or worse, you have a lot of power. If you go to a big protest a single person can start smashing windows, throwing molotovs and single handedly start a riot, domino effecting national guard to come in.

You can spread awareness and educate your community. You can attend town halls and public meetings.

Also, I wanna put a link here for following the Flock License plate reader public meetings in your towns.

https://alpr.watch/

[-] Limerance@piefed.social 0 points 2 weeks ago

Rioting rarely achieves much.

[-] Semi_Hemi_Demigod@lemmy.world 1 points 2 weeks ago

You have the power to build the community you want.

What if the community doesn’t want to be built that way?

[-] FlashMobOfOne@lemmy.world 0 points 2 weeks ago

I'm sorry, but there's only one reasonable response to this.

fart noises

this post was submitted on 03 May 2026
27 points (80.0% liked)

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