Being positive in 2024
1 January 2024
I read many blogs and like to highlight ideas that seem interesting to me. This essay is from a blog by Dr. Mary L. Trump, a psychologist, writer and the niece of former President Donald J. Trump.
Here are some highlights:
It is an undeniable fact of being human that negative events, comments, and interactions have more of an impact on us than their positive counterparts. I’m sure you’ve all experienced some version of this—you can get dozens of kind replies to a tweet, but it’s the one nasty, unkind one that doesn’t just stick with you, it spoils the good feelings.
We should take a different tack and remind ourselves why we need to approach the 2024 election with a sense of real possibility and purpose, not the dread, fear, and rage that the right deploys so cynically.
Optimism wins elections. Here is how:
1) It motivates and energizes supporters - it inspires voters to look forward to the future and to turn out and engage. On the other hand, negativity breeds apathy and low turnout, hurting our chances where it matters the most.
2) It attracts swing voters: In close elections, especially in swing states, undecided voters are the key. Optimism can appeal to these voters by offering them positive solutions and a better path forward.
3. It counters Republican negativity: Republican campaigns often rely on fear and division. Optimism directly counters this and offers a contrasting message of unity and progress.
This is part of her call to action for all of us:
For our part, we need to embrace the opportunity not just to snatch democracy from the jaws of autocracy as we did in 2020, but to hobble the fascist movement that has continued to build strength.
Much more than that, though—let’s build something that people from all segments of our society want to be part of: a true multi-cultural democracy that respects the inalienable rights to “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness,” of all people.
The rest of her essay is here.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson, made a somewhat similar point here while discussing darkness and light - focus on doing good and generating light (or being optimistic) to banish evil and darkness (or negativity).
There is a lot of work to do. Pick a cause, a candidate or an organization that you believe in and support it.
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