***

Recently, I had two conversations that I keep thinking about. Folks with whom I talked were right: it is becoming increasingly difficult to express your opinion in public settings, especially at work. I understand why many people would rather avoid charged political conversations; in the days when just saying “DEI” sounds rebellious, those in good jobs want to keep their jobs and do not want to give their bosses any reason to reprimand them.

I get it. But here I am, in a privileged position of being able to retire any time, and pretty much fearless, and wanting to step up. I told those with whom I was talking that the change can only come through people. I saw it so many times canvassing, and I heard even more of those stories from Anna. If not now, then when? If we are not speaking up, then who will? And if nobody speaks up, how can the change happen?

In both conversations, the people I spoke with said that the only safe space these days is with family. Others said it takes time to build trust with people, and that one should speak only on neutral topics until that trust is established. And once again, it’s hard to disagree with that statement, but I can’t stop wondering why people with racist views do not hesitate to share them publicly, and do not care about making other people uncomfortable.

It’s very sad to see how fast fear can become dominant in people’s thoughts, and how we are always just one step away form succumbing to this fear. And I can also see it in Russia that when the whole country is afraid, a dictator can do whatever they want. I hope that we won’t let it happen!